UnitedHealth Group reports higher third quarter profit than expected

UnitedHealth Group reported a profit of $4.1 billion for the third quarter of 2026 on October 13, beating analyst expectations. The result was 75% higher than the same period last year. Revenue came in at $112.69 billion, also above what analysts had predicted.

The company's medical loss ratio, which measures how much of its income goes toward patient care, improved to 88.4% from 89.9% a year earlier. UnitedHealth said better cost management and pricing helped achieve this.

The company also raised its full-year earnings forecast to at least $20.50 per share, up from its earlier estimate of $19.50 to $20.00. Following the announcement, the company's share price climbed nearly 5%.