After 30% Slide, is UNH Stock a Buy? Use the 3-Day Rule to Decide

Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group's shares have experienced a significant decline of over 30% in a few days, now trading more than 60% below their all-time highs due to a criminal investigation for possible Medicare fraud [1] Valuation and Investment Opportunity - UnitedHealth is currently trading at a forward earnings multiple of 10.5x, which is a substantial discount compared to its 10-year median of 19.1x [6] - Analysts project an annual EPS growth of 12.2% over the next three to five years, resulting in a PEG ratio below 1, indicating potential undervaluation based on growth [6] - For long-term investors, the current drop may present a buying opportunity, especially as the stock has reached the three-day mark post-selloff [8] Market Sentiment and Analyst Ratings - UnitedHealth holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), reflecting negative earnings estimate revisions and cautious sentiment among analysts, suggesting that caution is still warranted [9] - Traders and short-term investors may prefer to wait for further stabilization or an upgrade in Zacks Rank before making investment decisions [9] Alternative Investment Options - The Progressive (PGR) is highlighted as a strong alternative, benefiting from robust underwriting and pricing power, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [10][11] - HCI Group (HCI), a smaller but rapidly growing insurer focused on homeowners' insurance, also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and is demonstrating strong price momentum [12]