Investor Group Sues UnitedHealthCare Following CEO’s Death

An investor group filed a lawsuit against UnitedHealthCare on Wednesday, claiming the company misled stakeholders after the death of CEO Brian Thompson.

The class action suit, lodged in the Southern District of New York, accuses the health insurance company of failing to adjust its 2025 profit projections in light of how Thompson’s murder might impact the business.

On December 3—just a day before Thompson was fatally shot—the company had provided guidance stating it expected a net profit ranging from $28.15 to $28.65 per share and a net profit between $29.50 and $30.00, according to the lawsuit. However, on January 16, the company maintained its previous forecasts.

Investors described this as “essentially false and misleading,” noting the extensive scrutiny the company and the broader health insurance sector have faced in the aftermath of Thompson’s death.

The plaintiffs, seeking unspecified damages, argued that public backlash was hindering the company’s ability to engage in “aggressive, anti-consumer tactics.” They assert that the company acted with intentional recklessness by not revising its earlier guidance.

Ultimately, UnitedHealthCare adjusted its 2025 outlook on April 17, citing necessary shifts in corporate strategy, which resulted in a more than 22% drop in projections.

The company did not provide an immediate comment on Thursday.

Thompson’s murder in New York City sent shockwaves across the nation during the daytime.

Meanwhile, Luigi Mangione, a 27-year-old accused of the murder, claims he has not engaged in any crimes. His legal defense fund exceeded $1 million in donations on Tuesday.