UnitedHealth Group (UNH) has had a rough year, with shares down about 45% so far. The drop comes from higher costs in its Medicare Advantage business, weak Q2 earnings results, more regulatory pressure, and overall uncertainty in healthcare. Still, UnitedHealth announced its next quarterly dividend of $2.10 per share, reflecting its financial discipline and its willingness to continue to reward shareholders. With steady revenue growth and expectations for stronger earnings in 2026, the stock remains an attractive option for investors willing to look past short-term setbacks. Analysts believe UNH still has room to climb, with upside potential of around 15% from current levels.
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Analysts Stay Bullish on UNH Stock
Despite weak Q2 results, most analysts remain positive on UnitedHealth stock. Only Michael Ha of Robert W. Baird maintained a Sell rating, while three analysts chose to stay Neutral.
Following the Q2 print, Mizuho Top analyst Ann Hynes kept her Buy rating, noting that the recent weakness could offer a buying opportunity for long-term investors. She highlighted UnitedHealth’s scale, market position, and diverse business as key strengths and sees the stock’s valuation as attractive.
That said, Hynes warned of potential risks from the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits and upcoming Medicaid changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which could shift membership and weigh on margins. Given the rising costs and uncertainty in the near term, she trimmed her price target to $300 from $350.
Similarly, analyst Lance Wilkes from Bernstein maintained a Buy rating with a $377 price target. He said the company is focused on rebuilding investor confidence and expects trends in Medicare Advantage pricing and usage to support earnings growth. Wilkes projects EPS of $20–$21 for 2025 and anticipates roughly 15% growth in 2026, bringing the company closer to its long-term goal of 13%–16% annual growth.
Is UNH a Good Buy Right Now?
Turning to Wall Street, UNH stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 18 Buys, four Holds, and two Sells assigned in the last three months. At $312.65, the average UnitedHealth stock price target implies a 15.03% upside potential.
