The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is included among the 14 Best US Stocks to Buy for Long Term. Guggenheim Stays Bullish on Cigna (CI) With Updated $318 Price Target Image by Alexsander-777 from Pixabay On December 2, Guggenheim lifted the firm’s price target on The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) to $318 from $309 and maintained a Buy rating on the stock. In its earnings for the third quarter of 2025, The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) announced that it is addressing some of the biggest challenges in the healthcare industry, an ...

Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group (UNH) shares have experienced a 10% decline recently, currently trading at $330.83, reflecting a moderate operating performance and financial health, leading to a conclusion that the stock is fairly priced [2][3]. Financial Performance - UNH reported a revenue increase of 10% over the past 12 months, rising from $394 billion to $435 billion, with a quarterly revenue growth of 12.2% to $113 billion [10]. - The company's operating income for the last 12 months was $26 billion, resulting in an operating margin of 6.1% [10]. - UNH recorded approximately $18 billion in net income, yielding a net margin of around 4.0% [10]. - The company has a debt of $80 billion, with a current market capitalization of $300 billion, leading to a debt-to-equity ratio of 27.0% [10]. - Cash and cash equivalents amount to $31 billion, constituting a cash-to-assets ratio of 9.7% [10]. Growth and Valuation - The average growth rate for UNH's top line over the last three years is reported at 11.4% [10]. - Despite recent pressures, UNH raised its full-year 2025 earnings outlook, indicating robust growth potential [3]. Market Position and Resilience - UNH has demonstrated greater resilience than the S&P 500 index during various economic downturns, as evidenced by the extent of stock decline and recovery speed [7]. - The stock has shown a significant recovery from past declines, including a complete recovery to pre-crisis peaks after notable drops [11].

Core Viewpoint - The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is considered a cheap stock by analysts, with Wolfe Research lowering its price target from $345 to $325 while maintaining an Outperform rating, indicating potential for investment growth [1][2]. Group 1: Price Target and Valuation - Wolfe Research has revised its price target for The Cigna Group from $345 to $325, reflecting a slight moderation in its forecasts [1]. - The stock is currently valued at approximately 9 times its revised 2026 EPS forecast, suggesting it is undervalued [1]. Group 2: Business Performance and Outlook - The Cigna Group is expected to benefit from margin recovery efforts in its Stop Loss business, indicating a positive outlook for this segment [2]. - The Evernorth division is anticipated to continue delivering solid performance, contributing to the overall strength of The Cigna Group [2]. - The company is viewed as defensively positioned amid current uncertainties in government regulations within the healthcare industry [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - The Cigna Group is a multinational managed healthcare and insurance company, offering products and services under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services, and other subsidiaries [3].

Core Insights - The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is highlighted as a strong investment opportunity within the defensive healthcare dividend stocks category [1] - Recent analyst upgrades from Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo have increased interest in Cigna, with Goldman Sachs initiating coverage with a Buy rating and a price target of $370 [3][4] - Cigna has a consistent track record of dividend increases, having raised its dividend for five consecutive years, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $1.51 per share with a yield of 2.00% [5] Analyst Ratings - Goldman Sachs analyst Scott Fidel initiated coverage of Cigna with a Buy rating, citing a significant downturn in the managed care sector and anticipating a recovery phase starting in 2026, particularly in Medicare Advantage [3] - Wells Fargo raised its price target for Cigna from $340 to $354 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating, reflecting an updated outlook for the sector ahead of Q3 2025 earnings [4] Dividend Performance - Cigna has demonstrated strong appeal to income-focused investors by increasing its dividend for five consecutive years, currently providing a quarterly dividend of $1.51 per share [5]

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) ranks among the best cheap rising stocks to invest in now. UBS maintained its $378 price target and Buy rating on UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) on September 19 as the healthcare giant manages developments in its Medicare Advantage division. UnitedHealth made no adjustments to its second-half cost trends projections across core business lines, with Medicaid and Commercial segments staying in line with earlier statements. With almost 200,000 full mark ...

Group 1 - UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is currently considered a hot stock, with Truist Securities reaffirming its Buy rating and increasing the price target from $310 to $365 on September 9 [1] - The company anticipates that approximately 78% of its membership will be in 4+ Star plans for Payment Year 2027, which is consistent with management's projections and historical trends [2] - UnitedHealth reiterated its goal of achieving at least $16 in adjusted earnings per share for the fiscal year 2025, factoring in the recent acquisition of Amedisys, which may slightly dilute adjusted EPS due to financial expenses and integration costs [3] Group 2 - UnitedHealth Group is a prominent US multinational corporation that provides managed healthcare and insurance services, operating through four main segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx [4]