United Health - The ultimate prediction!🚑United Health ( NYSE:UNH ) will bottom now:
🔎Analysis summary:
Over the course of the past fourty years, we always witnessed strong drops on United Health. Each drop was expected though and always followed by new all time highs. Therefore history tells us that we now witnessed a bottom and United Health will rally quite soon.
📝Levels to watch:
$300
SwingTraderPhil
SwingTrading.Simplified. | Investing.Simplified. | #LONGTERMVISION
Unitedhealthgroup
UNH ang its sideway trendAfter a severe and large price correction, now it is time for the correction of time and price, and people who suffered in this correction can easily compensate for their losses with asset management and two or three swings.
People like me who started trading stocks and were active in markets that have seen such corrections many times and have been active for more than a decade know very easily and can compensate for the loss, of course you need to know that with the experience we have gained, I will never allow such an event to happen unless it happens with a price gap.
If you are a stock trader and your portfolio is in loss, contact me so that we can compensate for your loss together.
Stay with me and be profitable
Do you have any questions? Ask me in the comments
Don't forget to introduce me to your friends so that we can all profit together?
What do you have in mind that I should analyze for you? Comment for me.
UNH clean breakoutUNH can crawl back to its trading price above $600 within the next 12 months.
After today's load up based on Buffett's news, FOMO will kick in by September for the rally to stabilize. When levels dictate the outcome, the target is obviously correct.
Next stop is $360, then stabilize, followed by $470 and stabilization, then continue to $600 and longer. The presented weekly chart shows the levels and my target. Thank you Buffett & Burry!
United Health - The perfect time to buy!⛑️United Health ( NYSE:UNH ) finished its massive drop:
🔎Analysis summary:
Over the past couple of months, United Health managed to drop an incredible -60%. This drop however was not unexpected and just the result of a retest of a massive resistance trendline. Considering the confluence of support though, a bullish reversal will emerge quite soon.
📝Levels to watch:
$250
SwingTraderPhil
SwingTrading.Simplified. | Investing.Simplified. | #LONGTERMVISION
UnitedHealth: Deeply oversold but worth a closer lookUnitedHealth (UNH) is the largest private healthcare company in America. Eight million Medicare Advantage members. Optum’s network reaches tens of millions more. It has the data, the reach, and the pricing power. At today’s valuation, it’s worth adding to your watchlist. Forward P/E at 11× versus a five-year average of 14×. Price-to-sales at 0.6×. RSI at levels not seen in decades. Oversold. Under-owned.
Mispriced? Potentially. We must make it very clear that there could be more downside. But upside is also worth considering.
The AI angle is real. UNH’s health data trove is unmatched. AI can strip billions in waste, automating claims, flagging fraud, predicting costly illnesses before they happen. This isn’t science fiction. It’s execution. Done right, it builds margins and widens the moat. Few can play at this scale. UNH can.
Healthcare as a sector trades 20-30% cheaper than the S&P 500. Aging demographics and chronic care demand are long-term tailwinds. A re-rating here could be swift and brutal for anyone short.
Now, the problems. Medical costs are spiking. Medicare Advantage margins are squeezed. Guidance was pulled, and that spooked the market. Leadership turnover added uncertainty.
These are real headwinds. But they’re fixable.
Premium hikes are already being set for 2026. Stephen Hemsley, the architect of UNH’s prior growth, is back. He’s cutting, reviewing, and bringing in outside talent.
Price implications? The market is pricing in permanent damage. That’s why you can buy a market leader at a crisis multiple. If margins recover and AI efficiencies kick in, this stock doesn’t just bounce, it re-rates. The gap from 11× to 14× earnings on UNH’s scale is tens of billions in market cap.
The bear pit is noisy. The bull case is quiet. But it’s there, and it’s strong. Stop losses are important to manage more downside risk.
The forecasts provided herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as guarantees of future performance. This is an example only to enhance a consumer's understanding of the strategy being described above and is not to be taken as Blueberry Markets providing personal advice.
$UNH This Behemoth Is Not Going Anywhere and I am Loading Up United HealthGroup is extremely Appealing to me at these valuations. Health Insurance Is something all people need. I Don't See Medicaid/Medicare Cuts affecting NYSE:UNH To the extent People believe it will. Legislation can be temporary, This Company Produces 20B Plus in Free Cashflow Every single Year Let alone 420B in Revenue its a behemoth controlling more than 30% of American Health Insurance in terms of Market Share. The United States could never afford to socialize Healthcare the way Europe Or Canada does. Social Security/Health/Medicare already eat up 49% Of GDP. The United States is almost dependent on companies Like United Healthgroup to provide its services. This Could almost Give Companies like NYSE:UNH an opportunity to offer plans to gain more customers who before had Government assisted health insurance. While more downside is almost Guaranteed I see nothing more then even better discounts for the long-term. This is not a question of If UNH Can recover its only a question of how long will it take. We are back at Prices Pre Covid-19.
