UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. The Optum Health segment provides care delivery, care management, wellness and consumer engagement, and health financial services patients, consumers, care delivery systems, providers, employers, payers, and public-sector entities. The Optum Insight segment offers software and information products, advisory consulting arrangements, and managed services outsourcing contracts to hospital systems, physicians, health plans, governments, life sciences companies, and other organizations. The Optum Rx segment provides pharmacy care services and programs, including retail network contracting, home delivery, specialty and community health pharmacy services, infusion, and purchasing and clinical capabilities, as well as develops programs in the areas of step therapy, formulary management, drug adherence, and disease/drug therapy management. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated was founded in 1974 and is based in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

UnitedHealth looks like a large and profitable business, but the current valuation already reflects a significant portion of its quality, and some metrics point to pressure on margins and liquidity. A P/E ratio of 24.99 is above the industry median, which makes the stock not cheap for the current earnings growth rate, although P/S and P/FCF look noticeably below industry benchmarks and partially offset this. The dynamics of P/E and P/B over recent quarters have been volatile, while P/FCF and P/S generally remain moderate, suggesting that the market is not pricing in an extreme premium, but is also not offering a clear discount across all metrics at once. Profitability remains weaker than the industry: ROE, ROA, and ROI are below median values, and net, operating, and gross margins also lag the sector, with a noticeable deterioration year over year compared with the stronger levels seen in mid-2025. This is an important negative for the valuation, because despite massive revenue, the company earns relatively thin margins, and any pressure on medical costs or reimbursement could quickly affect profits. On the other hand, the absolute scale of the business is very strong: revenue, EBITDA, operating income, and net income remain large and positive, and shareholders’ equity is high and stable. Debt load is moderate on a D/E basis, but debt is still above a comfortable level for a company with low liquidity, while the current ratio is below 1 and the quick ratio is zero, indicating a weak short-term buffer. Dividend yield has fallen to zero, so shareholders do not receive additional support through capital distributions. A positive factor is that EPS and forward EPS are high, and cash flow looks better than earnings on a multiple basis, supporting underlying fundamental resilience. However, taken together, the picture is rather neutral to negative for a re-rating: the business is high-quality and large-scale, but profitability and liquidity do not justify a premium earnings multiple. For an investor, this means there is upside potential, but it should be more restrained than in a case of strong margin improvement or debt reduction. Therefore, it is reasonable to slightly reduce the initial price target while still recognizing the company’s strong operating base.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, significantly down. The bulls are confused.

Сильный индекс, незначительно упал. Рынок не поддерживает быков.

Strong index, slightly down. The market does not support the bulls.

Средний индекс, незначительно вырос. Отток средств из лонгов снизился, но остается значительным.

Medium index, slightly up. The outflow of funds from longs has decreased, but remains significant.

UNH remains large-scale and profitable, but weak liquidity, margin pressure, and a premium P/E limit revaluation potential.

Centene Corporation CNC is reshaping its Medicare Advantage (“MA”) business by simplifying its plan footprint and placing greater emphasis on dual-eligible members. The strategy aims to improve the quality of its MA portfolio while better aligning resources with markets and member groups where CNC has an established healthcare presence.
The broader Medicare segment also showed improving economics. The segment’s health benefits ratio improved to 89.5% in the second quarter of 2026 from 90.9% a year ago, reflecting fundamental outperformance in both Medicare Advantage and PDP, along with favorable Medicare programmatic items and the absence of a 2026 premium deficiency reserve for MA. MA, which accounts for more than 40% of Medicare segment revenues in the second quarter of 2026, is moving closer to breakeven for full-year 2026. D-SNP members now account for about 40% of CNC’s MA portfolio.
For 2027, Centene plans to further simplify its MA footprint and focus its benefits on dual-eligible members, using its Medicaid experience to support more integrated care. This targeted approach could also reduce complexity and improve operating efficiency across the business.
The margin recovery path still depends on medical-cost control and Stars execution. Medical costs remain elevated versus historical levels, while changes in Stars methodology and higher cut points could pressure reimbursement. Even so, portfolio optimization, SG&A management and a greater focus on duals could support CNC’s target of achieving breakeven or better Medicare Advantage results in 2027, followed by further margin improvement.
How Are Competitors Faring?
Some of CNC’s major competitors in the healthcare service provider space are UnitedHealth Group Incorporated UNH and Elevance Health, Inc. ELV.
UnitedHealth Group is prioritizing Medicare Advantage margin recovery over membership growth, using repricing, benefit redesign and market exits to counter elevated medical costs and funding pressure. UNH’s medical care ratio improved to 86.7% in the second quarter of 2026 from 89.4% a year ago.
Elevance Health is taking a more selective approach to Medicare Advantage, accepting membership declines while repositioning the business for sustainable returns. Higher medical costs remain a pressure point, though pricing discipline and Carelon-led cost management could strengthen future profitability.
Centene’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Shares of CNC have surged 59% in the year-to-date period compared with the industry’s growth of 20.3%.
From a valuation standpoint, Centene trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 12.57, below the industry average of 15.80. CNC carries a Value Score of A.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Centene’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $4.89 per share, implying 135.1% growth from the year-ago period.
CNC stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days
Just released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops."
Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.9% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention.
See them now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Can Centene's Medicare Advantage Strategy Unlock Better Margins?

