UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:) has shared its , revealing a performance that fell short of expectations but also providing an updated outlook for the full year. This article delves into the company’s current quarter performance and examines its guidance for the remainder of the year.
UnitedHealth Group Reports Mixed Results for Q2, Falls Short on EPS Expectations
In the second quarter of 2025, UnitedHealth Group reported revenues of $111.6 billion, which slightly exceeded the anticipated $111.55 billion. This represents a year-over-year growth of $12.8 billion, primarily driven by expansions within UnitedHealthcare and Optum. However, the company’s earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were $3.74, falling short of the expected $4.84. Adjusted EPS was $4.08, also below the projected figures.
The shortfall in earnings is attributed to several unfavorable impacts amounting to $1.2 billion, including $620 million related to the individual exchange business. This includes the acceleration of future losses anticipated for the second half of 2025. Additionally, the consolidated medical care ratio increased to 89.4%, up by 430 basis points from the previous year, due to trends in medical costs surpassing pricing trends, particularly in Medicare funding.
UnitedHealth Group’s operating cost ratio improved to 12.3% from 13.3% in the same quarter last year, reflecting changes in business mix and cost management efforts. Despite these efforts, the company’s net earnings for the quarter were $3.57 billion, a decrease from $4.42 billion in the same period last year.
The company returned $4.5 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, maintaining a robust return on equity of 20.6% for the first half of 2025.
UnitedHealth Group Updates Full-Year 2025 Outlook, Expects $445.5-$448.0 Billion in Revenue
UnitedHealth Group has updated its full-year 2025 outlook, projecting revenues between $445.5 billion and $448.0 billion, with net earnings per share of at least $14.65 and adjusted earnings of at least $16.00 per share. The company expects to see a return to earnings growth in 2026, despite facing challenges in the current year.
Optum, a key segment of UnitedHealth Group, anticipates revenues for 2025 to range from $266 billion to $267.5 billion, with operating earnings between $12.55 billion and $12.85 billion. Optum Health expects a decline in revenues by 4% compared to 2024, but Optum Rx is projected to see significant growth, with revenues increasing to between $151 billion and $151.5 billion.
UnitedHealthcare, another core segment, projects full-year revenues of $344 billion to $345.5 billion, representing over 15% growth from 2024. The company remains focused on resolving current challenges and recapturing earnings growth potential, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality, affordable health care.
UnitedHealth Group continues to adapt to rapidly rising medical costs and is committed to delivering effective solutions in this evolving environment.
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