UnitedHealth’s 2013 Earnings Outlook Lower Than Expected

UnitedHealth Group has issued a lower-than-expected 2013 profit outlook amid concerns about the economy and potential cuts in federal health spending. The insurer estimated that 2013 earnings will be $5.25 to $5.50 a share, slightly below the average analyst estimate of $5.58 a share. However, the health plan's projection that 2013 annual revenue will be as much as $124 billion was higher than analysts' estimate of $119 billion.

• "UnitedHealth's Earning Outlook Is Below Expectations" (Terhune, Los Angeles Times, 11/27).