In early trading on Friday, shares of Honeywell International topped the list of the day's best performing Dow Jones Industrial Average components, trading up 7.5%. Year to date, Honeywell International registers a 42.2% gain.
And the worst performing Dow component thus far on the day is Amgen, trading down 0.1%. Amgen Inc is showing a gain of 16.7% looking at the year to date performance.
Two other components making moves today are UnitedHealth Group, trading flat on the day, and Cisco Systems, trading up 2.1% on the day.
VIDEO: Dow Movers: AMGN, HONIV

Dow Movers: AMGN, HONIV

Key Points
To brace against market pullbacks, add some defensive stocks or funds to your mix.
Defensive industries include healthcare, utilities, and consumer staples.
Dividend payers can be great to hold in market downturns, too.
Is a stock market crash imminent? Well, no one knows for sure, but roughly 38% of investors surveyed by the American Association of Individual Investors reported expecting the stock market to decline over the coming six months (as of early September). Another worrisome sign is the S&P 500's historically high valuation. The cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings (CAPE) ratio was recently at 41.4, far higher than its long-term average of 17.4 and close to an all-time high of 44 reached in 1999 before the dot-com bubble turned into a crash.
It's generally not smart to jump out of the market fearing a crash -- because that's market timing -- and your timing may well be off. Instead, to calm your jitters, you might just invest in some exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that are built to withstand bear markets better than average investments.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
A market crash or correction will happen one of these days. Here are some ETFs to consider, to brace against that. Each is focused on a "defensive" part of the economy -- on businesses that consumers will generally keep buying from, no matter how the economy is doing.
Vanguard Health Care Index Fund ETF
The Vanguard Health Care Index Fund ETF (NYSEMKT: VHT) is a prime example. In a recession, people will still need healthcare -- they will still buy their medications (to the degree that they're able to) and will still visit doctors. This fund recently held 417 stocks, with top holdings including Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and UnitedHealth Group. Its annual fee is just 0.09%, costing you $9 annually for every $10,000 you have invested in the fund, and its dividend yield was recently 1.5%.
State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF
The State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSEMKT: XLU) also has a low annual fee -- just 0.08% -- and its dividend yield was recently 2.8%. It's focused on utility-related companies, such as NextEra Energy, Southern Co., and Duke Energy, and it recently held about 31 of them. When the economy flags, people and businesses will still need to keep the lights on.
Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares
The Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (NYSEMKT: VDC) specializes in consumer staples companies, recently holding 103 of them, such as Walmart, Procter & Gamble, and Coca-Cola. Its annual fee is 0.09%, and its recent dividend yield 2.1%. Clearly, no matter whether the economy is up or down, gobs of people will want to keep buying shampoo, soda, and items from Walmart.
Schwab U.S. REIT ETF
The Schwab U.S. REIT ETF (NYSEMKT: SCHH) is another defensive ETF, in that it holds many real estate investment trusts (REITs) -- companies that buy properties and lease them out. These are typically multiyear leases, if not multidecade, so that income is likely to keep rolling to the REITS. The ETF's annual fee is just 0.07%, and its recent dividend yield 2.8%. Its recent 117 holdings included Prologis, American Tower, and Realty Income.
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF
A solid dividend-focused ETF such as the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEMKT: SCHD) is also worth considering. (There are other good dividend ETFs, too, of course.) Why? Because dividend-paying companies tend to be established and profitable, with relatively dependable income. So they're more solid than the average stock. This ETF has an ultra-low annual fee of 0.06% and a recent dividend yield of 3%. Its top holdings (out of 98) recently included Merck, Chevron, and Verizon Communications.
Dividend income is particularly nice during recessions because while some stocks may be stagnating, healthy dividend payers will keep delivering cash to shareholders.
Whether the stock market pulls back this year, next year, or the year after, these ETFs will likely keep growing -- and delivering a little income regularly, too. Take a closer look at any of these funds that intrigue you.
Should you buy stock in Vanguard World Fund - Vanguard Health Care ETF right now?
Before you buy stock in Vanguard World Fund - Vanguard Health Care ETF, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Vanguard World Fund - Vanguard Health Care ETF wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $410,024!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,372,815!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 950% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 211% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 10, 2026.
Selena Maranjian has positions in American Tower, NextEra Energy, Procter & Gamble, Realty Income, Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF, and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends American Tower, Chevron, Eli Lilly, Merck, NextEra Energy, Prologis, Realty Income, and Walmart. The Motley Fool recommends Duke Energy, Johnson & Johnson, UnitedHealth Group, and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

