UnitedHealth Group raises profit forecast on third-quarter earnings beat

UnitedHealth Group has lifted its profit forecast for 2026 following a beat in the third quarter of earnings. The healthcare and insurance giant reported an adjusted profit of $4.69 per share, surpassing the average analyst estimate of $4.14. Management attributes the improved results to tighter spending on medical costs, higher margins in its Optum clinical care and health technology units, and strategic exits of underperforming health insurance products.

UnitedHealth now anticipates at least $20.50 in adjusted profit per share for 2026, exceeding the previous forecast of $19.50 to $20. Despite a decline in membership within its employer-sponsored health plan and a drop in third-quarter revenue, the company's strong operational performance in its Optum Health unit and cost-saving measures have driven the upward revisions in expectations.