UnitedHealth Group Q2 Profit Rises - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - UnitedHealth Group (UNH) reported that its net earnings for the second quarter increased to $1.585 billion from the prior year's $1.408 billion, with earnings per share improving to $1.64 from $1.42 last year. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $1.59 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

UnitedHealth Group's second quarter 2015 revenues of $36.3 billion grew 11 percent or $3.7 billion year-over-year. Revenue growth was broad-based, with both UnitedHealthcare and Optum revenues growing by double digit percentages in the quarter, primarily due to organic growth in consumers served. Wall Street analysts had a consensus revenue estimate of $35.66 billion for the quarter.

The Company has updated its 2015 financial outlook to include the anticipated Catamaran Corporation combination, which is expected to close during July.

UnitedHealth Group projects 2015 revenues of approximately $154 billion, an increase of $11 billion from the previous outlook. Reflecting strength in business performance, the Company now expects net earnings in a range of $6.25 to $6.35 per share, an increase from the prior outlook of $6.15 to $6.30 per share. This included the previously disclosed effects of transaction costs and moderated share repurchase activity related to the Catamaran acquisition. Catamaran's impact on earnings over the balance of 2015 is expected to be fully offset by interest, amortization and integration costs.

Wall Street currently is looking for fiscal year 2015 earnings of $6.26 per share on annual revenues of $143.60 billion.