# UnitedHealth Lifts 2026 Profit Guidance After Beating Third-Quarter Estimates

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/unitedhealth-lifts-2026-profit-guidance-after-beating-third-quarter-estimates-6fe0ad
- Published: 2026-10-13T12:19:34Z
- Category: earnings; sentiment: bullish; impact: high
- Symbols: [NYSE:UNH](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NYSE-UNH)
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UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) reported third-quarter adjusted earnings of $4.69 per share, or $4.56 on a GAAP basis, topping Wall Street expectations of $4.14 per share. Quarterly revenue totaled $112.7 billion, exceeding consensus estimates of $111.31 billion, even as overall revenue fell from $113.2 billion a year prior due to a loss of 935,000 Medicare Advantage members since late 2025.

The medical care ratio fell to 88.4% from 89.9% a year earlier, aided by pricing discipline, benefit adjustments, cost management, and $610 million in favorable reserve developments for 2026 dates of service. Operating profit grew across key divisions, reaching $2.8 billion at UnitedHealthcare and $735 million at Optum Health. Following the solid results, the insurer raised its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings target to at least $20.50 per share from its previous forecast of $19.50 to $20.00.

Investors will watch how the health insurer manages Medicare Advantage enrollment moving forward. UnitedHealth noted that at least 69% of its Medicare Advantage members are enrolled in plans rated four stars or higher for 2027, meeting company expectations.

## Key points

- UnitedHealth reported third-quarter adjusted EPS of $4.69 on revenue of $112.7 billion, beating analyst estimates of $4.14 per share on $111.31 billion.
- The medical care ratio improved to 88.4% from 89.9% in the prior-year period due to cost management and pricing discipline.
- UnitedHealth raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to at least $20.50, up from its previous range of $19.50 to $20.00.
- Medicare Advantage membership has declined by 935,000 members since the end of 2025.

## Questions and answers

### What were UnitedHealth's Q3 2026 earnings results?

UnitedHealth reported third-quarter adjusted earnings of $4.69 per share on $112.7 billion in revenue, beating Wall Street estimates of $4.14 per share on $111.31 billion.

### Why did UnitedHealth raise its 2026 earnings forecast?

UnitedHealth raised its 2026 adjusted profit outlook to at least $20.50 per share due to lower medical care costs, pricing discipline, cost controls, and strong operating profits at UnitedHealthcare and Optum Health.

### How many Medicare Advantage members did UnitedHealth lose?

UnitedHealth has lost 935,000 Medicare Advantage members since the end of 2025. However, at least 69% of its members remain in plans rated four stars or higher for 2027.