UnitedHealth Group Raises 2026 Adjusted EPS Guidance to $20.50

UnitedHealth Group raised its 2026 adjusted earnings-per-share guidance to at least $20.50 while reaffirming a 13% to 16% long-term growth target, extending its outlook for expansion through 2027 and beyond.

UnitedHealth said actions taken throughout 2026 drove progress and supported confidence in sustainable growth. The company is also working to reduce cost pressures through lower prior-authorization requirements, controls targeting fraud, waste and abuse, and technology investments.

Specialty pharmacy costs remain a pressure point. Medicaid operations face funding adequacy and timing risks, while the commercial business is managing disputes under the No Surprises Act and high arbitration award costs.

UnitedHealth is seeking to offset those pressures through network management and operational changes. Its latest outlook follows the company’s third-quarter results, which included efforts to improve profitability while managing challenges across its business lines.