These 5 ETFs Are Built for Bear Markets. History Says Now Is a Fantastic Time to Buy.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated’s UNH Optum recently sold an interest in its Florida WellMed clinics to private equity firm TPG and entered a strategic partnership with the firm, according to Bloomberg. The partnership is expected to strengthen clinic operations through added support, technology investments, tools and operating capabilities. The clinics under the deal will remain in Optum’s network and continue serving patients.
Management pointed out that the goal was not to raise cash; CFO Wayne DeVeydt said UnitedHealth wanted a partner that could work with the company locally. TPG’s involvement is also expected to help the Florida business grow faster while UnitedHealth continues its broader turnaround over time. Optum acquired WellMed back in 2011.
Florida remains an active growth market, with UnitedHealth opening about 15 clinics there each year. TPG adds local focus and investment capacity at a time when Optum is trying to improve clinic performance and expand. The partnership therefore links two priorities: repairing profitability and supporting growth without slowing the wider turnaround currently underway across UnitedHealth. TPG also acquired Optum UK, another UnitedHealth subsidiary, earlier in 2026.
Optum Health is still recovering from a difficult 2025, when higher medical costs and federal payment pressure pushed operating margins below zero. It generated $102 billion of revenue in 2025, down 3% year over year. Management now expects margins of about 2% in 2026, followed by roughly 4% in 2027 and 6% in 2028, backed by quicker program rollouts.
UNH is actively focusing on lowering its medical care ratio (MCR) through cost management, pricing discipline and benefit design changes. Its second quarter MCR was 86.7%, which improved 270 bps from the year-ago period.
How are Peers Placed?
Peers like Humana Inc. HUM and Elevance Health, Inc. ELV are both working to improve medical-cost performance, but their second-quarter 2026 ratios did not improve year over year. Humana’s Insurance segment benefit ratio rose to 91.2% from 89.9% in the second quarter of 2025, a 130-basis-point deterioration, though it was in line with management’s guidance. Elevance’s benefit expense ratio increased to 89.7% from 88.9%, worsening 80 basis points as elevated medical costs in its government businesses offset better Individual ACA performance. Both companies are emphasizing pricing, benefit design and medical-cost management, but unlike UnitedHealth’s second-quarter improvement, their reported ratios still show meaningful year-over-year pressure on underwriting profitability.
UnitedHealth’s Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates
Shares of UNH have gained 19.1% in the year-to-date period compared with the industry’s growth of 20.3%.
From a valuation standpoint, UnitedHealth trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.11, up from the industry average of 15.81. UNH carries a Value Score of B.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UnitedHealth’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $19.82 per share, implying a 21.2% improvement from the year-ago period.
The stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

