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UnitedHealth Group on Tuesday posted first-quarter earnings that topped estimates and hiked its 2026 profit outlook, as the company better manages high medical costs and streamlines its operations.
The nation’s largest private insurer said it expects 2026 adjusted earnings of more than $18.25 per share, up from a previous outlook of more than $17.75 per share. UnitedHealth is maintaining its full-year revenue guidance of greater than $439 billion, which the company said in January reflects “right-sizing across the enterprise.”
Here’s what the company reported for the first quarter compared with what Wall Street was expecting, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG:
UnitedHealth is banking on a new leadership team to carry out a turnaround plan. The strategy involves shrinking membership, selling the UK business of its Optum health-care unit, heavily investing in artificial intelligence, streamlining access to care and increasing transparency to restore profitability — along with the company’s reputation — after a series of hurdles over the last two years.
