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Apr 21, 2026 12:01 PM

UnitedHealth Raises Profit Outlook As Medical Costs Ease

On Tuesday, UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH) stock surged after the insurance giant reported better-than-expected first-quarter financial results and issued fiscal 2026 earnings guidance above estimates.

The U.S.-based insurance mammoth reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $7.23, beating the consensus estimate of $6.58.

Revenues increased 2% year over year to $111.721 billion, beating the consensus of $109.58 billion.

Margins Reflect Cost Discipline And Investments

UnitedHealth’s medical cost ratio was 83.9% for the first quarter of 2026, down 90 basis points from the first quarter of 2025.

The operating cost ratio of 13.8% in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 12.4% in the first quarter of 2025, reflects incremental investments in people, processes, and technology.

UnitedHealth Segment Performance

UnitedHealthcare revenues grew 2% year-over-year to $86.3 billion.

The company served 49.1 million consumers and expanded its operating margins by 40 basis points to 6.6% compared ...

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