UnitedHealth Reshapes Florida WellMed Operations With TPG Deal

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) is down -0.25% today, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.69%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.12%. E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) are down -0.92%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) are up +0.11%.
Stock indexes are mostly lower today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling to a 5-week low. The broader market is under pressure for a second day amid mounting inflation risks. WTI crude oil prices are up more than +2% today to a 3.25-month high amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East, heightening concerns about energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The surge in energy prices is boosting inflation expectations and pushing bond yields higher. The 10-year T-note yield rose to 4.82% today, the highest in 2.75 years. The higher bond yields are weighing on stocks.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
On the positive side, strength in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks is supporting the Nasdaq 100 index. Energy producers are also climbing today on the strength in crude oil prices.
Also, an escalating trade war between the US and Canada is weighing on market sentiment. On Tuesday, Canada imposed tariffs of 15% to 50% on hundreds of US goods in retaliation for the US action last month to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion of imports from Canada. The US responded by moving to block imports of some Canadian products and slapping new tariffs on others, as well as seeking to bar Canadian companies from selling to US government contractors.
US MBA mortgage applications fell -2.7% in the week ended September 4, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -0.2% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index down -6.2%. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose +6 bp to a 14-month high of 6.85% from 6.79% in the prior week.
Oct WTI crude oil prices (CLV26) are up more than +2% today at a 3.25-month high due to the latest escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. The US destroyed five Iranian tankers carrying crude in response to two attempts by Iran to hit US Navy ships with ballistic missiles. Iran responded by firing missiles at a US air base in Jordan and warning ships in the Persian Gulf that they would be attacked.
The markets are discounting a 64% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on September 15-16.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 fell to a 5-week low and is down -1.61%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.28%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average closed down -0.19%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ6) are down by -3 ticks today. The 10-year T-note yield is up +0.8 bp to 4.810%. T-notes fell to a 2.75-year nearest-futures low today, and the 10-year T-note yield rose to a 2.75-year high of 4.816%. T-notes are under pressure from higher crude oil prices, which are boosting inflation expectations, as WTI crude oil is up more than +2% to a 3.25-month high. Supply pressures are also weighing on T-note prices as the Treasury will auction $39 billion in 10-year T-notes later today.
European government bond yields are moving higher today. The 10-year German bund yield climbed to a new 15-year high of 3.423% and is up +5.0 bp to 3.416%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +5.1 bp to 5.225%.
French July manufacturing production unexpectedly fell -0.8% m/m, weaker than expectations of a +0.4% m/m increase.
Markets are discounting a 100% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on September 10.
US Stock Movers
Weakness in health insurance stocks is weighing on the broader market today. UnitedHealth Group (UNH)is down more than -5% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials, and Centene (CNC) is down more than -4%. Also, Humana (HUM) and Molina Healthcare (MOH) are down more than -3%, and CVS Health Corp (CVS) and Elevance Health (ELV) are down more than -2%. In addition, Cigna Group (CI) is down more than -1%.
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks are moving higher today, a positive factor for the overall market. Marvell Technology (MRVL) is up more than +5% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100. Also, ARM Holdings (ARM) is up more than +4%, and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Micron Technology (MU), and SanDisk (SNDK) are up more than +3%., In addition, Western Digital (WDC) is up more than +2%, and Qualcomm (QCOM) is up more than +1%.
Energy producers and service providers are moving higher today, with WTI crude up more than +2% at a 3.25-month high. APA Corp (APA), Baker Hughes (BKR), Diamondback Energy (FANG), ExxonMobil Holdings (XOM), Halliburton (HAL), Marathon Petroleum (MPC), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), and SLB Ltd (SLB) are up more than +2%, and Chevron (CVX) is up more than +2% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Also, ConocoPhillips (COP) and Devon Energy (DVN) are up more than +1%.
ServiceTitan (TTAN) is down more than -19% after reporting a Q2 EPS loss of -26 cents, a bigger loss than the consensus of -25 cents.
Casy’s General Stores (CASY) is down more than -17% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after reporting a Q1 gross margin of 21.8%, below the consensus of 22.3%.
Chewy (CHWY) is down more than -7% after forecasting a sequential decline in Q3 gross margin, due to a timing shift as certain rebate benefits shifted from the second half of the year into Q2.
Smithfield Foods (SFD) is down more than -6% after cutting its Q3 earnings outlook, citing “continued compression in the industry fresh pork market spread and lower hog prices.”
Booking Holdings (BKNG) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after losing an EU court fight over its takeover of Sweden’s Etraveli Group, when a judge said regulators were right to conclude that the planned buyout threatened fair competition.
Dyne Therapeutics (DYN) is down more than -3% after JPMorgan Chase downgraded the stock to underweight from neutral with a price target of $10.
Chime Financial (CHYM) is up more than +7% after boosting its full-year revenue forecast to $2.76 billion to $2.77 billion from a previous forecast of $2.73 billion to $2.75 billion, stronger than the consensus of $2.74 billion.
Meta Platforms (META) is up more than +5% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after analysts reported positive reviews of the company’s debut of Muse, an AI assistant.
Dell Technologies (DELL) is up more than +5% after Evercore ISI raised its price target on the stock to $650 from $575.
Earnings Reports (9/9/2026)
AeroVironment Inc (AVAV), Chewy Inc (CHWY), Cooper Cos Inc/The (COO), Core & Main Inc (CNM), SailPoint Inc (SAIL), Sunbelt Rentals Holdings Inc (SUNB).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

