Latest news with #UNH
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why UNH Deserves a Spot in Your Dividend Watchlist
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a major health insurer and one of the Best Stocks to Buy for Dividends. A senior healthcare professional giving advice to a patient in a clinic. The company has faced setbacks this year due to billing concerns and rising costs, pushing its stock to multi-year lows. The stock is down by over 40% in 2025, so far. However, despite near-term challenges, the company remains a strong long-term pick. As a key player in controlling healthcare costs, its current issues are likely temporary and may not impact its future performance. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a large-scale company, generating over $400 billion in revenue last year and earning $14 billion in profit. With a payout ratio of just 35%, it has plenty of room to keep up regular dividend payments while still reinvesting in the business or handling economic challenges. The company has also increased its dividend every year since 2011, showing a strong commitment to rewarding shareholders. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) offers a quarterly dividend of $2.21 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.93%, as of June 25. While we acknowledge the potential of UNH as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure. None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Susan Collins Gets Warning from Maine Voters—Poll
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Republican Senator Susan Collins received a warning about the popularity of President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" in Maine as she considers whether to support the legislation—and as she gears up for a potential reelection race in the Democratic-leaning state. Newsweek reached out to Collins' office for comment via email. Why It Matters Collins' seat has proven elusive for Democrats in recent elections. Although Maine consistently leans Democratic on the presidential level, Collins, with a more moderate voting record than other Republicans, has managed to win over independents and moderate Democrats in recent elections. But Democrats are hoping to flip the seat next year, particularly if the national environment favors the party. Historically, the party in the White House loses seats in the midterms. Collins is viewed as one of the Democrats' top targets, as former Vice President Kamala Harris carried the state by about seven points last November. What to Know A University of New Hampshire (UNH) poll found that Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" is unpopular among Mainers, only 30 percent of whom support its passage. Fifty-eight percent, on the other hand, say they do not want to see it become law. The bill includes several provisions that would allow Trump and Republicans to significantly overhaul tax and social policies. Among Maine independents—a crucial voting bloc for Collins—72 percent do not want to see it become law, while 21 percent support the bill. Trump is also increasingly unpopular in the Pine Tree State, according to the poll. Sixty percent of respondents disapproved of him, while 40 percent approved of his job performance. In April, he was viewed positively by 42 percent of Mainers, according to UNH. Senator Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, speaks during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on June 11, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Senator Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, speaks during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on June 11, 2025 in Washington, poll surveyed 846 Maine residents from June 19 to June 23, 2025, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. The bill puts Collins in a "difficult political position," Ronald Schmidt, professor of political science at the University of Southern Maine, told Newsweek. "She has built a base of voters that includes many Independents and some conservative Democrats in the basis of an image of policy independence insofar as the practical needs of Mainers go, and lockstep voting with the president, especially as it regards the needs of seniors, could undermine that image," he said. On the other hand, there are some conservatives—particularly in the more right-leaning Second Congressional district—who could "hold a grudge" against Collins if she bucked Trump on the bill, he said. They aren't likely to vote for a Democrat in the midterms, but could stay home. Collins is a "formidable politician" who has "weathered many storms," Maine Democratic strategist and Bernstein Shur Group managing director David Farmer told Newsweek. However, she has to "walk a fine line between not alienating Republicans and attracting enough support from non-affiliated voters," he said. "My suspicion is that leadership will free her to vote 'no' unless they absolutely need her vote," Farmer said. "That's something we've seen several times before. While some Republicans have been willing to criticize Sen. Collins' votes and positions, they have always come home to her on Election Day. Independents are the much bigger concern for her re-election prospects." Collins thus far has not confirmed how she'll vote on the bill, but has raised concerns about parts of it, particularly about whether it would cut Medicaid. She said in remarks reported by Portland-based news station WMTW in May that she was "still looking at it because it kept changing up until literally the very minute it passed." "I am looking very carefully at the Medicaid provision, and in particular, I've been very concerned about the impact on children, on people with disabilities, on seniors who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, and for low-income families. The House bill tries to thread the needle. I'm not certain that they succeeded, but I'm still looking at the specifics," she said. Congressional Republicans have set a July 4 deadline for the bill's passage, but it has faced roadblocks as lawmakers disagree on key provisions. What People Are Saying Farmer told Newsweek: "The race is a national target, and there will be a tremendous amount of money spent in the state by both sides. Sen. Collins is one of the toughest politicians in the country and will be difficult to beat. But the anti-Trump climate in Maine is strong, and she will have to fight against that headwind. The race is competitive and will get more so as voters are exposed to the chaos of the Trump administration, the policy impacts on Maine and the unwillingness of Congressional Republicans to address his abuses." Collins told reporters in May: "We don't have to pass the same bill that the House passed, and I don't think we should." What Happens Next Collins had not made a formal announcement about her reelection but told CNN in May it is her "inclination to run" and that she is "preparing to do so." On the Democratic side, two candidates have declared their intent to run. David Costello, who ran in 2024 and held several different positions in Maryland, including acting secretary of the state's Department of the Environment, is running again. Jordan Wood, who served as chief of staff to former Representative Katie Porter, a California Democrat, is also running. Governor Janet Mills has also not ruled out running, and some Democrats view her as a stronger candidate than those already in the race with deep ties to the state and having already won statewide.
