UnitedHealth raises 2026 profit outlook after third-quarter results

The company now expects adjusted annual earnings of at least $20.50 a share, compared with its previous $19.50-to-$20 outlook.

UnitedHealth Group reported third-quarter results on October 13. Adjusted earnings reached $4.69 a share against a $4.14 analyst estimate in an LSEG survey cited by CNBC. Revenue was $112.69 billion, compared with the $111.40 billion forecast.

Net income increased to $4.11 billion, or $4.56 a share, from $2.35 billion, or $2.59 a share, a year earlier. Revenue nevertheless declined from $113.16 billion. The adjusted earnings figure excludes certain items, including restructuring and business divestitures.

Medical expenses represented 88.4% of collected premiums. CNBC reported that analysts surveyed by StreetAccount expected 89.9%. Chief financial officer Wayne DeVeydt cautioned that medical costs remained elevated relative to historical levels despite the improved ratio.

The company is exiting unprofitable contracts and expanding care arrangements that tie payment to treatment outcomes. DeVeydt said acute hospital admissions among members fell 15% year on year, while home health admissions rose 10%. UnitedHealth is also introducing artificial intelligence tools intended to reduce physicians' administrative workload.