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Possible Reasons for the Major Drops:
The Big Beautiful Bill
DOJ Lawsuits
Rising Medicare Costs
Rising Expenses on Insurers
Swapped CEO Twice
Swapped CFO Once
Lawsuits
Scandals
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NYSE:UNH Fundamentals:
Price To Sales: 0.5x
Price To Earnings:10.3x
Price to Book: 2.2x
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Balance Sheet:
Cash: US$32.02b
Debt: US$104.78b
Total Liabilities: US$203.79b
Total Assets: US$308.57b
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Management Efficiency:
ROE: 21.1%
ROCE: 15.5%
ROA: 8.2%
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Dividend Safety:
Dividend Yield: 3.7%
Payout Ratio: 37% of Profits
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I recently Began Acquiring Shares around the $260 Mark and plan on continuing to load up for the long-term.
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This is not financial Advice, Just what I am doing on my own as an investor. I do not give Buy/Sell/Hold Signals.
UnitedHealth (UNH) Shares Plunge Following Earnings ReportUnitedHealth (UNH) Shares Plunge Following Earnings Report
Yesterday, prior to the opening of the main trading session, UnitedHealth released its quarterly results along with forward guidance. As a result, UNH shares dropped by over 7%, signalling deep disappointment among market participants. According to media reports:
→ Earnings per share came in at $4.08, missing analysts’ expectations of $4.48.
→ Revenue guidance was set at $445.5–448 billion, falling short of the anticipated $449.07 billion.
→ Concerns were further fuelled by rising costs and declining profitability, which the company attributed to the continued impact of Medicare funding cuts.
Consequently, the UNH share price dropped to its lowest level of 2025, last seen on 15 May.
Technical Analysis of UNH Stock Chart
In our end-of-May analysis, we updated the descending channel on the UNH stock chart and highlighted that following the recovery from the May low (marked by arrow 1), sellers could regain control. Since then:
→ Throughout June, the share price exhibited signs of supply-demand equilibrium around the psychological $300 level.
→ However, after an unsuccessful rally that formed peak A (which now resembles a bull trap), the balance shifted in favour of the bears. The price began to slide lower along the median line of the descending channel (illustrated by arrow 2).
This pattern was a red flag, particularly against the backdrop of a broadly rising equity market since the beginning of summer. Even if the bulls had hope, yesterday's candle could have completely extinguished it:
→ The session opened with a wide bearish gap.
→ During the day, bulls attempted a recovery, but failed — the candlestick closed at the daily low, leaving a long upper wick, a classic sign of selling pressure.
In this context, we could assume that:
→ Bears may seek to extend their advantage and test the year’s low;
→ The bearish gap area (highlighted in purple), reinforced by the descending channel’s median line, could act as resistance during any potential recovery.
At the same time, the $250 psychological level appears to be a strong support zone. This is backed by the 15 May bullish pin bar formed on record trading volumes — a potential sign of institutional interest in accumulating shares of this healthcare giant in anticipation of a long-term recovery.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
My UNH Thesis: Betting on a Healthcare Giant's Come BackThe healthcare sector has been in decline, which creates interesting opportunities. I recently talked about a few pharma plays - Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer.
Here's why I'm investing in NYSE:UNH :
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) has tanked ~50% in the past year, but the July 29 (VERY SOON) earnings could flip the script. As a historically dominant player, UNH is now undervalued amid sector weakness, offering massive upside if regulatory fears ease.
Here's my full bull case. 👇 FUNDAMENTAL ANALYSIS
Why the Sell-Off? A Perfect Storm of Bad News
UNH crushed the market for 15 straight years (2009-2023) with positive returns, predictable EPS growth, and 134% gains over the last decade.
But 2024 brought chaos:
Feb: Massive cyber attack caused a one-time EPS hit (non-recurring).
Ongoing: DOJ antitrust probe, criminal fraud investigation, rising Medicare costs, and Optum losses.
April: Disastrous Q1 earnings miss + lowered guidance.
Leadership drama: CEO death.
This erased gains (down 7% over 5 years), amplified by healthcare sector outflows—the biggest since 2020. But is this overblown? Signs point to yes. The markets almost always overreact to bad news.
Bullish Signals: Insiders Betting Big
The tide is turning:
Insider Buying Boom: $32M+ in 2024 (vs. $6.6M in 2019), including new CEO/CFO—highest in 15 years.
Congress Buying: Q2 2024 saw net purchases for the first time in 5 years (vs. historical selling).
DOJ Shift: Probe refocusing on pharmacy benefits (PBM) unit, dropping acquisition/monopoly scrutiny—implies no major findings. Great news!
