Analysts update UnitedHealth stock price after historic free-fall

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street analysts have a bearish outlook on UnitedHealth (NYSE: UNH) stock after a significant 23% drop in shares, although there was a slight rebound due to insider buying signaling confidence [1][2] Group 1: Stock Performance and Leadership Changes - Following the resignation of CEO Andrew Witty on May 13, UnitedHealth's stock experienced a sharp decline, which unsettled investors [1][2] - The stock rebounded slightly, rising 4% to $305.25 in pre-market trading after a 6% gain in the previous session [1] Group 2: Financial Outlook and Analyst Revisions - UnitedHealth suspended its 2025 outlook due to rising medical costs in its Medicare Advantage segment and higher-than-expected care activity [2] - Truist Securities analyst David MacDonald reduced the stock price target from $580 to $360, a 37.9% cut, while maintaining a 'Buy' rating [3] - TD Cowen downgraded UnitedHealth shares from Buy to Hold, cutting its price target from $520 to $308, a 40.8% reduction [4] Group 3: Regulatory and Operational Challenges - A Wall Street Journal report indicated that the Department of Justice is investigating UnitedHealth's Medicare Advantage billing practices, which the company denied receiving formal notice about [3] - Analysts noted that UnitedHealth is facing challenges in recapturing target margins in its UnitedHealthcare and Optum Health segments, exacerbated by the DOJ investigation and operational inefficiencies [5][6]