UnitedHealth group It has been sued by a group of investors that allege that the company hid critical information on the impact that the public outrage generated after the murder had, in December 2024, of its maximum executive, Brian Thompson. The legal action argues that the company presented allegedly misleading financial forecasts that led shareholders to make decisions under false premises.
According to the lawsuit filed on Wednesday in the New York Southern District Court by the investor Roberto FallerUnitedhealth “artificially inflated prices” when, in December, he predicted profits by action between 29.50 and 30 dollars. The company reaffirmed that forecast in January 2025, although it already faced a growing public reaction. This reaction arose after a report of the Published Senate In October 2024 that criticized the high rate of rejection of claims by the insurer and subsequently intensified after the murder of Thompson.
The chain CBS News He reported that the company reviewed its forecasts of adjusted benefits by 2025, reducing the expected rank to between 26 and 26.50 dollars By action. Faller’s lawyers argue that UnitedHealth’s statements about their performance expectations were “materially false and misleading” because the company He did not inform the shareholders that he would have to modify his strategywhich resulted in an increase in claims denials compared to other competitors in the sector.
The demand filed describes the commercial strategy of UnitedHealthcarea division of UnitedHealth Group, as composed of “aggressive tactics and anticonsumor.” These practices, according to the document, had become “increasingly controversial”, especially in the context of the growing public indignation after Thompson’s murder. Although the murder was universally convicted, it also generated a wave of anger against the costs of medical insurance and high rates of rejection of claims.
The impact of these practices not only affected the clients of the insurer, but also had an impact on the confidence of investors. The plaintiffs argue that The lack of timely dissemination about the need to modify these tactics resulted in significant economic damage For those who possessed the company’s values.
The reduction in the gain forecast had immediate and severe effects on the market. The price of United Shares collapsed in April 2025 in approximately $ 130 per share. This fall represented the worst stock market for the company in more than 25 years. According to CBS Newsthe magnitude of the fall on April 17, 2025 was such that it caused a 1.3% decrease in the index Dow Jones Industrial Averagewhich includes some of the main United States corporations.
-This substantial decrease in the value of the shares directly affected the shareholders, who, in accordance with the judicial document, experienced financial losses considerable due to what they describe as illegal acts and omissions by the company’s management.
The claim seeks that the judge certify the case as a collective action. This would allow other investors who acquired values of UnitedHealth between him December 3, 2024 and April 16, 2025 They join the demand and seek compensation for the losses suffered during that period.
In addition to UnitedHealth Group As a corporate entity, legal action also appoints the executive director as co-demand Andrew Witty and to the financial director John Rex. Faller’s lawyers argue that these senior executives participated in the elaboration and communication of the financial forecasts now challenged.
CBS News He has indicated that a comment was requested to UnitedHealth Group, but the company did not provide an immediate response.
The case could have important legal and financial repercussions not only for UnitedHealth Groupbut also for other actors in the medical insurance sector. If the court accepts collective lawsuit and finds responsibility in the practices of the company, the ruling could sit a precedent regarding the dissemination of financial information and the responsibility of the corporations before their investors.
For now, the judicial process is in its initial stages. The evolution of the case will be observed closely by both investors and financial regulators, attentive to possible impacts on business practices and corporate transparency expectations.
