UnitedHealth Stock (UNH) Faces Divided Analyst Opinions After Q2 Results
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Mizuho and Bernstein Analysts Remain Bullish
Analyst Ann Hynes from Mizuho praised the company's transparency on 2025 and 2026 expectations. She noted that cost pressures are expected to continue, especially in Medicaid and Medicare Advantage, where expenses are rising faster than expected.
The five-star analyst forecasts mid-single-digit growth in 2026 and possibly low double-digit growth in 2027. Overall, she maintained a Buy rating and $350 price target on UnitedHealth stock.
Similarly, analyst Lance Wilkes from Bernstein said the company is working to rebuild investor confidence and reduce uncertainty. He believes UnitedHealth's strong market position will support a return to solid earnings growth, especially as trends in Medicare Advantage pricing and usage improve.
For 2025, he sees EPS guidance between $20 and $21, and for 2026, possibly 15% growth, which could bring the company back to its long-term goal of 13% to 16% annual growth. Wilkes kept a Buy rating and $377 price target on the stock.
BofA Analyst Lowers Price Target for UNH Stock
Analyst Kevin Fischbeck from BofA Securities lowered the price target to $300 from $350 but kept a Hold rating. He noted that the company is focusing on better execution, but believes progress may be slower than expected.
Fischbeck said that UnitedHealth was transparent about its segment margins and challenges, which helps investors understand the business better. However, he remains cautious as the company did not fully confirm its long-term growth target.
Is UNH a Good Buy Right Now?
average UnitedHealth stock price target implies a 30.46% upside potential.
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