UnitedHealth Group reported second-quarter results well above analysts' expectations and substantially raised its full-year earnings guidance, bolstering confidence in the company's financial turnaround under CEO Stephen Hemsley, who returned to the top role over a year ago.

For Q2 2026, net income reached $5.48 billion, or $6.04 a share, up from $3.41 billion a year earlier. Adjusted earnings of $6.38 a share topped the $4.91 FactSet consensus. The company raised full-year adjusted earnings guidance to $19.50 to $20 a share, from a prior floor of $18.25, above the $18.49 consensus.

"It's almost like we're doing a reset on guidance," said CFO Wayne De Veydt, noting the company now sees durable trends after earlier caution. Under Hemsley, UnitedHealth has replaced much of its top management, pared its sprawling Optum physician footprint, and shrunk enrollment in key Medicare plans after years of aggressive growth.