What Sparked UNH Stock Crash?

Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group has experienced a significant stock decline of over 50% since April 2024, primarily due to rising medical costs, leadership changes, and potential legal issues related to Medicare fraud [1][2][5]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The company initially forecasted adjusted earnings of $30 per share for 2025, but later revised its full-year earnings outlook down to a range of $24.65 to $25.15 per share [2][3]. - The Medical Benefits Ratio increased from 82% in 2022 to 85.5% in 2024, leading to a decrease in net profit margins from 6.2% to 3.6% during the same period [3]. Group 2: Leadership Changes - CEO Andrew Witty's unexpected departure unsettled investors, prompting the return of former CEO Stephen Hemsley, which was perceived as a sign of panic rather than a smooth transition [4]. Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Issues - Reports of a criminal investigation into Medicare fraud have emerged, which could significantly impact the company's revenue, as Medicare accounted for a quarter of total revenues last year [5].