8-KEarnings & ResultsExhibits & Filings

UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC 8-K Report, Financial Results (Oct 20, 2009)

Filed October 20, 2009For Securities:UNH

Summary

UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH) filed an 8-K on October 20, 2009, to report its third-quarter 2009 financial results. The filing primarily serves to furnish a press release announcing these results. Investors should note that the company presented certain non-GAAP financial measures for the third quarter of 2008, specifically excluding a benefit recognized from a change in estimated net costs to settle historical stock option-related class action lawsuits. The report provides the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures for Q3 2008, including an operating cost ratio of 14.8%, an operating margin of 7.9%, and earnings from operations of $1.6 billion. While the 8-K itself does not detail the Q3 2009 results, it directs investors to the furnished press release (Exhibit 99.1) for comprehensive information, including reconciliations of the non-GAAP to GAAP measures. This filing is important for understanding how UNH characterized its prior-year performance and the impact of the lawsuit settlement on its financial reporting.

Key Highlights

  • 1UnitedHealth Group (UNH) filed an 8-K on October 20, 2009, to announce its third quarter 2009 results.
  • 2The filing includes a press release (Exhibit 99.1) with details of the Q3 2009 earnings.
  • 3The company reported certain non-GAAP financial measures for Q3 2008, excluding a benefit from settling stock option lawsuits.
  • 4Comparable GAAP financial measures for Q3 2008 are provided: operating cost ratio (14.8%), operating margin (7.9%), and earnings from operations ($1.6 billion).
  • 5Reconciliations of non-GAAP to GAAP measures are available in the furnished press release.
  • 6Information in this Item 2.02 is not considered 'filed' for Section 18 of the Exchange Act, nor incorporated by reference unless expressly stated.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to furnish a press release announcing UnitedHealth Group's third-quarter 2009 financial results and to provide context regarding specific non-GAAP financial measures used for the third quarter of 2008.

For the third quarter of 2008, UnitedHealth Group presented non-GAAP figures for its operating cost ratio, operating margin, and earnings from operations that excluded a benefit recognized from a change in the estimated net costs to settle two class action lawsuits related to the company’s historical stock option practices.

The actual Q3 2009 financial results are detailed in the press release dated October 20, 2009, which is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this 8-K filing. The 8-K itself serves as notification and provides the press release for reference.

The filing states the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures for Q3 2008 were: an operating cost ratio of 14.8%, an operating margin of 7.9%, and earnings from operations of $1.6 billion.