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UnitedHealth Stocks Crash 20% in Premarket Following Bleak Earnings Forecast and Rising Costs

UnitedHealth Faces Significant Premarket Drop

UnitedHealth Group Inc. experienced a dramatic 20% plunge in premarket trading this Thursday, following a disappointing first quarter 2025 earnings report. The company highlighted increasing costs associated with a surge in medical care among older adults as a primary concern.

Leadership Responds to Challenges

CEO Andrew Witty acknowledged the company's expansion efforts but admitted falling short of targets. Witty emphasized corrective measures are underway to steer the company back towards growth. This comes amidst a Senate committee inquiry into UnitedHealth's Medicare Advantage billing practices, raising questions over potential fraud.

Tragic Loss of CEO Brian Thompson

The article also touches on the tragic loss of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot in a targeted attack outside a Manhattan hotel last December. The suspect has been charged with murder, with federal prosecutors seeking the death penalty.

At 6:30 am ET, UnitedHealth's shares were down 20.26%, trading at $465.60.