US EditionUnitedHealth Group Reports 2025 Results and Issues 2026 Outlook
UnitedHealth expects 2026 revenue to decline 2% to $439 billion due to elevated medical costs and plans to reduce membership by over 3 million to restore margins, CFO said.
- On Tuesday, UnitedHealth Group Inc. reported fourth-quarter results with adjusted earnings of $2.11 per share versus $2.10 expected and revenue of $113.2 billion versus $113.82 billion expected, then issued 2026 guidance forecasting revenue over $439 billion and adjusted earnings above $17.75 per share.
- Amid rising medical costs from Medicare Advantage patients returning for delayed procedures, UnitedHealth projects trends above 11% while PwC forecasts a lower 8.5%.
- Management said the turnaround will rely on right‑sizing by divesting U.K. and South America operations, shrinking membership, repricing plans, and expects a U.S. membership decline of more than 3 million in 2026.
- UNH shares plunged, with UNH stock down 15.79% at $296.11 in premarket trading as the company's sales guidance falls far below the $454.6 billion analysts expected and proposed CMS changes could cut $6 billion in revenue.
- Management argues recent moves position the firm for margin gains, with the company projecting a medical benefit ratio of 88.8% ± 50 basis points and an operating cost ratio of 12.8% ± 50 basis points, said Wayne DeVeydt.
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UnitedHealth limps into 2026 with a smaller business and fresh challenges
UnitedHealth Group enters 2026 limping financially after one of the most turbulent years in the company’s history, but executives at the health insurance and services giant made it clear they will cut their way to higher profits. On Tuesday, UnitedHealth said revenue would drop 2% this year, down to $439 billion, as it sheds unprofitable insurance members across its Medicare Advantage and Affordable Care Act plans and sells off medical clinics a…
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