Summary
UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH) reported strong financial performance for the first quarter of 2021, with total revenues increasing by 9% year-over-year to $70.2 billion. This growth was driven by robust performance across both its UnitedHealthcare and Optum segments. UnitedHealthcare saw an 8% revenue increase, bolstered by growth in Medicare Advantage and Medicaid enrollment, despite a decline in commercial business. The Optum segment demonstrated significant strength, with total revenues up 11%, driven by substantial growth in OptumHealth and OptumInsight. Net earnings attributable to common shareholders surged by 44% to $4.9 billion, translating to a 44% increase in diluted earnings per share to $5.08. This improved profitability was supported by a lower effective tax rate due to the repeal of the Health Insurance Tax, coupled with strong operational performance and careful cost management. The company also highlighted its ongoing commitment to shareholder returns through share repurchases and dividends. Management expressed confidence in the company's liquidity and ability to meet future obligations, with significant cash reserves and strong credit ratings.
Financial Highlights
54 data points| Revenue | $70.20B |
| Cost of Revenue | $7.57B |
| Gross Profit | $62.62B |
| SG&A Expenses | $10.22B |
| Operating Expenses | $63.46B |
| Operating Income | $6.74B |
| Interest Expense | $397.00M |
| Net Income | $4.86B |
| EPS (Basic) | $5.14 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $5.08 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 945.00M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 957.00M |
Key Highlights
- 1Total revenues increased by 9% to $70.2 billion, driven by growth in both UnitedHealthcare and Optum segments.
- 2Net earnings attributable to common shareholders rose 44% to $4.9 billion.
- 3Diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 44% to $5.08.
- 4UnitedHealthcare served 1.1 million more people domestically, with significant growth in Medicare Advantage and Medicaid.
- 5Optum segment revenues grew 11%, with OptumHealth and OptumInsight showing strong performance.
- 6Cash flows from operating activities were robust at $6.0 billion for the quarter.
- 7The company is proceeding with the acquisition of Change Healthcare, expected to close in the second half of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals.