UNH's Q3 earnings beat couldn't stop a 9.6% stock slide as rising medical costs and margin strain test investor patience.
UnitedHealth (UNH) shares have dropped 10% over the last week and are presently trading at $330.83. We believe there are only a few aspects to be wary of in UNH stock, considering its overall Moderate operating performance and financial health.
UnitedHealth Group is showing solid signs of stabilization after July's capitulation, with Berkshire's investment boosting sentiments and a resilient Q3 performance lending a calming influence. UNH's medical cost ratio improvement and double-digit earnings growth expected by 2027 underpin a positive long-term outlook, despite current margin pressures. Valuation has rebounded near its 10-year average, suggesting near-term consolidation, but 2027 EPS forecasts indicate the opportunity for long-term holders is still nascent.
UnitedHealth Group remains a buy, supported by recent super-investor accumulation and their holding price. Super-investors, including Berkshire Hathaway and Michael Burry, currently hold UNH shares at $323, or 19.8x FWD P/E. Given the business updates provided in the company's Q3 ER, my risk calculus shows a very skewed risk/return profile at this holding P/E.
UnitedHealth's Q3 earnings surpassed expectations, breaking a missing streak and signaling a potential operational turnaround under new leadership. UNH's new management, led by returning CEO Stephen Hemsley, is focusing on profitability, cost control, and margin improvement through operational turnaround. Despite anticipated Medicare Advantage membership contraction, strategic repricing and AI investments are poised to enhance future profitability and demand.
United Health (UNH) has rebounded from its lows but remains well below previous highs, attracting value investors seeking mean reversion. Q3 earnings beat expectations modestly, with adjusted EPS and revenue up, but growth is driven by higher premiums, not organic expansion. Net margins have declined, and medical cost ratios remain high, raising concerns about sustainable profitability despite raised guidance.
UnitedHealth Group's (UNH) stock hasn't received the post-earnings rally that investors may have hoped for, but the medical giant was able to provide subtle signs that its operations are stabilizing.
UnitedHealth and CVS are pruning their Medicare Advantage businesses to favor profit over size
UNH posts mixed Q3 results with a revenue miss but lifts its 2025 EPS outlook, boosting interest in healthcare ETFs like IHF and XLV.
If UnitedHealth Group's NYSE: UNH stock price implosion was driven by margin, earnings, and capital return concerns, the Q3 results put them to rest.
UnitedHealth Group has outperformed the S&P 500 since my previous Buy and Strong Buy ratings, delivering 33% and 41% total returns. Following Q3 FY2025 earnings review, UNH remains the most expensive among peers ELV, CNC, and MOH based on valuation multiples. Despite strong long-term fundamentals, current risks include elevated medical costs, potential for lower earnings, and risk of multiple compression.
UnitedHealth Group says tech investments are key to its ongoing turnaround strategy. The insurer announced quarterly earnings Tuesday (Oct. 28) showing consolidated revenues of $113.2 billion, a 12% increase year over year.