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UnitedHealth Group Inc., the U.S.’s biggest health insurer, posted fourth-quarter earnings that topped analysts’ estimates as profit surged at its technology and consulting business, helping overcome losses from Obamacare plans. The insurer, which first disclosed in November that it expected losses in the Obamacare markets, recorded $720 million in losses from health insurance products sold through new markets set up under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. United Health has said it may pull out of Obamacare next year. (Tracer, 1/19)

UnitedHealth Group Inc reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit, helped by strength in its Optum pharmacy benefit management business. Revenue from the company's Optum business, which also offers healthcare data and analytics and technology services, rose 70 percent to $21.9 billion in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31. (1/19)