BUZZ - UnitedHealth Group shares rise after raising 2026 profit forecast

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October 13 - ** Health insurance company UnitedHealth UNH.N shares rose by 2.6%, closing at $388.2

** The company now expects (link) adjusted net profit per share for the full fiscal year 2026 to reach at least $20.50, compared to the previous forecast range of $19.50 to $20

** Jefferies stated: “We originally expected a smaller guidance increase, so the more than $0.75 rise in FY26 earnings per share should prompt a much more positive reaction than the market’s current response.”

** UNH reported third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $4.69, higher than analysts’ estimate of $4.14—data compiled by LSEG

** The company reported third-quarter revenue of $112.69 billion, topping expectations of $111.4 billion

** The report showed the third-quarter medical cost ratio (the percentage of premiums spent on medical care) was 88.4%, better than analyst expectations and lower than the same period last year at 89.90%

** Jefferies added: “This outperformance versus the broader market appears sustainable and is reflected in key areas.”

** Including intraday fluctuations, the stock has gained roughly 15% so far this year

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