UnitedHealth maps path back to Wall Street’s good graces

Dive Brief:

UnitedHealth seems to be making progress on righting the ship, beating Wall Street’s expectations in the third quarter and raising its 2025 earnings outlook on Tuesday.

During a call with investors, CEO Stephen Hemsley said the company is on track for “solid earnings growth” next year, citing UnitedHealth’s “operational rigor” and “more prudent pricing.” UnitedHealth is aiming for double-digit growth in 2027, Hemsley said.

UnitedHealth is preparing for significant membership losses next year as it prioritizes this earnings recovery. The company experts to lose about 1 million Medicare Advantage members and shrink its Affordable Care Act enrollment by approximately two-thirds in 2026.

Dive Insight:

Normally the darling of Wall Street, UnitedHealth has struggled this year am