UnitedHealth reported revenue of $43.6 billion in the fourth quarter, above the average analyst estimate of $43.23 billion, according to Reuters. The revenue in its Optum business — which involves healthcare technology and pharmacy benefits — also increased to $21.9 billion.
However, the insurer also logged $245 million of losses on its individual exchanges business, which makes a total of $720 million in losses in 2015. In addition, UnitedHealth’s net profit decreased to $1.22 billion from $1.51 billion in the same period of the year prior.
Nonetheless, UnitedHealth — the first health insurer to report fourth quarter financial results — has high hopes for 2016. “2016 is off to a strong start, considerably stronger than 2015,” said CEO Stephen Hemsley, according to the report.
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