UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is included among the 12 Best DOW Stocks to Buy in 2026. UnitedHealth (UNH) Poised to Benefit as Investor Focus Shifts Away From AI, Says Barclays On January 5, Barclays analyst Andrew Mok raised his price target on UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) to $391 from $386 and kept an Overweight rating. The firm expects managed care stocks to benefit in 2026 as margins recover and investor attention shifts away from artificial intelligence names toward stocks ...

ClearBridge Investments, an investment management company, released its “ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Strategy” fourth-quarter 2025 investor letter. The investment philosophy of the strategy is to invest in leading companies that are undervalued by the market in terms of their future growth potential. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Large-cap stocks continued their strength in the quarter, driven by strong earnings growth from mega-cap companies and enthusiasm over generative AI. The ClearBridg ...

Sustainable Growth Advisers (SGA), an investment management company, released its third-quarter investor letter for its “Global Growth Strategy.” A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The portfolio returned -2.3% (Gross) and -2.5% (Net) in the third quarter, compared to a 7.6% return for the MSCI ACWI and a 9.0% return for the MSCI ACWI Growth. The index returns were fueled by enthusiasm for AI, whereas factors aligned with SGA’s strategy, like quality and sales stability, lagged. SGA’s investment ob ...

This story was originally published on Healthcare Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Healthcare Dive newsletter. Name: Krista Nelson Previous title: Chief operating officer, Optum Health New title: Chief executive officer, Optum Health Optum Health, the care delivery arm of UnitedHealth, has tapped Krista Nelson as its new CEO effective immediately. Nelson announced the C-suite reshuffling via LinkedIn last week. The executive has worked for UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHeal ...

Core Insights - Michael Burry has liquidated his position in UnitedHealth Group, selling 350,000 call options valued at approximately $109 million [1][2][4] - UnitedHealth shares have dropped 36% year-to-date, making it one of the worst performers in the Dow Jones Industrial Average [2][4] - The company is facing challenges from rising medical costs and regulatory scrutiny, impacting its profitability [2][7] Company Overview - UnitedHealth Group has a market capitalization of $300 billion and operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx [5] - The company reported adjusted earnings of $2.92 per share in Q3 2025, exceeding estimates, with a 12% year-over-year sales growth to $113 billion [6] - The medical care ratio has declined to 89.9% from 85.2% over the last 12 months, indicating some improvement in cost management [6] Financial Performance - UnitedHealth's stock is down nearly 50% from its all-time highs, offering a forward yield of nearly 3%, appealing to value and income investors [6] - Management is implementing extensive measures to restore profitability after facing mispricing issues that led to elevated medical cost trends throughout 2025 [7] - The Medicare Advantage business is experiencing a full-year trend of approximately 7.5%, while Medicare Supplement products are exceeding 11% [7]

Core Insights - Bretton Fund achieved an 8.21% return in Q3 2025, outperforming the S&P 500 Index which returned 8.12% [1] - UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is highlighted as a significant holding, with a one-month return of -4.29% and a 52-week loss of 39.26% [2][4] - The stock closed at $344.75 on October 30, 2025, with a market capitalization of $312.288 billion [2] Company Performance - UnitedHealth Group reported revenues exceeding $113 billion in Q3 2025, reflecting a 12% year-over-year growth driven by the expansion of domestic memberships [4] - The company experienced a significant stock decline, falling over 60% from its November 2024 high before a slight rebound, contributing 0.9% to the Bretton Fund [3] Investor Sentiment - The appointment of a new CEO and Berkshire Hathaway's initiation of a position in UnitedHealth Group have positively influenced investor sentiment [3] - UnitedHealth Group is ranked 18th among the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds, with 159 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q2 2025, up from 139 in the previous quarter [4]

Core Insights - UnitedHealth reported strong Q3 earnings, exceeding market expectations and raising its guidance, indicating a potential recovery from previous lows [3][4][11] - The company’s revenue and profit growth signals a positive trend, with a 12% year-over-year revenue increase and a 4% increase in earnings per share [4][9] - Despite recent stock price recovery, UnitedHealth has significant upside potential in the coming years if operational improvements and customer growth continue [11][12] Financial Performance - Q3 revenue reached $113.161 billion, up from $100.820 billion in the same quarter last year, with a notable 16% increase in the UnitedHealthcare insurance segment [8] - The insurance segment's operating profit fell sharply from $4.2 billion to $1.8 billion, reflecting a profit margin drop from 5% to just over 2% [6][8] - Optum's revenue grew by approximately 8%, with OptumRx generating nearly $40 billion in revenue, a 16% increase year-over-year [5][8] Business Segments - The UnitedHealthcare insurance segment saw a 16% revenue increase, driven by pricing adjustments and a 1.5% increase in customer numbers [4][5] - The Medicare & Retirement segment experienced a significant 24% growth, contributing to the majority of new customers [5] - Optum Health's revenue remained flat at around $25 billion, indicating challenges in that segment [5][6] Profitability Challenges - The overall profit decline is attributed to rising medical costs, which increased by $14 billion, significantly impacting profit margins [8][9] - Management cited unfavorable cost trends and Medicare funding cuts as key factors for the profit pressure [7][9] - Despite the profit challenges, the company raised its adjusted EPS guidance for the year to at least $16.25, slightly above market consensus [9][10] Future Outlook - Analysts predict a significant recovery in profits over the next few years, with EPS expected to reach $26 by 2028 and $32 by 2029 [12] - If UnitedHealth can achieve these targets and maintain a P/E ratio of 18, the stock price could potentially rise to around $580 by 2029, representing a 55% increase from current levels [12] - The current dividend yield stands at 2.4%, adding to the overall attractiveness of the investment [12]

