UnitedHealth Stock Surges Amid Legal and Financial Struggles Trading Volume Hits 5.87 Billion to Rank 12th

On July 30, 2025, UnitedHealth (UNH) rose 1.90% with a trading volume of $5.87 billion, ranking 12th in the market. The stock’s performance was influenced by a complex mix of financial challenges and legal uncertainties.

UnitedHealth reported a 19% decline in second-quarter earnings to $3.4 billion, driven by rising medical costs and weaker-than-expected performance from its Optum subsidiary. The company attributed the shortfall to higher-than-anticipated Medicare Advantage expenses, lower service volumes, and underestimated risk in new members. Despite a revenue increase to $116.6 billion, net earnings fell short of internal and analyst expectations. UnitedHealth revised its 2025 guidance, projecting full-year earnings of at least $14.65 per share and revenue between $445.5 billion and $448 billion.

Legal pressures intensified as the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed criminal and civil investigations into UnitedHealth’s Medicare billing practices. The company acknowledged compliance with subpoenas and launched internal reviews of risk assessment coding and managed care processes. This follows months of media scrutiny over allegations of inflated diagnoses to secure higher Medicare Advantage reimbursements. UnitedHealth, the largest player in the MA market, has faced reputational and operational headwinds, including leadership changes and a suspended earnings forecast earlier in 2025.

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