Jan 16 (Reuters) - UnitedHealth Group ( UNH ) reported a

fourth-quarter profit on Thursday that beat analysts' estimates

due to strength in its health services unit, but missed

estimates for quarterly sales.

The earnings report comes a month after Brian Thompson, the

CEO of UnitedHealth's ( UNH ) insurance unit was killed, igniting a

conversation over frustrations related to navigating the U.S.

health insurance system.

UnitedHealth ( UNH ) reported a full-year medical cost ratio - the

percentage of premiums spent on medical care - of 85.5%,

compared with the average analyst estimate of 84.96%, according

to data compiled by LSEG.

On an adjusted basis, the company earned $6.81 per share in

the fourth quarter, compared with estimates of $6.72 per share.