Core Insights - UnitedHealth Group raised its annual profit forecast and aims for growth in 2026 and beyond, indicating positive momentum under new CEO Stephen Hemsley [1][3] - The company plans to provide a detailed 2026 forecast in January, with expectations for durable and accelerating growth [1] - Despite optimism, UnitedHealth shares remained flat on the announcement day [1] Financial Performance - UnitedHealth now projects 2025 adjusted profit of at least $16.25 per share, an increase from the previous forecast of $16.00, surpassing analysts' expectations of $16.20 [5] - Analysts anticipate a 2026 profit of $17.59 per share [6] Operational Challenges - Recovery in the Medicaid business is expected to be challenging due to a mismatch between payment rates and medical service costs, likely extending into the next year [2] - Behavioral health, specialty drugs, and home-health services have contributed to higher costs in Medicaid plans during the third quarter [4] Management Strategy - CEO Hemsley is focused on regaining investor and consumer trust following a difficult period for the company, which included various challenges [3] - The new Chief Financial Officer Wayne Devedyt indicated plans to reduce clinical service locations through Optum Health to improve profitability [6] - Shifting to plans with a narrower network of doctors is expected to help recover profit margins for the Optum Health unit [7]

Core Insights - UnitedHealth Group reported $113.16 billion in revenue for Q3 2025, a year-over-year increase of 12.2%, but a slight miss of -0.17% compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $113.36 billion [1] - The EPS for the quarter was $2.92, down from $7.15 a year ago, but exceeded the consensus estimate of $2.75 by +6.18% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Medical Care Ratio was reported at 89.9%, better than the seven-analyst average estimate of 90.9% [4] - Total people served in the Commercial Domestic Risk-based category was 8.44 million, slightly below the five-analyst average estimate of 8.45 million [4] - Total revenues from Investment and other income were $1.13 billion, exceeding the eight-analyst average estimate of $1.09 billion, but reflecting a year-over-year decline of -31.1% [4] - Revenues from Products were $13.3 billion, compared to the $13.8 billion average estimate, marking a +5.3% year-over-year change [4] - Revenues from Services reached $9.75 billion, surpassing the eight-analyst average estimate of $9.31 billion, with a year-over-year increase of +7.1% [4] - Premium revenues were $88.98 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $89.18 billion, with a year-over-year increase of +14.9% [4] - Revenues from Optum Rx were $39.68 billion, exceeding the estimated $38.58 billion, representing a +16% year-over-year change [4] - Total revenues from UnitedHealthcare were $87.07 billion, slightly above the six-analyst average estimate of $87.02 billion, with a year-over-year increase of +16.3% [4] Stock Performance - UnitedHealth shares returned +6% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3.6% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.92, slightly ahead of expectations [28] - Revenues exceeded $113 billion, reflecting a 12% year-over-year growth, driven by domestic membership expansion of over 780,000 lives year to date [29] - The medical care ratio was 89.9% in the quarter, compared to 85.2% in the same quarter last year, with the full year trending toward the lower end of projections [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - UnitedHealthcare's medical cost trends remain historically high but consistent with second quarter guidance, expected to continue throughout 2025 [10] - Medicare Advantage is forecasted to have a full-year 2025 trend of approximately 7.5%, consistent with previous expectations [11] - Optum Health's performance was in line with expectations, reflecting natural seasonality and pull forward of some investments [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects membership contraction of approximately 1 million in total Medicare Advantage, including individual and group markets [12] - In the ACA markets, average rate increases of over 25% have been submitted in nearly all participating states, likely reducing ACA enrollment by approximately two-thirds [14] - Medicaid funding levels are not sufficient to cover health needs, with expectations of continued challenges through 2026 [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on returning to consistent enterprise-wide performance levels and is committed to value-based care [7][9] - Actions are being taken to narrow networks and emphasize appropriately aligned physicians and services [8] - The company plans to balance earnings growth ambitions in 2026 with investments for sustainable double-digit growth beginning in 2027 [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in returning to solid earnings growth next year, despite external challenges such as Medicare cuts and Medicaid funding pressures [8][9] - The company anticipates 2026 to be a transition year, with a focus on operational rigor and prudent pricing [17] - Management is optimistic about the long-term growth potential of Medicare Advantage, despite current pressures [62] Other Important Information - The company is investing more than $450 million in employee incentives and contributions to the UnitedHealth Foundation [30] - The debt-to-capital ratio remains stable at 44.1%, with expectations to trend closer to 40% in the second half of 2026 [31] - The company is accelerating investments in AI applications to improve enterprise performance [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on sub-businesses in Optum Health - The revenue breakdown is 65% value-based care, 15% care delivery fee-for-service, and 20% payer employer services, with two-thirds of VBC serving UnitedHealthcare [40][42] Question: Competitive position of Optum Insight - Optum's competitive position is strong, with a focus on AI-first products and modernization of existing services [46][50] Question: Membership declines in Medicare Advantage - The company expects approximately 1 million membership contractions in 2026, with a disciplined approach to pricing impacting both group and individual markets [60][62] Question: Medical cost trends in the employer market - Medical cost trends are approximately 11%, with employers evaluating various strategies for 2026 [93]