UnitedHealth Group Reports Higher Revenue In Latest Quarter

By Robert Barba 

UnitedHealth Group Inc. said Wednesday that revenue rose 4.25% in the latest quarter as the number of people it served in Medicare Advantage and commercial benefits programs rose.

The parent of the nation's largest health insurer posted fourth-quarter sales of $60.9 billion, up from $58.42 billion a year earlier. Analysts polled by FactSet expected revenue of $60.96 billion.

Its UnitedHealthcare unit had revenue of $48.2 billion, up from $46.2 million a year earlier. The company said the number of people with commercial benefits rose 845,000 from a year earlier, while those served under Medicare Advantage grew 325,000.

Sales for the Optum health-services business totaled $29.8 billion, up from $27.6 billion a year earlier.

Overall, earnings were $3.54 billion, or $3.68 a share, compared with $3.04 billion, or $3.10 a share. Adjusted earnings of $3.90 beat analysts expectations of $3.78 a share.

The company also affirmed 2020 guidance it released last month that calls for adjusted earnings of $16.25 to $16.55 a share.

Write to Robert Barba at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 15, 2020 06:56 ET (11:56 GMT)

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