Stocks Pressured as Inflation Fears Boost Bond Yields

In early trading on Wednesday, shares of Honeywell International topped the list of the day's best performing Dow Jones Industrial Average components, trading up 7.5%. Year to date, Honeywell International registers a 42.2% gain.
And the worst performing Dow component thus far on the day is Alphabet, trading down 2.5%. Alphabet is showing a gain of 5.4% looking at the year to date performance.
Two other components making moves today are UnitedHealth Group, trading down 2.2%, and Chevron trading up 2.4% on the day.
VIDEO: Dow Movers: GOOGL, HONIV

Dow Movers: GOOGL, HONIV

UnitedHealth Group Inc. UNH is making artificial intelligence a bigger part of its strategy to strengthen Optum Insight’s growth. The company plans to invest nearly $1.5 billion in AI-related initiatives in 2026, with about one-third earmarked for software products and platforms. The spending is supporting a broader shift toward an AI-first software and services model, giving Optum Insight an opportunity to develop new revenue streams while improving healthcare workflows.
The strategy is moving beyond experimentation into commercial products. Optum Insight is expanding AI capabilities across autonomous coding, digital prior authorization, real-time payer-provider interfaces and clinical quality and safety tools. Digital prior authorization is showing early traction, with AI achieving a 96% first-pass approval rate while retaining human review for cases that are not approved. These solutions could strengthen Optum Insight’s value proposition as payers and providers seek to reduce administrative costs.
Value Connect offers another example of AI translating into measurable customer benefits. The platform, embedded within provider workflows and electronic health records, has helped early customers achieve a 17% reduction in pharmacy costs. Demonstrated savings could support wider adoption as healthcare organizations increasingly seek technology that delivers measurable financial and clinical benefits.
The underlying business is also gaining momentum. Optum Insight generated $5.4 billion in second-quarter 2026 revenues, while operating earnings increased 13.6% year over year and margin improved to 25.3%. As AI products move toward broader commercialization, the strategy could provide another growth lever. Converting early customer results into wider adoption and recurring revenue will be key to strengthening Optum Insight’s growth trajectory.
How Are Competitors Faring?
Some of UNH’s major competitors in the healthcare service provider space are Humana Inc. HUM and Centene Corporation CNC.
Humana is expanding AI across care management, prior authorization and member engagement to improve efficiency and health outcomes. HUM is also using predictive analytics to identify high-risk members earlier, supporting value-based care while helping manage medical costs and streamline healthcare delivery.
Centene is using AI to strengthen payment integrity and manage rising healthcare costs. CNC’s advanced analytics help detect suspicious claims, identify billing anomalies and improve medical cost management, supporting margins while enhancing oversight across its government-sponsored healthcare programs.
UnitedHealth’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Shares of UNH have gained 41.9% over the past six months compared with the industry’s rise of 41.7%.
From a valuation standpoint, UnitedHealth trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.48, above the industry average of 16.02. UNH carries a Value Score of B.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UnitedHealth’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $19.82 per share, implying 21.2% growth from the year-ago period.
UNH stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Can UnitedHealth's AI Strategy Strengthen Optum Insight's Growth?

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (Symbol: VYM) where we have detected an approximate $515.6 million dollar inflow -- that's a 0.6% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 504,185,997 to 507,339,414). Among the largest underlying components of VYM, in trading today UnitedHealth Group Inc (Symbol: UNH) is down about 3.6%, Procter & Gamble Company (Symbol: PG) is down about 1.6%, and Merck & Co Inc (Symbol: MRK) is lower by about 0.6%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the VYM Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of VYM, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, VYM's low point in its 52 week range is $137.42 per share, with $167.61 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $162.91. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Further VYM Research:

