UnitedHealth Group
NYSE: UNHKey stats
Price chart
About UnitedHealth Group
Health Care
Company profile
- IPO date
- Oct 17, 1984
- Website
- www.unitedhealthgroup.com
Healthcare peers
How UNH compares to other large companies in the same sector.
| Company | Price | Today | Market cap | P/E |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 LLY Eli Lilly and Company | $939.49 | -1.64% | $887.63B | 43.01 |
 JNJ Johnson & Johnson | $238.48 | -1.17% | $574.36B | 21.43 |
 ABBV AbbVie Inc. | $207.96 | -2.09% | $367.80B | 87.03 |
 MRK Merck & Co. | $121.44 | -1.01% | $300.20B | 16.45 |
 PFE Pfizer Inc. | $26.93 | -1.07% | $153.07B | 19.70 |
Wall Street analyst ratings
DollarScout analysis
Editorial, not advice. See our methodology.
Bull case
UnitedHealth Group has a significant competitive advantage due to its integrated healthcare and insurance services. Its subsidiary Optum is a growth engine, leveraging data analytics and pharmacy benefits management to drive efficiencies. The company's sheer scale and market cap of $276.23 billion provide a robust moat against smaller competitors and new entrants. The health insurance sector frequently benefits from steady, recurring revenue streams, making UNH well-positioned even during economic downturns. Its current dividend yield of 2.8657% is appealing for income-focused investors seeking stability in their portfolios. Additionally, a P/E ratio of 22.91 suggests the stock is priced for growth, but not excessively so, leaving room for price appreciation if the company can continue to capitalize on the expanding healthcare market. The low beta of 0.425 indicates less volatility compared to the broader market, a plus for conservative investors.
Bear case
UNH faces significant risks from regulatory changes in healthcare policies, which could impact profit margins if reforms are unfavorable. Price trends are currently bearish, which may suggest underlying investor concerns about short-term performance. Competition remains fierce within the healthcare space, with numerous companies vying for market share through aggressive pricing and innovations. Companies like Anthem and Cigna pose constant competitive threats, which could limit UNH's ability to raise prices. The P/E ratio of 22.91 could be deemed high if earnings growth does not keep up with market expectations, leading to potential valuation corrections. Moreover, regulatory pressures could lead to increased costs, squeezing margins further.
Who should buy UNH
Long-term dividend investors who prioritize stability and are comfortable with gradual growth should consider UNH. It’s well-suited for those seeking exposure to the healthcare sector with a relatively lower risk profile due to its significant market cap and established position. However, investors must be willing to weather short-term market fluctuations and regulatory risks.
Key risks
- Regulatory changes that alter the landscape of health insurance and increase costs. - Rising competition from other healthcare insurers reducing pricing power. - Economic downturns impacting the profitability of employer-sponsored plans. - Potential valuation corrections if earnings do not meet investor expectations.
Where to buy UNH
Open an account with a broker we've reviewed and start trading UnitedHealth Group today.
Want to practice first? Try the free Stock Trading Simulator with $100,000 virtual cash.
Recent UNH news
The federal government is giving this company a major boost.
UnitedHealth faces a temporary margin reset, not a structural impairment, following margin pressure and guidance withdrawal. See why I rate UNH stock a Buy.
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) is rolling out UnitedHealthcare Doula Support nationwide, giving more than 7 million members access to expanded maternal health services. The company is also scaling its AI powered care companion, Avery, with a broader deployment expected to reach over 20 million members. These moves reflect a push into whole person care and digital tools that sit alongside UnitedHealth’s core insurance offerings. For investors tracking NYSE:UNH, the focus has recently been on...
US managed care insurers saw a notable bump to their stock prices this week following news of higher than anticipated Medicare Advantage rates for 2027. Read more here.
Payment boost for 2027 Medicare Advantage plans drives rally, though some analysts warn underlying pressures remain
It’s hard to know what to do when there are so many risks dragging down share prices across one’s portfolio. Whether it’s the war in Iran, the latest Anthropic model that’s crushing tech (again), fears that the Federal Reserve is going to crank up interest rates, or worries that AI is a bubble that’s in ... 2 Hedge‑Fund Favorites That Just Got Too Cheap to Ignore
The stock market had a game-changing week on a still-fragile Iran ceasefire. AI stocks were big winners, buoyed by Amazon and more.
A sudden job loss is always a shock to the bank account. But smart budgeting (and a side gig) can make all the difference.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. DollarScout does not recommend buying or selling any specific security. Stock data may be delayed. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.