Summary
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) reported solid revenue growth of 7% to $64.4 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, compared to the prior year. This growth was driven by strong performance in both its UnitedHealthcare and Optum segments, with Optum revenues increasing by a notable 25%. Despite the overall revenue increase, net earnings attributable to common shareholders saw a slight decrease of 2% to $3.38 billion, or $3.52 per diluted share, down from $3.56 in the prior year. This dip in profitability can be attributed to a higher effective tax rate due to the return of the Health Insurance Tax and increased operating costs within the UnitedHealthcare segment. The company highlighted its efforts to support customers, providers, and members amidst the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, including expanded benefit coverage, simplified administrative practices, and accelerated payments to care providers. While the pandemic's ultimate impact remains uncertain, initial effects showed a temporary deferral of elective care, potentially offset by increased Medicaid and individual program membership. The company maintained a strong liquidity position with $21.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents at quarter-end.
Financial Highlights
54 data points| Revenue | $64.42B |
| Cost of Revenue | $7.69B |
| Gross Profit | $56.73B |
| SG&A Expenses | $10.02B |
| Operating Expenses | $59.42B |
| Operating Income | $5.00B |
| Interest Expense | $437.00M |
| Net Income | $3.38B |
| EPS (Basic) | $3.56 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $3.52 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 949.00M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 962.00M |
Key Highlights
- 1Total revenues increased by 7% year-over-year to $64.4 billion, driven by both UnitedHealthcare and Optum segments.
- 2Optum segment revenues showed particularly strong growth of 25%, highlighting its expanding role.
- 3Net earnings attributable to common shareholders decreased by 2% to $3.38 billion, with diluted EPS down 1% to $3.52.
- 4The effective tax rate increased significantly due to the reinstatement of the Health Insurance Tax.
- 5UnitedHealthcare served 670,000 fewer people domestically, primarily due to attrition in commercial group and withdrawal from a Medicaid market, though Medicare Advantage saw an 8% increase.
- 6The company maintained a robust cash position, ending the quarter with $21.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with $10.9 billion available for general corporate use.
- 7Management acknowledged the uncertainty and evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on future operations, revenues, and costs.