Financial Performance and Market Reaction
's fourth-quarter revenue reached $100.8 billion, slightly below analyst expectations but marking a 6.8% increase from the previous year. The company's full-year revenue for 2024 was $400.3 billion, with its insurance division, UnitedHealthcare, contributing $298.2 billion.
Following the disclosure of its earnings, UnitedHealth's shares fell over 5%, reflecting investor disappointment and broader concerns within the health insurance industry. Shares of rivals and also saw declines.
Challenges and Industry Scrutiny
The company faces increased scrutiny over its practices, including delays and denials of healthcare access, amidst public outrage following the assassination of CEO Brian Thompson. Shareholders and regulators have demanded reports on these practices.
UnitedHealth's financial results were impacted by higher medical costs, regulatory changes in Medicare Advantage and Medicaid, and a cyberattack on its Change Healthcare unit. Despite these challenges, the company maintained its full-year guidance for 2025.