According to CNBC, UnitedHealth Group posted third-quarter earnings that beat Wall Street estimates and raised its full-year profit outlook as it continued to manage elevated medical costs and expand investments in value-based care and artificial intelligence. The company said it now expects fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings of at least $20.50 per share, up from a prior outlook of $19.50 to $20 per share. Third-quarter adjusted earnings came in at $4.69 per share versus $4.14 expected, while revenue was $112.69 billion compared with $111.40 billion expected. Net income rose to $4.11 billion, or $4.56 per share, from $2.35 billion, or $2.59 per share, a year earlier, and shares gained about 3% in premarket trading. CFO Wayne DeVeydt said the company is focusing on a simpler operating approach and heavier investment in value-based care. UnitedHealth also said its medical cost ratio was 88.4% in the third quarter, below the 89.9% analysts expected, though DeVeydt said medical costs remained elevated versus historical norms and that the independent dispute resolution process under the No Surprises Act is adding at least 100 basis points to total medical costs.