UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) released its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 on Tuesday, reflecting a combination of mixed performance metrics that have resulted in a recalibration of analyst expectations. The insurer posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.11 for the quarter, a considerable decline from $6.81 recorded in the same period the previous year. Nevertheless, this figure marginally exceeded the consensus analyst forecast of $2.10.
While the earnings per share demonstrated resilience above market estimates, UnitedHealth's revenue growth, though solid in percentage terms, did not meet expectations. The company recorded revenues totaling $113.215 billion, marking a 12% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, yet falling short of the consensus estimate set at $113.817 billion.
Stephen Hemsley, Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealth Group, commented on the quarterly results through an official press release: "We confronted challenges directly and finished 2025 as a much stronger company, giving us the momentum to better serve those who count on us and continue to improve our core performance." This statement underscores management’s view that the company is positioned positively despite the nuanced financial outcomes.
Looking ahead, UnitedHealth issued guidance for fiscal year 2026, projecting adjusted earnings to exceed $17.75 per share. This outlook is slightly above the consensus forecast of $17.74 per share, suggesting management’s confidence in sustained profitability. However, the company's projected GAAP earnings stand at $17.10 per share, offering a more conservative estimate within its financial strategy.
In terms of revenue, UnitedHealth anticipates sales exceeding $439 billion in 2026, which falls short of the consensus revenue expectation of $454.60 billion. This disparity highlights concerns about top-line growth prospects, a factor that appears to influence analyst revisions and investor sentiment.
Following the earnings announcement, UnitedHealth's shares experienced a gain of 4%, closing at $293.91 on Wednesday. Despite the uptick in share price, key analysts responded by lowering their price targets while maintaining positive ratings on the stock.
UBS analyst A.J. Rice reaffirmed a Buy rating on UnitedHealth but adjusted the price target downward from $430 to $410. Similarly, Oppenheimer’s Michael Wiederhorn maintained an Outperform rating while reducing the price target from $415 to $385. RBC Capital’s Ben Hendrix shared this outlook, keeping his Outperform stance but cutting the price target from $408 to $361.
This collective adjustment by prominent analysts reflects a cautious approach to UnitedHealth's near-term performance outlook amid mixed earnings results and revenue forecasts. The modifications in price targets indicate tempered expectations about the company's growth trajectory and valuation potential, despite solid earnings performance and ongoing profitability.