UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH) provided a forecast for profit next year that was below analyst estimates as the company prepares for a poor business environment and reductions in government revenue. Chief Executive Officer Stephen Hemsley said that analysts' predictions for next year appeared optimistic, given the "weak business climate and employment outlook." Government cuts may also slow revenue growth from Medicaid plans for the poor and Medicare for the elderly, he said. Earnings in 2013 will be $5.25 to $5.50 a share, while revenue will be $123 billion to $124 billion, UNH said today in a regulatory filing. Analysts had anticipated $5.58 a share and $119.4 billion.
