UnitedHealth Group raises 2026 full-year earnings guidance on strong second-quarter results
UnitedHealth Group raised its full-year 2026 earnings guidance after reporting second-quarter revenues of $112.0 billion and earnings from operations of $8.0 billion. The company now expects adjusted net earnings per share of $19.50 to $20.00 for 2026, up from prior guidance of greater than $17.75 per share. The company also raised operating earnings guidance across all business segments, with UnitedHealthcare now expected to deliver more than $12,000 million and Optum more than $13,450 million in operating earnings.
Key facts
- Updated full year 2026 adjusted earnings guidance to $19.50 to $20.00 per share from prior guidance of > $17.75 per share
- Second quarter 2026 revenues of $112.0 billion; earnings from operations of $8.0 billion
- Full year 2026 operating earnings guidance raised to > $25,450 million from > $24,000 million
- Second quarter 2026 adjusted net earnings per share of $6.38
- UnitedHealthcare served 48.5 million consumers in Q2 2026; Optum supported more than 120 million consumers
- Medical care ratio was 86.7% in second quarter 2026 compared to 89.4% in second quarter 2025
- Cash flows from operations updated to ~$24,000 million from > $18,000 million
- Second quarter 2026 net margin of 4.9% compared to 3.1% in second quarter 2025
Why it matters
The guidance raise signals improved operational execution and margin expansion across both UnitedHealthcare and Optum, with management expecting sustained earnings growth through year-end as the company advances its stated initiatives in medical cost management, affordability, and transparency.
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Derived from 8-K filed 2026-07-16. Not investment advice. View the source filing on SEC.gov →