UnitedHealth Faces Scrutiny Ahead of Q4 Earnings Amid Regulatory Challenges
UnitedHealth Group prepares to report fourth-quarter 2025 earnings against a backdrop of regulatory headwinds and operational pressures. Analysts project earnings per share of $2.10, a stark 69% decline year-over-year, while revenue is expected to grow 13% to $113.8 billion. The stock's 34% annual drop reflects mounting concerns over Medicare Advantage costs and an ongoing Department of Justice investigation into billing practices.
Wall Street maintains surprising optimism, with 16 Buy ratings and only 3 Holds, suggesting 12-25% upside potential. Options markets price in a 5.54% MOVE post-earnings, indicating heightened volatility expectations. The company's historical earnings beat rate—surpassing estimates in seven of the past eight quarters—offers some counterbalance to current challenges.