What You Need To Know Ahead of UnitedHealth's Earnings

Group 1 - The core viewpoint indicates that UnitedHealth's financial performance is expected to improve in Q3 2024, with revenue projected at $99.3 billion, a significant increase from $92.36 billion in Q3 2023 [1] - Analysts predict a diluted EPS of $6.66 for Q3 2024, up from $6.24 in the same quarter last year [1] - Net income is anticipated to rise to $6.16 billion in Q3 2024, compared to $5.84 billion in Q3 2023 [1] Group 2 - Revenue from UnitedHealth's Optum division increased by 11.7% year-over-year to $62.9 billion last quarter, driven by growth in Optum Health patients and Optum Rx pharmacy service users [2] - For the upcoming quarter, analysts expect Optum revenue to reach $63.7 billion, reflecting a 12% increase [2] - The number of patients in Optum Health and those utilizing OptumRx is also projected to grow compared to the previous year [2] Group 3 - UnitedHealth is involved in a lawsuit against the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the downgrade of its Medicare Advantage plans' quality ratings [3] - The company claims that the CMS rating was based on an "arbitrary and capricious" assessment of a single phone call [3] - As of the end of Q2, UnitedHealth had 7.7 million members enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, with potential changes expected during the open enrollment period starting October 15 [3] - UnitedHealth shares have appreciated nearly 14% in 2024, closing at $598.05 [3]