UnitedHealth Group's stock rose over 1.4% during trading on May 22, poised to end a six-session losing streak. The rebound was primarily driven by a positive signal from UBS Group, which significantly increased its price target for the company.
In a research report issued on May 22, UBS analyst A.J. Rice raised UnitedHealth's target price from $410 to $460, while maintaining a "Buy" rating. UBS noted that managed care organizations have raised their performance guidance following first-quarter results that generally exceeded expectations, benefiting from favorable respiratory trends and seasonal cost patterns. Additionally, improvements in Medicare Advantage rates and moderately better-than-expected performance in Medicaid operations have bolstered market confidence in a margin recovery.
It is worth noting that the primary pressure behind UnitedHealth's six-day decline stemmed from Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway liquidating its entire position in the company during the first quarter. According to SEC filings, Berkshire sold all of its 3.3 million shares of UnitedHealth stock, which initially sparked concerns about the company's fundamentals.
However, earnings data indicate that the company's fundamentals remain robust. UnitedHealth reported first-quarter revenue of $111.65 billion, a 2% year-over-year increase, and earnings per share of $7.23, both exceeding market expectations. The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 earnings per share guidance of approximately $18.25. Currently, Wall Street's consensus rating for the stock is a moderate "Buy," with an average price target of around $385.39.
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