UnitedHealth (UNH) Poised to Benefit as Investor Focus Shifts Away From AI, Says Barclays

Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is recognized as one of the best stocks to buy in 2026, with expectations of benefiting from a shift in investor focus away from AI stocks [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Projections - UnitedHealth's share price has declined nearly 35% in 2025 due to higher-than-expected medical costs driven by increased doctor visits and surgeries [3]. - The company suspended its full-year profit forecast after experiencing its first quarterly earnings miss in over a decade, indicating rising uncertainty in its financial outlook [4]. - The adjusted EPS for 2025 is projected to be at least $16.25, and any modestly positive outlook for 2026 may lead to cautious investor sentiment [4]. Group 2: Business Operations - UnitedHealth operates across various segments, including health insurance and health services, with key businesses such as Optum Health, Optum Insight, Optum Rx, and UnitedHealthcare, which serves multiple plan types including employer, individual, Medicare, retirement, and government-sponsored plans [5]. Group 3: Analyst Insights - Barclays analyst Andrew Mok raised the price target for UnitedHealth to $391 from $386, maintaining an Overweight rating, anticipating that managed care stocks will benefit as margins recover [2].