UnitedHealth Group has experienced a dramatic $63 billion reduction in market value following the assassination of its former CEO, Brian Thompson, on December 4, 2024, Boredpanda reports.
The shocking incident has drawn widespread attention, with financial repercussions rippling across the health insurance giant.
Brian Thompson, who joined UnitedHealth in 2004 and became CEO in 2021, was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in what authorities have described as a “pre-meditated, targeted attack.” Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old former Ivy League student, was arrested days later and has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and terrorism.
The tragic loss has coincided with a significant decline in UnitedHealth’s stock price, which fell from $610 per share on December 4 to $510 as of January 16, 2025.
Despite the setback, UnitedHealth reported stronger-than-expected financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024, with adjusted earnings of $6.81 per share—a 10.6% year-over-year increase—and revenue growth of 6.4% to $100.8 billion.
UnitedHealth CFO John Rex acknowledged Thompson’s significant contributions during a recent call, saying:
“Brian helped build this company and forged deep, trusted relationships for over 20 years.”
Meanwhile, public sentiment about the company remains divided. On social media, some users criticized UnitedHealth’s business practices, accusing the company of prioritizing profits over clients’ healthcare needs.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch revealed during a briefing that the shooting occurred just before 7 a.m. as Thompson approached the conference hotel. Security footage suggested the suspect waited several minutes before ambushing Thompson. Mangione was arrested five days later in Pennsylvania after being recognized by a fast-food worker.
