How Does UnitedHealth Group Make Money?

Core Insights - UnitedHealth Group's stock has declined over 50% since April 2025, prompting scrutiny into its revenue generation and key segments [1][13][15] Revenue Generation - UnitedHealth Group operates two primary businesses: UnitedHealthcare and Optum, with revenue generation roughly balanced between the two. In 2024, Optum accounted for 46% of total revenues, while UnitedHealthcare contributed 54% [2][13] - Optum's contribution to overall sales has been increasing, rising from 41% in 2021 to 46% in 2024, while UnitedHealthcare's share decreased from 59% to 54% during the same period [2] UnitedHealthcare Segment - The UnitedHealthcare segment focuses on providing a full range of health benefits and insurance products, currently facing pressure on profit margins due to rising medical costs [3][15] - The Medicare & Retirement division, which serves individuals aged 65 and older, generated $139.5 billion in revenue and $8.4 billion in EBITDA in 2024, representing 25% of the company's total revenue and 23% of its EBITDA. This segment is currently under criminal investigation for possible fraud [4][15] - The Employer & Individual segment generated $74.5 billion in gross revenue and $4.5 billion in EBITDA in 2024, accounting for 13% of the company's revenue and 12% of its total EBITDA [5] - The Community & State division reported $80.6 billion in revenue and $4.9 billion in EBITDA in 2024, making up 15% of the company's total revenue and 13% of its EBITDA [7] - The International segment generated $3.7 billion in revenue with EBITDA of approximately $222 million in 2024, accounting for less than 1% of the company's sales and profits [8] Optum Segment - Optum focuses on modernizing the healthcare system through technology and direct care delivery, with three key sub-segments: Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx [9] - Optum Health generated $105.4 billion in gross revenue in 2024, with sales rising at an average rate of 25% since 2021, contributing 24% of the company's total EBITDA [10] - Optum Insight, focusing on data and analytics for the healthcare industry, generated $18.8 billion in sales and $3.6 billion in EBITDA, contributing 9% of the company's total EBITDA [11] - Optum Rx, a pharmacy benefit manager, generated $133.2 billion in gross revenue and $6.8 billion in EBITDA in 2024, accounting for 24% of the company's overall revenues and 18% of total EBITDA [12] Strategic Challenges - UnitedHealth Group is at a pivotal moment, facing scrutiny that impacts its stock and necessitates strategic shifts. Optum's increasing contribution to sales highlights its role in future growth, but challenges include potential political changes affecting the PBM landscape and the ongoing criminal investigation into Medicare fraud [13][15]