UnitedHealth posted a better-than-expected profit in the final quarter of 2024, but revenue fell short as challenges like Medicare funding cuts and a Medicaid enrollment drop hurt. Shares of the health care giant slid early Thursday after it released its first financial report since the brazen shooting of one of its executives outside a New York City hotel touched a national nerve and brought to the surface American frustration over health care access.

Adjusted per-share earnings in the fourth quarter for UnitedHealth top analysts’ estimates but revenue comes up short.

On the post-earnings call with analysts, Chief Executive Andrew Witty addressed the recent public backlash over high drug costs and transparency of coverage, particularly following killing of Brian Thompson, who headed the company's UnitedHealthcare unit. See: FTC takes fresh swipe at drug middlemen, says some prices marked up over 1,000%.

UnitedHealth posted a better-than-expected profit in the final quarter of 2024, but revenue fell short as challenges like Medicare funding cuts and a Medicaid enrollment drop hurt

A reader is trying to plan ahead to avoid the dreaded surcharges that can come out of your Social Security check.

Adjusted per-share earnings in the fourth quarter for UnitedHealth top analysts’ estimates but revenue comes up short.

The stock market rebounded to or above key levels on tame inflation data and strong bank earnings. Many stocks flashed buy signals.

JPMorgan posts record profits, Lululemon raises guidance, Cogeco kickstarts three-year plan, and UnitedHealth beats expectations.

UnitedHealth Group’s stock sinks after profit beat expectations but revenue missed for the first time in more than four years.

The top line of UnitedHealthcare, the company's insurance and managed care business, rose 6.1% to $74.1 billion. Analysts had been looking for $75.22 billion. Revenue from Optum, its health-care-services business, jumped 9.4% to $65.1 billion, below estimates for $65.71 billion.

Company shares soared Friday after leaders told analysts they have made progress improving one of the biggest concerns facing the industry, shrinking prescription reimbursement, and said their store-closing plan was progressing better than expected.