UnitedHealth Group saw profits leap 17% to $4.9 billion during the fourth quarter, beating analyst estimates and prompting the company to reiterate its upbeat financial guidance for the new year.
The Minnetonka-based health care giant credited the quarter's results to broad-based growth across its Optum and UnitedHealthcare divisions as the number of people and the services provided both swelled. Officials also said medical and operating cost management efforts proved effective.
UnitedHealth Group reported adjusted earnings of $4.9 billion, or $5.03 a share, on revenue of $82.8 billion for the quarter ending Dec. 31. Revenue, which was up 12%, met Wall Street expectations; earnings exceeded them.
