UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH) Buy, Sell or Hold

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UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH)

395.62

-6.11 (1.52%)

as of Aug 17, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.

289 watching

Investor Insights

Aug 16, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 36 opinions in the last 12 months.

UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH) has seen a tumultuous year, with many experts highlighting the volatility stemming from changes in leadership, regulatory pressures, and rising medical costs. Positive reviews point to regaining earnings power, especially with the return of the former CEO, who is expected to manage costs effectively and steer the company towards recovery. However, there are significant concerns about the impact of government regulations and Medicare adjustments, which could pressure margins and complicate growth prospects. The consensus reflects a blend of optimism for long-term recovery juxtaposed with caution due to ongoing industry challenges and political uncertainties. In summary, while there are indicators of potential upside, the unpredictable nature of healthcare reforms in the U.S. builds a case for cautious investment.

Consensus

Cautious

Valuation

Fair Value

Similar

Cvs, CVS

BUY

Currently long on the stock as believes healthcare good sector. Required service in healthcare. Value of stock attractive (24x earnings). Small dividend yield at ~2% that is safe.

HOLD

A leader. Always outperforms the S&P 500. Healthcare performed quite well last year, and now there's a bit of rotation out and into higher beta names. Next 12-18 months, you still want healthcare in your portfolio. Defensive capabilities along with growth. 20x forward earnings, 12% growth rate. Yield is 1.3%, which will grow.

DON'T BUY

UNH vs. ELV A better choice is ELV, the old Anthem. It comes down to valuation. While the metrics are similar, the PE is 22-23x for UNH, yet 6 points lower for ELV. Virtually identical performance.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Oct 11/22, Up 0%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with UNH has triggered its stop at $500. To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.

DON'T BUY

Great. A Republican mid-term win should solidify this and other healthcare insurers, as there won't be the pricing pressure from the Democrats. On valuation, he prefers ELV (the old Anthem) at 6 multiple points cheaper.

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Unlock this Panic-proof Portfolio opinion with Stockchase Premium

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Oct 11/22, Up 9%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with UNH is progressing well. To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop to $500.

BUY

Its Optum network is picking up steam and it's a stable cash flow generator.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly This defensive holding, UNH, is the largest managed care organization in the US, providing health care plans, pharmacy and analytics services. Recently reported earnings beat analyst expectations and support a 25% ROE. Cash reserves are growing, while stock is being repurchased. We recommend placing a stop-loss at $450, looking to achieve $590 -- upside potential of 16%. Yield 0% (Analysts’ price target is $590.00)

BUY

Healthcare offers both growth and defence. Their valuation remains reasonable and they have pricing power. AbbVie and Merck (his favourite) are also in this group. XLV is down only 12% vs. S&P down 24%.

COMMENT

Will it be affected by a Republican majority? One of the top performers in the S&P for a number of years. Among its peers, you can find other opportunities, equally successful, with less risk from a lower multiple. No political risk either way, as 70% of Americans are happy with their healthcare. See his Top Picks.

TOP PICK

Healthcare gives you the combination of defence and offence. Largest managed care provider in the US. Medical insurance, pharma benefits, and healthcare services create a strong value proposition to its customers. This will lead to steadily and reliable sales. Last quarter, easily beat expectations and raised earnings guidance for the full year. Earnings growth should top 12% over the next few years. Yield is 1.26%, will grow over time. (Analysts’ price target is $579.00)

BUY

This one has many major components, and all are growing nicely. Growth expected at 15% this year and next. Small dividend, growing double digits. Ultimately, legislative is supportive of these companies. Great performer in a tough market. He'd buy here, great risk/reward. Though if the market recovers quickly, it may not outperform in the near term.

BUY

A go-to name, core holding. Because it's the largest in the US, it won't get caught offside by upcoming regulatory changes, the way a smaller company would. Pretty consistent grower at 15-20% per year.

BUY

Healthcare is his biggest sector. HC is seeing the classic shift to defensives as inflation peaks. Also, HC trades at only 18x while utilities and staples trade at 21x, so it's the cheapest defensive. He owns Pfizer, UNH and Regeneron. UNH's revenue and EPS beat recently. Healthcare has so many tailwinds, including again demographics. He likes preventative healthcare and UNH's position here. HC is fine in the late cycle. There's still to the upside here.

BUY

They report Friday and should have a great quarter, because Covid isn't as threatening as before. There is some cyclicality. If there are alot of layoffs, their numbers can weaken, but he doesn't see that now. Otherwise, keep buying, though he prefers the cheaper Humana.

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UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH)