UnitedHealth reported fourth-quarter results on Thursday that reflected persistent challenges for the health insurance sector.

In his first public remarks since the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last month and the backlash against the insurance industry it provoked, Witty said the healthcare conglomerate is looking for ways to simplify and accelerate its prior authorization processes. He did not offer specifics.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH), a leading diversified healthcare company with a substantial market capitalization of $469.7 billion, continues to navigate a complex landscape of opportunities and challenges as it maintains its position as a dominant force in the healthcare industry.

In his first public comments since one of his executives was shot to death, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said the healthcare system “needs to function better.”

In 2024, UnitedHealth Group saw full year revenue grow 8% over 2023 to reach $400.3 billion. Adjusted earnings from operations, excluding costs related to last year’s cyberattack on Change Healthcare and the company’s sale of its South American operations, were $34.4 billion for full year 2024.

Click in for more news from The Hill{beacon} Health Care Health Care   The Big Story UnitedHealth CEO blames drug companies for high costsIn his first public remarks since the murder of

UNH stock is finally returning to form after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Johnson was gunned down outside an investor meeting in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, leading to a weeklong manhunt that brought light to UnitedHealth’s record of denying health claims and general unpopularity with the public.

UnitedHealth Group reported bottom-line earnings that surpassed estimates despite regulatory challenges impacting revenue.

UnitedHealth's CEO acknowledged discontent with the health care system, but quickly shifted the blame elsewhere.

But high medical costs contributed to results that disappointed Wall Street, and the company’s stock fell on the news that it had made less than analysts expected.

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