VYM, UNH, PG, MRK: Large Inflows Detected at ETF

Among the underlying components of the S&P 500 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in UnitedHealth Group Inc (Symbol: UNH), where a total of 29,842 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 3.0 million underlying shares. That amounts to about 72.9% of UNH's average daily trading volume over the past month of 4.1 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $415 strike call option expiring September 25, 2026, with 2,871 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 287,100 underlying shares of UNH. Below is a chart showing UNH's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $415 strike highlighted in orange:
Microsoft Corporation (Symbol: MSFT) saw options trading volume of 165,131 contracts, representing approximately 16.5 million underlying shares or approximately 71.8% of MSFT's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 23.0 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $490 strike put option expiring September 09, 2026, with 8,281 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 828,100 underlying shares of MSFT. Below is a chart showing MSFT's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $490 strike highlighted in orange:
And Analog Devices Inc (Symbol: ADI) options are showing a volume of 22,604 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 2.3 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 62.8% of ADI's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 3.6 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $420 strike call option expiring December 18, 2026, with 10,900 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 1.1 million underlying shares of ADI. Below is a chart showing ADI's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $420 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for UNH options, MSFT options, or ADI options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Further UNH Research:

Noteworthy Tuesday Option Activity: UNH, MSFT, ADI

Key Points
UnitedHealth Group surged from April 2026 to July 2026, on strong earnings and improved sentiment about the health insurance company's turnaround efforts.
Even as strategies like increased AI investment may be starting to pay off, concerns about soaring health claims have likely contributed to the stock's pullback since the summer.
Until results say otherwise, assume the bull case remains in motion, and consider making UnitedHealth Group a long-term buy.
Over the past six months, UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) shares have been crushing it, surging by nearly 40% since March 2026. UnitedHealth, once a highflier among healthcare stocks, has benefited from a major shift in investor sentiment.
However, with the health insurance company's shares reversing course since July, the question is whether UnitedHealth Group will resume its upward trajectory or if this recent, disheartening price trend will persist, placing further pressure on the stock.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Strong earnings and turnaround hopes sent UnitedHealth Group surging during mid-2026
Starting with its well-received Q1 earnings release, UnitedHealth Group kicked off an extended rally. Confidence in UnitedHealth Group's turnaround remained a top focus and was key to the stock's surge from $275 to as much as $461.62 between April and July 2026.
Analysts across Wall Street, including those at Goldman Sachs, BofA, and Morgan Stanley, have upgraded the stock, citing improving utilization trends, plus management's commentary that the company's $3 billion investment in artificial intelligence is already paying off two-to-one.
Since hitting new 52-week highs during the summer, UnitedHealth Group shares have once again experienced waning enthusiasm.
The long-term silver lining
Now trading for just under $400 per share, has a "buy the dip" moment emerged? Maybe, maybe not. Worries about fundamentals, not just profit-taking, may be driving the stock's weak post-earnings price action.
Even as favorable utilization trends and cost-cutting measures continue to boost the bottom line, on the Q2 2026 postearnings conference call management discussed how issues like independent dispute resolutions, as well as increased coverage of GLP-1 and anti-inflammatory drugs, remain key concerns when it comes to rising cost trends.
Trading for 18 times estimated 2027 earnings, UnitedHealth appears reasonably priced compared to its historical valuation. Still, if management's AI-driven turnaround pans out and drives expected earnings growth in the mid-to-high teens over the next three years, recent volatility could seem like a hiccup in hindsight. As the company continues to release strong quarterly results, the stock appears to remain a solid long-term buy, even if recent volatility persists in the near-term.
Should you buy stock in UnitedHealth Group right now?
Before you buy stock in UnitedHealth Group, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and UnitedHealth Group wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $421,997!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,413,876!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 978% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 213% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 8, 2026.
Thomas Niel has positions in UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool recommends UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Periodand min./max. price, $	Price change, %		Volatility, %		Volume, $
Periodand min./max. price, $	UNH	Industry	UNH	Industry	Volume, $
Yesterday 375.9 - 391.7	-2.90	6.30	1.72	1.12	2.14B
Week 375.9 - 406.5	-4.52	5.01	3.49	2.57	7.41B
Month 375.9 - 407.3	-6.53	10.30	6.92	6.55	25.07B
3 Months 375.9 - 461.6	-7.32	7.33	13.62	11.53	84.57B
6 Months 256.0 - 461.6	36.33	27.56	27.49	20.25	182.96B
Year 256.0 - 461.6	6.52	27.75	34.48	37.72	414.78B
3 years 234.6 - 630.7	-21.26	35.27	63.94	70.17	1.19T
5 years 234.6 - 630.7	-7.08	86.63	71.96	96.88	1.55T
All time 3.7 - 630.7	5,130.79	100.65	—	—	1.67T

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

Price and volatility history

Risk ratios