tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
UnitedHealth (UNH)
NYSE:UNH
Advertisement

UnitedHealth (UNH) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
18,955 Followers

Top Page

UNH

UnitedHealth

(NYSE:UNH)

Rating:68Neutral
Price Target:
$290.00
▲(6.82% Upside)
UnitedHealth's strong financials and attractive valuation are major positives, but technical indicators and recent corporate events pose risks. Earnings call challenges, particularly in cost management, further constrain the outlook. While long-term prospects remain solid, short-term uncertainties warrant caution.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
The company appears to be confident in the achievability of reset guidance.
Operational Improvements
The company indicated year-over-year improvement in clinical and operational measures are among the strongest in UNH's history.
Negative Factors
Earnings Guidance
The 2025 earnings guidance was well below expectations, removing a number of low-quality earnings items.
Financial Challenges
Analyst has low conviction on UnitedHealth's ability to maintain 1% OptumHealth VBC margins in 2026, indicating potential financial challenges ahead.

UnitedHealth (UNH) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

UnitedHealth Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) is a diversified health and well-being company based in the United States. It operates through two main segments: UnitedHealthcare, which provides health care benefits, and Optum, which offers health services. UnitedHealthcare serves individuals and families, employers, and government programs, while Optum includes pharmacy care services, health management, and data analytics. Together, these segments aim to enhance the quality of care, improve health outcomes, and reduce costs across the healthcare system.
How the Company Makes MoneyUnitedHealth generates revenue primarily through its health insurance premiums and fees collected from members in the UnitedHealthcare segment. Key revenue streams include individual and employer-sponsored health plans, Medicare and Medicaid programs, and services provided to government entities. Additionally, the Optum segment contributes significantly to revenue through pharmacy care services, health management solutions, and technology-driven health services. Strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and organizations enhance their service offerings and access to patients, further bolstering their revenue. The company also benefits from economies of scale, which allow it to negotiate better rates with providers and lower costs for members, ultimately driving profitability.

UnitedHealth Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
People Served
People Served
Indicates the number of individuals covered or benefiting from services, reflecting market reach and customer base expansion.
Chart InsightsUnitedHealth's 'People Served' metric shows a concerning decline in both Optum Health and UnitedHealthcare segments starting in late 2024, reversing previous growth trends. This downturn coincides with operational challenges highlighted in the latest earnings call, including significant cost pressures in Medicare and Medicaid. The decline in Optum Health's performance, driven by enrollment mix and execution issues, aligns with the reported earnings shortfall. UnitedHealth's strategic focus on cost management and operational reform aims to stabilize these metrics, but near-term financial pressures remain a significant risk.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

UnitedHealth Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 29, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: -3.77%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 21, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Negative
The earnings call highlighted significant revenue growth and client retention at OptumRx but was overshadowed by major challenges in Medicare and Medicaid cost management, as well as operational and performance issues at Optum Health. The company's commitment to reform and performance improvement was emphasized, but the financial outlook remains constrained by these substantial challenges.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue Growth
UnitedHealth Group reported revenues of nearly $112 billion, a 13% increase over the prior year, reflecting growth across UnitedHealthcare and Optum.
Client Retention at OptumRx
OptumRx maintained high client retention consistent with past years, with revenue growth of $18 billion or 13%, and earnings growth of over $200 million or nearly 4%.
Commitment to Reform and Performance
The company is undergoing a cultural shift, emphasizing reform, transparency, and performance improvement, with extensive management and operational changes initiated.
Negative Updates
Medicare Pricing and Cost Challenges
The company faced a $6.5 billion increase in medical costs, with $3.6 billion in Medicare and $2.3 billion in the commercial business, due to underestimated medical trends.
Optum Health Performance Decline
Optum Health earnings in 2025 are approximately $6.6 billion below expectations due to mix of enrollment, accelerated medical trend, and executional challenges.
Medicaid Trend Pressures
Medicaid experienced elevated trends, particularly in behavioral health, pharmacy, and home health, leading to anticipated negative margins in 2026.
Value-Based Care Margin Compression
Significant revenue hit from V28 transition, with value-based care margins expected to remain at 1% in 2026, reflecting a slower recovery path.
Company Guidance
During the UnitedHealth Group's Second Quarter 2025 earnings call, several metrics were discussed, reflecting the company's revised financial outlook and operational challenges. UnitedHealth reported revenues of nearly $112 billion, a 13% increase year-over-year, while adjusted earnings per share fell to $4.08. The company faces $6.5 billion more in medical costs than initially anticipated for 2025, with the Medicare portfolio accounting for $3.6 billion of this shortfall. The commercial business, split evenly between ACA plans and the employer sector, accounts for $2.3 billion. UnitedHealth revised its 2025 adjusted earnings outlook to at least $16 per share and expects full-year revenues to approach $448 billion, reflecting an 11% growth over 2024. The company also anticipates a full-year medical care ratio of 89.25%. The call highlighted a significant increase in medical cost trends, with inpatient utilization and outpatient care contributing 70% of Medicare Advantage's cost pressures. UnitedHealth is implementing benefit cuts, narrowing networks, and leveraging AI to address cost challenges and expects a 7.5% trend in Medicare Advantage medical costs for the year. The company's strategic focus is on margin recovery, with plans to achieve a 2% to 4% operating margin range in Medicare by 2026.

