Stock Analysis on Net

UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH)

$24.99

Debt to Equity
since 2005

Microsoft Excel

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Calculation

UnitedHealth Group Inc., debt to equity, long-term trends, calculation

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-12-31).

1 US$ in millions


The debt-to-equity ratio for the analyzed period demonstrates a fluctuating pattern, generally exhibiting an increasing trend over the long term. Initial values indicate a moderate level of financial leverage, which subsequently increased before stabilizing and then rising again in more recent years.

Initial Period (2005-2007)
From 2005 to 2007, the debt-to-equity ratio initially decreased from 0.40 to 0.36, suggesting a strengthening equity position relative to debt. However, a subsequent increase to 0.55 in 2007 indicates a growing reliance on debt financing.
Period of Increase (2007-2015)
The ratio continued to climb, reaching 0.62 in 2008 and fluctuating around the 0.47-0.54 range through 2013. A significant jump occurred in 2015, with the ratio reaching 0.95, representing a substantial increase in financial leverage. This period suggests a deliberate strategy of increasing debt, potentially to fund expansion or acquisitions.
Stabilization and Subsequent Rise (2016-2025)
Following the peak in 2015, the ratio decreased to 0.86 in 2016 and 0.66 in 2017, indicating a period of debt management or equity growth. However, from 2018 onwards, the ratio generally trended upwards, reaching 0.71, 0.66, 0.64, 0.74, 0.70, 0.83, and finally 0.83 in 2025. This renewed increase suggests a return to utilizing debt financing, albeit at levels generally below the 2015 peak.
Total Debt and Equity Trends
Total debt exhibited a consistent upward trend throughout the period, with notable increases between 2015 and 2023. Shareholders’ equity also generally increased, but at a slower pace than debt, particularly in the latter half of the analyzed timeframe. This disparity contributed to the overall increase in the debt-to-equity ratio.

In conclusion, the company’s financial leverage, as measured by the debt-to-equity ratio, has demonstrated a long-term increasing trend, punctuated by periods of stabilization and temporary decline. The most significant increase in leverage occurred around 2015, and while the ratio has fluctuated since then, it remains elevated compared to levels observed in the earlier part of the period.


Comparison to Competitors

UnitedHealth Group Inc., debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to competitors

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-12-31).


Comparison to Sector (Health Care Equipment & Services)

UnitedHealth Group Inc., debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to sector (health care equipment & services)

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-12-31).


Comparison to Industry (Health Care)