STAT+: UnitedHealth limps into 2026 with a smaller business and fresh challenges
UnitedHealth Group enters 2026 limping financially after one of the most turbulent years in the company’s history, but executives at the health insurance and services giant made it clear they will cut their way to higher profits.
On Tuesday, UnitedHealth said revenue would drop 2% this year, down to $439 billion, as it sheds unprofitable insurance members across its Medicare Advantage and Affordable Care Act plans and sells off medical clinics and provider assets. Adjusted profits, meanwhile, are projected to increase by at least 9%, to $17.75 per share.
UnitedHealth took a $1.6 billion charge, net of taxes, in the fourth quarter of 2025 that reflected final costs from the 2024 cyberattack on its Change Healthcare subsidiary, widespread layoffs, losses from contracts in its Optum Health provider groups, and gains from the divestitures.
Bob Herman and Tara Bannow
Go to statnews