UnitedHealth Raises 2025 Guidance Amid Scrutiny

UnitedHealth beat third-quarter expectations with adjusted EPS of $2.92 and consolidated revenue of about $113.2 billion, up roughly 12% year-over-year, while GAAP net income fell to about $2.35 billion ($2.59 a share) from $6.05 billion a year earlier. The company reported a medical-care loss ratio of 89.9%, reflecting continued pressure from rising medical and reimbursement costs. UnitedHealth raised full-year guidance to at least $16.25 adjusted EPS and at least $14.90 GAAP, which helped lift the stock in premarket trading. Management said results show early stabilization under newly returned CEO Stephen Hemsley, with revenue strength in Medicare & Retirement, Community & State and Optum Rx while Optum Health was more muted. Executives also face intensified government and public scrutiny over prior-authorization practices even as Hemsley has secured backing from major investors, including Berkshire Hathaway, as the company pursues growth and cost controls into 2026.