UnitedHealth (NYSE: UNH) just surprised Wall Street with a major earnings beat and a raised profit outlook under returning CEO Stephen Hemsley.<br /><br />After months of turmoil over rising medical costs and regulatory scrutiny, the health-care giant reported Q3 adjusted earnings of $2.92 per share, beating analyst estimates of $2.79.<br /><br />The company also raised its full-year profit guidance to at least $16.25 per share, up from its prior forecast and above consensus expectations.<br /><br />Its medical loss ratio was 89.9%, matching forecasts, while its pharmacy unit Optum Rx saw revenue jump 16% to $39.7 billion.<br /><br />Morningstar analysts called the results a “sign of stability” after a year of setbacks for the company.<br />Shares rose more than 3% premarket following the announcement.