UnitedHealth Financial Statement Overview

Summary
UnitedHealth shows strong financial performance with solid revenue growth, high profitability, and effective cash flow management. Despite some fluctuations in net profit margins, the overall financial health is robust, supported by a stable balance sheet and effective cost management.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
UnitedHealth has demonstrated strong revenue growth with a 5.22% increase from 2024 to the TTM period. The gross profit margin is robust at 20.53% for TTM, indicating effective cost management. However, the net profit margin slightly decreased from 3.60% in 2024 to 5.05% in TTM, reflecting efficiency in converting revenue into profit. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are solid at 7.30% and 8.53% respectively, showcasing strong operational performance.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company's balance sheet indicates a stable financial position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, showcasing moderate leverage. The return on equity stands at 21.21% for TTM, reflecting high profitability relative to shareholder equity. The equity ratio is 32.56%, indicating a solid equity base and mitigated financial risk.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
UnitedHealth displays a strong cash flow position with a 22.05% increase in free cash flow from 2024 to TTM. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 1.36, suggesting effective cash conversion from earnings. Additionally, the free cash flow to net income ratio is 1.19, indicating healthy cash generation relative to net earnings.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue421.18B400.28B371.62B324.16B287.60B257.14B
Gross Profit86.48B89.40B90.96B-263.89B69.65B67.00B
EBITDA35.95B28.08B32.52B31.84B27.07B25.30B
Net Income21.30B14.40B22.38B20.12B17.29B15.40B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets308.57B298.28B273.72B245.71B212.21B197.29B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments32.02B29.11B29.63B27.91B23.91B19.78B
Total Debt79.19B76.90B67.44B57.62B46.00B43.47B
Total Liabilities203.79B195.69B174.80B159.36B135.73B126.75B
Stockholders Equity100.47B92.66B88.76B77.77B71.76B65.49B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow25.27B20.70B25.68B23.40B19.89B20.12B
Operating Cash Flow28.96B24.20B29.07B26.21B22.34B22.17B
Investing Cash Flow-8.29B-20.53B-15.57B-28.48B-10.37B-12.53B
Financing Cash Flow-18.39B-3.51B-11.53B4.23B-7.46B-3.59B

UnitedHealth Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price271.49
Price Trends
50DMA
288.23
Negative
100DMA
355.54
Negative
200DMA
441.95
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-9.42
Negative
RSI
49.96
Neutral
STOCH
95.99
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For UNH, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 271.49 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 264.46, below the 50-day MA of 288.23, and below the 200-day MA of 441.95, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -9.42 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 49.96 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 95.99 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for UNH.

