10-KPeriod: FY2016

UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2016

Filed February 8, 2017For Securities:UNH

Summary

UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s (UNH) 2016 10-K filing highlights a strong year of growth, with total revenues reaching $184.84 billion, an 18% increase year-over-year, driven by robust performance across both its UnitedHealthcare and Optum segments. Diluted earnings per share saw a significant 21% increase to $7.25, reflecting effective cost management and strategic growth initiatives. The company continues to expand its reach, serving an additional 2.1 million people domestically through its UnitedHealthcare benefits. Optum also demonstrated substantial growth, with revenues increasing by 24%, bolstered by its Health, Insight, and Rx businesses. Despite a challenging regulatory environment and pressures on Medicare Advantage funding, UNH maintained strong operational execution. The company highlighted its proactive approach to managing medical costs through integrated care management and value-based payment models, which are increasingly being adopted across provider networks. Furthermore, UNH is strategically navigating changes in the healthcare landscape, including a reduced participation in individual public exchanges, while continuing to invest in its diversified business platforms for long-term growth and value creation for shareholders.

Financial Highlights

56 data points
Beta

Revenue

$184.84B

86.8% Gross Margin

Net Income

$7.02B

3.8% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$7.25

Total Assets

$122.81B

Cash & Equivalents

$10.43B

Free Cash Flow

$8.09B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$184.84B
Cost of Revenue$24.42B
Gross Profit$160.42B
SG&A Expenses$28.40B
Operating Expenses$171.91B
Operating Income$12.93B
Interest Expense$1.07B
Net Income$7.02B
EPS (Basic)$7.37
EPS (Diluted)$7.25
Shares Outstanding (Basic)952.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)968.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated revenues grew by 18% to $184.84 billion, driven by a 13% increase in UnitedHealthcare revenues and a 24% increase in Optum revenues.
  • 2Diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 21% to $7.25, demonstrating strong profitability.
  • 3UnitedHealthcare expanded its domestic reach, serving an additional 2.1 million people.
  • 4Optum businesses showed significant growth, with OptumRx revenue up 25% due to the full-year impact of the Catamaran acquisition and organic growth.
  • 5Earnings from operations increased by 17% to $12.93 billion, with UnitedHealthcare earnings up 8% and Optum earnings up 32%.
  • 6The company maintained a strong financial position, with cash flows from operations reaching $9.8 billion.
  • 7UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement served 3.6 million people through its Medicare Advantage products, and UnitedHealthcare Community & State served 5.9 million beneficiaries across 24 states and D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by the expansion in the number of individuals served across UnitedHealthcare's benefits businesses, particularly in Commercial risk-based group, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid programs. Optum's businesses also contributed significantly to revenue growth, with OptumRx benefiting from the full-year impact of the Catamaran acquisition and organic growth across all Optum segments.

UnitedHealth Group managed medical costs through a combination of medical management initiatives, negotiation of favorable provider contracts, and growth in value-based care arrangements. Despite overall medical cost increases due to membership growth and trends, the company's medical care ratio remained relatively stable at 81.2%.

Recognizing a challenging market and incurring losses, UnitedHealth Group significantly reduced its participation in individual public exchanges. In 2016, it participated in 34 states, but for 2017, it planned to reduce participation to only three states, expecting to serve approximately 1 million fewer consumers through individual insurance plans.

The acquisition of Catamaran Corporation in the third quarter of 2015 significantly impacted 2016 results, particularly for OptumRx, contributing to a 25% revenue increase in that segment. The acquisition also led to a substantial increase in goodwill and intangible assets.