UnitedHealth Group Reports Q4 Earnings Decline

UnitedHealth Group's fourth-quarter earnings report revealed a mix of results, with adjusted earnings of $6.81 per share exceeding expectations but revenue of $100.81 billion falling short of the anticipated $101.76 billion. The company's medical cost ratio rose to 87.6%, significantly above industry targets, highlighting ongoing challenges in its insurance unit, particularly following the recent death of CEO Brian Thompson. Investors reacted negatively, leading to a 4% drop in shares, which weighed on the Dow index due to UnitedHealth's significant market presence. The report indicated that the health insurance industry is still grappling with high medical costs and reduced payments from state Medicaid programs. Analysts are particularly concerned about the implications for 2025, as UnitedHealth maintained its profit forecasts amid these setbacks. Overall, the results reflect persistent issues within the healthcare sector that are affecting company performance and investor sentiment.