Shares of health insurer UnitedHealth Group UNH.N rose 6.3% to $446.20 premarket.
The company raised its 2026 profit forecast on tightened spending on medical costs and improved operating income in its Optum health services business.
UnitedHealth now expects 2026 adjusted profit per share of $19.50 to $20.00; analysts expect profit of $18.47 per share, according to LSEG data.
Second-quarter results and stock performance
The company reported second-quarter adjusted profit of $6.38 per share versus estimates of $4.90 per share.
Q2 operating income for its Optum unit increased 29% to $4 billion.
Up to the last close, the stock was up 26.78% year to date.
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