UnitedHealth Group Inc., the country's second-largest health insurer behind WellPoint Inc., said Tuesday that federal regulators have begun a formal investigation into its historical stock options practices.
FOR SUBSCRIBERSA harrowing ordeal aboard an Israel-bound plane
FOR SUBSCRIBERSThe debate over AI’s future rages on both coasts
The Securities and Exchange Commission's formal order follows an informal inquiry begun in April. Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealth said in SEC filing it intends to cooperate with the investigation.
The company's own internal review found errors in its stock options accounting that will cost some $400 million to $1.7 billion to correct. UnitedHealth has said it will have to restate its earnings back to 1994. The scandal forced out former Chairman and CEO William McGuire.
FOR SUBSCRIBERSA harrowing ordeal aboard an Israel-bound plane
FOR SUBSCRIBERSThe debate over AI’s future rages on both coasts
"This is a routine step in the process, and the company continues to cooperate fully with the SEC," said UnitedHealth spokesman Don Nathan.
UnitedHealth shares fell 22 cents to close at $53.23 on the New York Stock Exchange, and dipped 85 cents to $52.38 in the aftermarket session.














