UnitedHealth Takes $1.6 Billion Hit To Earnings Amid Restructuring

Core Insights - UnitedHealth Group reported a fourth quarter profit of $10 million despite a $1.6 billion restructuring charge impacting earnings [2][5] - The company is undergoing a financial turnaround focusing on key markets, products, and operational realignment [3][7] Financial Performance - Fourth quarter net income fell to $10 million, or $0.01 per share, down from $5.5 billion, or $5.77 per share, in the same period last year [5] - Full-year net income for 2025 was $12 billion, or $13.23 per share, compared to $14.4 billion, or $15.51 per share in 2024 [5] - The restructuring charge impacted earnings before income taxes by $2.8 billion, including $799 million related to a cyberattack and $2.5 billion in restructuring costs [6][7] Enrollment and Market Strategy - UnitedHealthcare is exiting certain markets, leading to an expected contraction of over 1.1 million in Medicare Advantage enrollment [8] - Total enrollment across all medical plans is projected to drop to 47 million this year due to market contractions in commercial risk and Medicaid businesses [8] Revenue Growth - UnitedHealth Group's total revenues for 2025 increased by $47.3 billion, or 12% year-over-year, reaching $447.6 billion [11] - Fourth quarter revenues rose to $113 billion, up from $100.8 billion in the previous year [11] - UnitedHealthcare's full-year revenues increased by 16%, or $46.7 billion, to $344.9 billion, serving 49.8 million people, an increase of 415,000 year-over-year [12] Operational Metrics - The adjusted medical care ratio for 2025 was 88.9%, up from 85.5% in 2024, with the fourth quarter ratio exceeding 91% [10] - Optum's revenues increased by 8% in the fourth quarter to $70.3 billion and by 7% for the year to $270.6 billion [12]