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
‘Here's What to Expect Next,' Says UBS About UnitedHealth Stock
UnitedHealth (NYSE:UNH) investors have had little to shout about in 2025. The stock has shed 40% of its value year-to-date due to a host of negative developments. Confident Investing Starts Here: A positive early-year narrative began to unravel following underwhelming first-quarter results and a May 13 update, which revealed a CEO transition and the suspension of forward guidance – moves that hinted at deeper structural issues. Chief among the concerns were rising costs tied to Medicare Advantage members at UHC and coding challenges among new Optum enrollees from 2024. The situation deteriorated further when the Wall Street Journal reported that the Department of Justice had launched a Medicare fraud investigation into the company. Against this troubled backdrop, UNH's annual meeting on June 2 brought a potential turning point. Returning CEO Stephen Hemsley announced that the company plans to reinstate its 2025 guidance alongside its Q2 earnings report on July 29, while also cautioning that the new outlook would be 'prudent.' That comment alone sent a signal to Wall Street that the revised forecast could come in well below prior expectations. UBS analyst AJ Rice notes that investors have interpreted Hemsley's tone as a cue to brace for a more conservative guide than the current consensus EPS of $22.50 for 2025. In the days following the meeting, buy-side expectations have drifted lower, with many now anticipating a 2025 EPS closer to $20. Is that a too pessimistic take? Rice isn't sure. 'In our on-going discussions with the company, we do not get affirmation that such an estimate is correct, but we also do not get discouragement that such a number is out of line,' he explained. In light of the uncertainty, Rice has adjusted his model to reflect the $20 EPS view. His revised assumptions include a 50 basis point cut to Medicare Advantage margins (now at 1.5%) and a trim to Optum Health's margin from 5.0% to 4.5%. He also flags potential weakness ahead across the broader risk insurance portfolio. While UNH previously claimed conservative pricing in its commercial book, management has since clarified that this mainly applies to the Exchange business, which has shown weaker enrollment compared to peers. Meanwhile, higher-than-expected costs persist in the core commercial risk book, fueling worries about broader 'mis-pricing' – particularly given the volatility already observed in government-related segments. 'Finally,' Rice concludes, 'we believe the company wants to offer a new 2025 outlook that it can be assured of delivering and, therefore, we expect the number to be even more conservative than normal, when all is said and done.' Accordingly, the analyst has lowered his price target from $400 to $385, still implying a 27% upside over the next 12 months. Despite the trimmed outlook, Rice maintains a Buy rating on the stock. (To watch Rice's track record, click here) His view is largely echoed across the Street. Of the 26 analysts covering UNH stock, 18 rate it a Buy, with 7 Holds and just 1 Sell, resulting in a Moderate Buy consensus. The average price target stands at $361.91, suggesting potential 12-month returns of ~20%. (See UNH stock forecast) To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks' Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks' equity insights.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
JPMorgan Raised the PT on UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Keeps a Buy Rating
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is one of the 10 Best and Cheap Stocks to Buy Now. On June 19, JPMorgan analyst Lisa Gill raised the firm's price target on UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) from $405 to $418, while keeping a Buy rating on the stocks. Analyst Lisa Gill noted that the firm revised its price target after meeting with the management. JPMorgan expects UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) to manage enrollment in Medicare Advantage as it sees the company exiting unprofitable plans in 2026. As a result, the analyst expects lower Medicare Advantage enrollment rates in 2025 and 2026. A senior healthcare professional giving advice to a patient in a clinic. Gill noted that if the company can reach the lower end of its 3% to 5% margin target range in this segment, it will provide a meaningful upside against the current earnings estimate. However, JPMorgan's base case does not expect the company to reach that low-end margin target in 2026, although management has expressed that aspiration. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a healthcare company that provides a range of health insurance and related products. It operates through two main segments including UnitedHealthcare and Optum. While we acknowledge the potential of UNH as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
JPMorgan Raised the PT on UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Keeps a Buy Rating
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is one of the 10 Best and Cheap Stocks to Buy Now. On June 19, JPMorgan analyst Lisa Gill raised the firm's price target on UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) from $405 to $418, while keeping a Buy rating on the stocks. Analyst Lisa Gill noted that the firm revised its price target after meeting with the management. JPMorgan expects UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) to manage enrollment in Medicare Advantage as it sees the company exiting unprofitable plans in 2026. As a result, the analyst expects lower Medicare Advantage enrollment rates in 2025 and 2026. A senior healthcare professional giving advice to a patient in a clinic. Gill noted that if the company can reach the lower end of its 3% to 5% margin target range in this segment, it will provide a meaningful upside against the current earnings estimate. However, JPMorgan's base case does not expect the company to reach that low-end margin target in 2026, although management has expressed that aspiration. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a healthcare company that provides a range of health insurance and related products. It operates through two main segments including UnitedHealthcare and Optum. While we acknowledge the potential of UNH as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
