UnitedHealth Beats Forecast, Lifts 2014 Profit Guidance

UnitedHealth Group Inc. said on Thursday that third-quarter profit rose to $1.6 billion, or $1.63 a share, from $1.57 billion, or $1.53 a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue climbed 7% to $32.76 billion, from $30.62 billion last year. Analysts surveyed by FactSet expected earnings of $1.53 a share on revenue of $32.75 billion. UnitedHealth lifted its profit expectations for 2014 and said it now expects earnings per share in the range of $5.60 to $5.65, up from the previous estimate of $5.50 to $5.60. Shares were down 0.5% in premarket trade.