UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) Announced Q2 2026 Earnings on July 16, 2026, Reporting "Total revenues were $112 billion"

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated reported its second quarter 2026 results.Management stated, "Total revenues were $112 billion" for the quarter.The company reported "adjusted earnings per share of $6.38" for the quarter and "operating earnings of $8 billion" which "grew 55% year-over-year". Management noted, "Our reported medical care ratio of 86.7% includes $860 million of net favorable prior period medical development". Furthermore, the quarter was supported by "Operating cash flows in the quarter were approximately $11 billion or 1.9x net income".Executives highlighted progress across segments, noting that UnitedHealthcare "exceeded expectations, driven by better results in Medicare Advantage, while commercial benefits remain pressured". In the commercial business, management is seeing a "medical cost trend modestly above 11%" which they attribute to "the independent resolution process under the No Surprises Act" and "more aggressive billing practices among providers". At Optum, management noted "building momentum from Optum Health as the business recenters back to its integrated value-based care delivery model".Regarding forward guidance, management provided a "new adjusted earnings per share guidance range of $19.50 to $20" for the full year.The company is also "increasing the full year operating earnings outlook for UnitedHealthcare to at least $12 billion and for Optum Health to at least $2.2 billion". Management now expects "a full year medical care ratio of 88.1%, plus or minus 25 basis points". The company also expects "to complete total share repurchases of at least $5 billion in 2026".Management discussed technology and AI initiatives across the enterprise.They highlighted that "digital prior authorization powered by AI" is "producing 96% first pass approval". In notable announcements, management noted that on July 2, the company "successfully closed the previously announced combination with Alegeus" and announced a new Optum Rx "pharmacy care approach based on a monthly per member fees with full PBM and GPO fee transparency".