đ UnitedHealth (UNH) Just Got a Major Price Target Boost From Top Analyst
Wall Street's bullish case for UnitedHealth just got louder.
### The Upgrade That's Turning Heads
A top analyst just slapped a hefty price target hike on UNHâsignaling confidence that the healthcare giant's stock has room to run. No specifics on the new target, but the move suggests big institutional money sees upside ahead.
### Why Analysts Are Doubling Down
UnitedHealth's diversified modelâinsurance, Optum, data analyticsâkeeps printing cash despite regulatory noise. The stock's resilience makes it a darling for defensive portfolios, even if critics call it 'too big to care.'
### The Bottom Line
Another day, another analyst chasing momentum. But in a sector riddled with uncertainty, UNH remains the closest thing to a sure betâunless you think healthcare costs might suddenly drop. (Spoiler: they won't.)
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Whatâs Behind the Bullish Call?
Gillâs updated outlook comes after a recent meeting with UnitedHealthâs management. Following that conversation, she revised her forecasts and raised the price target on the stock.
One key area of concern has been UnitedHealthâs Medicare Advantage business, which has come under pressure due to a rise in care activityâmainly from physician visits and outpatient services. This surge has driven up costs for the company. In the first quarter, medical expenses came in well above expectations, weighing on its financial performance. In response, UnitedHealth now plans to focus on improving profits from its current plan offerings, rather than expanding membership.
Looking ahead, Gill expects slower Medicare Advantage enrollment growth in 2025 and 2026. She believes UnitedHealth may take a more cautious approach by narrowing its plan offerings and possibly exiting unprofitable plans by 2026.
Even with these challenges, Gill sees room for the stock to recover. If UnitedHealth can achieve the lower end of its 3%â5% margin target in the Medicare Advantage segment, its earnings could come in above current market expectations.
Overall, Gillâs Buy rating shows sheâs confident that UnitedHealth can work through its current issues and improve its profits over time.
Is UNH Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Overall, Wall Street has a Moderate Buy consensus rating on UnitedHealth stock based on 18 Buys, seven Holds, and one Sell recommendation. The average UNH stock price target of $367.68 implies about 20% upside potential from current levels.