UnitedHealth Risk Analysis

UnitedHealth disclosed 20 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. UnitedHealth reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

UnitedHealth Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$33.07B21.109.03%1.26%9.88%-7.25%
73
Outperform
$83.09B18.285.95%3.99%6.27%-36.28%
73
Outperform
$74.87B15.3212.31%2.03%20.93%43.98%
71
Outperform
$65.86B12.4512.48%2.26%10.21%-17.79%
68
Neutral
$236.90B11.3323.14%3.13%9.98%52.31%
58
Neutral
$12.85B6.477.50%12.96%-23.25%
51
Neutral
$7.44B-0.20-46.33%2.27%23.01%-2.29%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
UNH
UnitedHealth
271.49
-297.38
-52.28%
CNC
Centene
26.93
-51.58
-65.70%
CI
Cigna
290.35
-40.43
-12.22%
CVS
CVS Health
66.73
11.69
21.24%
HUM
Humana
281.34
-71.19
-20.19%
ELV
Elevance Health
295.43
-237.87
-44.60%

UnitedHealth Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
UnitedHealth Appoints Wayne DeVeydt as New CFO
Neutral
Jul 31, 2025

On July 31, 2025, UnitedHealth Group announced the appointment of Wayne S. DeVeydt as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 2, 2025. DeVeydt, with extensive experience in the health care sector, will succeed John F. Rex, who will transition to a strategic advisory role. This leadership change is part of UnitedHealth’s ongoing strategy to enhance its operational efficiency and growth, reflecting its commitment to maintaining a strong leadership team to navigate the evolving health care landscape.

The most recent analyst rating on (UNH) stock is a Buy with a $399.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on UnitedHealth stock, see the UNH Stock Forecast page.

Legal ProceedingsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
UnitedHealth Cooperates with DOJ on Medicare Inquiry
Neutral
Jul 24, 2025

UnitedHealth Group has initiated cooperation with the Department of Justice following media reports about investigations into its Medicare program participation. The company has begun complying with formal requests and maintains confidence in its practices, supported by independent audits and a court-appointed Special Master’s findings. To ensure transparency and stakeholder confidence, UnitedHealth has launched third-party reviews of its policies and practices, reinforcing its commitment to integrity and effective stewardship of American tax dollars.

The most recent analyst rating on (UNH) stock is a Buy with a $643.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on UnitedHealth stock, see the UNH Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
UnitedHealth Sells $3 Billion in Notes
Neutral
Jun 20, 2025

On June 17, 2025, UnitedHealth Group agreed to sell various notes totaling $3 billion, with maturities ranging from 2028 to 2055, as part of an underwriting agreement with several major financial institutions. The issuance of these notes, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, is expected to impact the company’s financial strategy and market positioning by potentially enhancing liquidity and funding future operations.

The most recent analyst rating on (UNH) stock is a Buy with a $647.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on UnitedHealth stock, see the UNH Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
UnitedHealth Cancels Stock Units for Former CEO
Neutral
Jun 4, 2025

On June 2, 2025, UnitedHealth Group’s Board of Directors canceled performance-based restricted stock units for former CEO Andrew Witty following his retirement. During the same day, the company held its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, where nine directors were elected, executive compensation was approved, Deloitte & Touche LLP’s appointment was ratified, and a shareholder proposal on golden parachutes was rejected.

The most recent analyst rating on (UNH) stock is a Buy with a $647.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on UnitedHealth stock, see the UNH Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
UnitedHealth Board Accepts Andrew Witty’s Resignation
Neutral
May 21, 2025

On May 20, 2025, UnitedHealth Group’s Board of Directors accepted the resignation of Andrew Witty as a director, effective immediately. Consequently, Mr. Witty will not seek re-election at the upcoming annual shareholder meeting on June 2, 2025.

The most recent analyst rating on (UNH) stock is a Buy with a $647.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on UnitedHealth stock, see the UNH Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
UnitedHealth CEO Transition Amid Financial Uncertainty
Negative
May 14, 2025

On May 12, 2025, UnitedHealth Group announced that CEO Andrew Witty would step down, with Steve Hemsley taking over as CEO while continuing as Board Chair. The company also suspended its 2025 outlook due to higher-than-expected medical expenditures, with plans to return to growth in 2026.

The most recent analyst rating on (UNH) stock is a Buy with a $647.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on UnitedHealth stock, see the UNH Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jul 31, 2025