| Stock | Price | 52 Week Range | Marketcap | EPS | Dividend Yield | Chart (24H) | Sector | Employees | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $313.53 | 284.42B | 23.89 | 2.82% | Healthcare | 440,000 | 1 day ago | |||
| $306.82 | 124.55B | 9.79 | 2.01% | Technology | 64,000 | 1 day ago | |||
| $471.88 | 84.91B | 11.56 | 0.80% | Financial Services | 15,776 | 1 day ago |
Editor's Note: Analysis and insight for this article were originally sourced from our friends at Investor Place
UnitedHealth Group (UNH): A Powerhouse of Financial Health
UnitedHealth Group is a titan in the healthcare sector, boasting impressive financial performance and consistent shareholder rewards. Over the last 15 years, UNH has elevated its annual dividend, achieving a remarkable 10-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.4%. This statistic is a testament to its durable fiscal health and unwavering commitment to shareholder value.
Recent financial figures bolster UNH’s investment appeal. The healthcare giant reported a near 9% revenue growth, reaching $99.8 billion, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) surged by 10.4% to $6.91 — showcasing its capability to leverage growth efficiently. Despite these strong numbers, UNH maintains a modest payout ratio of just 22%, offering substantial room for future dividend increases.
Trading at a valuation of 18.4 times this year’s expected adjusted EPS, UNH is attractively priced for those looking to capitalize on a blend of growth and income. After two years of underperformance, investors have a rare chance to acquire UNH stock at an appealing valuation. For our readers yearning for financial independence and a secure investment proposition, UnitedHealth Group offers a dependable and lucrative opportunity.
Analyst Ratings for UnitedHealth Group (UNH)
| Consensus Rating | Average Price Target | Current Price | Potential Gain | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate Buy | $576.68 | $481.00 | 13.68% | 31 |
Summary of Analysts’ Outlook: According to the available data, UnitedHealth Group’s consensus rating is a Moderate Buy, based on 2 hold ratings, 17 buy ratings, and 1 strong buy rating from 31 Wall Street analysts. The average price target set by analysts is $576.68 with a high forecast of $675.00 and a low forecast of $503.00. This suggests that analysts anticipate significant growth in the company’s stock price over the next year.
Sources:
- MarketBeat – UnitedHealth Group (UNH) Stock Forecast & Price Target
- MarketWatch – UnitedHealth Group Inc. Analyst Estimates
- Nasdaq – UNH Analyst Research
Automatic Data Processing (ADP): The Unstoppable Dividend Dynamo
Automatic Data Processing, or ADP, is a venerable name in the realm of dividend growth stocks. With an impressive 49-year streak of consecutive dividend increases, ADP stands on the cusp of being crowned a Dividend King — a distinguished status reserved for companies that have increased dividends for 50 consecutive years. This remarkable consistency underscores ADP’s resilient business model and ability to generate steady, recurring revenue.
ADP’s operational resilience is further amplified by its strong financial performance. Over the past 35 years, ADP has experienced only two years of revenue decline. With an extensive client base that ranges from small enterprises to major global corporations, ADP’s human capital management solutions — including payroll processing and HR services — drive consistent growth and robust financial health.
For investors seeking a reliable growth stock with a long history of rewarding shareholders, ADP presents a compelling option. This stock not only promises sustained dividend growth but also ensures financial stability and predictable returns — a perfect blend for those focused on long-term wealth accumulation and security.
Analyst Ratings for Automatic Data Processing (ADP)
| Consensus Rating | Average Price Target | Current Price | Potential Gain | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hold | $261.11 | $244.25 | 9.78% ($20.86) | 21 |
Summary: Analysts generally have a relatively positive outlook on ADP, with a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $261.11. This suggests that while there are some positive views on the stock, the overall sentiment is cautious. The potential gain calculated is based on the current price of $244.25 and is significantly higher than the last quarter’s earnings, indicating a potential increase of nearly 10% or $20.86 per share.
Sources:
- TipRanks: Provides analyst ratings, price targets, and overall stock performance, including a Smart Score for ADP.
- Nasdaq Analyst Research: Offers historical data and current insights on analyst recommendations and ratings for ADP.
- MarketWatch: Presents detailed analyses and historical data on ADP’s stock performance, including price targets and earnings estimates.
- Wall Street Journal: Provides comprehensive data on analyst ratings and stock estimates for various publicly traded companies, including ADP.
- Yahoo Finance: Allows access to detailed information on analyst ratings, estimates, and actual results for various stocks, including ADP.
Moody’s Corporation (MCO): The Oracle of Omaha’s Choice
Moody’s Corporation shines brightly in the investment universe, not only for its stellar financial metrics but also due to the endorsement of none other than Warren Buffett, who holds a 13.3% stake in the company. Moody’s has dazzled its shareholders with a 15-year streak of dividend increases and a solid 10-year CAGR of 13.1%.
Moody’s towering valuation — trading at about 39 times this year’s expected EPS — might give pause, but it’s essential to consider the company’s potential for mid-teens EPS growth. This potential is backed by Moody’s strong capital allocation strategy, which smartly balances investment in technological advancements with substantial shareholder returns. The company has also shown disciplined capital allocation and an assertive share repurchase strategy, reducing its share count by 45% since 1999.
For those influenced by the endorsement of a renowned investor and seeking a mixture of growth and income, Moody’s is an appealingly potent option. The Oracle of Omaha’s confidence in Moody’s amplifies its credibility, offering a secure venture for your investment portfolio aiming at long-term prosperity and dependable returns.
Analyst Ratings for Moody’s Corporation (MCO)
| Consensus Rating | Average Price Target | Current Price | Potential Gain | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overweight | $366.61 | $322.02 | $44.59 | 24 |
Summary: Analysts are generally bullish on Moody’s Corporation (MCO), with a consensus rating of “Overweight” and an average price target of $366.61, indicating a potential gain of approximately 12.34% from its current price of $322.02. This positive outlook reflects Moody’s strong financial performance and its position in the credit rating industry. Analysts have maintained this rating across multiple sources.
Sources:
- Nasdaq – Moody’s Corporation Common Stock (MCO) Analyst Research
- The Wall Street Journal – Moody’s Corp. Analyst Estimates & Rating
- TipRanks – Moody’s Corp. (MCO) Stock Price, Quote, News & Analysis
- TradingView – MCO Forecast — Price Target — Prediction for 2025
- Yahoo Finance – Moody’s Corporation (MCO) Analyst Ratings, Estimates & Forecasts