Sector Tailwinds: Healthcare is one of 3 S&P sectors below historical valuations. Super investors (usually tech-obsessed) are piling in, despite the sector's -10% YTD vs. S&P's +13%.
Plus, UNH's dividend yield is at a record ~3% (vs. 1.5% avg), with 16%+ historical growth and 100%+ free cash flow conversion. Rare combo of yield + growth!
Valuation: Screaming Buy?
UNH trades at PE ~11.9 (vs. 10-year avg 23)—a steal.
Analysts project 16.7% EPS CAGR through 2029.
Conservative Scenario: 16.5% EPS growth + PE to 16.5 = $780/share by 2030 (173% total return, 18% CAGR ex-dividends).
Optimistic: PE back to 23 = $1,084/share (280% return).
Models confirm:
DCF (8% FCF growth): ~$484/share (70% upside).
DDM (7% div growth): ~$607/share (112% upside).
Blended Fair Value: ~$545/share (75-90% upside from ~$300). Buy below $436 for 20% safety margin.
Still, there is fear of DOJ uncertainty—investors hate unpredictability and that's why the stock is so low.
Key Catalyst: July 29 Earnings
This could be UNH's "most important report ever." Watch for:
Regulatory/legal updates (DOJ progress).
Full-year guidance revisions.
Metrics like medical loss ratio and PBM performance.
Positive news = potential rocket 🚀. Expectations are low (20 bearish EPS revisions vs. 0 bullish), so a beat could spark volatility... upward.
Risks: Not Without Bumps
Regulatory escalation (e.g., PBM issues) could tank it further.
Short-term headwinds: Medicare costs, sector selling.
Mitigants: DOJ de-risking, strong FCF buffer, insider confidence. Enter cautiously—size positions small.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
I also did a little technical analysis:
UNH price is at a resistance level
My EVaR indicator tells me we are in a low-risk area
RSI says the stock is oversold
I added the different price targets for better visualization
THE PLAN
My plan:
Later today, I will allocate 1% to 1.5% of my portfolio to the stock. If it drops, I will continue to DCA. The stock is already really beaten down, and I think a company this large cannot drop much more.
Quick note: I'm just sharing my journey - not financial advice! 😊
UnitedHealth (UNH) Share Price ReboundsUnitedHealth (UNH) Share Price Rebounds
A month ago, in our analysis of the UNH chart, we:
→ highlighted that UnitedHealth shares had lost nearly 23% in value;
→ drew a descending channel and suggested that bearish pressure could continue, threatening the support level around $450, which had held since early 2022.
Since then, UNH’s stock price decisively broke below that level (as marked by the arrow), falling to around $250 — its lowest point since spring 2020 — before staging a sharp rebound. This steep price movement was driven by a series of fundamental developments, including:
→ the resignation of the CEO and news of a Department of Justice investigation into potential Medicare fraud;
→ UnitedHealth withdrawing its earnings guidance for the coming year;
→ political debates over the Medicaid programme as part of the 2025 budget negotiations;
→ President Trump’s directive to cut prescription drug prices.
Recent news that the new CEO and several top executives have bought tens of millions of dollars’ worth of UNH shares appears to have renewed investor confidence — the share price rose above the $300 mark yesterday.
Technical Analysis of UNH Share Chart
These latest developments justify an update to the descending channel configuration. Of particular note is the gradual decline with limited volatility — a sign that the price is moving along the channel's median line (highlighted on the chart).
In this setup:
→ the bounce from the $250 level points to the lower boundary of the channel;
→ traders may consider a scenario where the current recovery pushes UnitedHealth stock towards the median, after which supply pressure may return and offset the recent dominance of demand.
It’s also possible that the key psychological level of $300 could now act as support.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
UnitedHealth Group | UNH | Long at $323.00UnitedHealth Group NYSE:UNH currently has a P/E near 15x, steady rising revenue (2024 = $400+ billion), EPS of 6.24x, dividend of 2.2%, and earnings are forecast to grow by 10.8% per year. The stock, however, has plummeted recently due to negative news, rising healthcare costs, CEO changes, and suspension of 2025 outlook. Every company has bumps, but I view solid companies like NYSE:UNH as pure opportunities for long-term investment - especially with America's aging population.
From a technical analysis perspective, the stock price has entered my "crash" simple moving average zone (which currently extends down near $307.00). Personally, this is the zone I am starting a position due to the odds of a future bounce from here. However, I am very aware that there is an open price gap near $265.00 that may get filled this year or early next. I could see a bounce in my crash zone to bring in the bulls and then a drop to that level to heighten the fear. That is another area I plan to grab more shares and build a strong position. But, in case it doesn't extend that low, I have started a position at $223.00, with future investments near $307.00 and below. I doubt this will be a quick turnaround stock - patience is where money is made.
Targets (into 2028):
$375.00
$475.00
$580.00
UnitedHealth (UNH) Share Price PlummetsUnitedHealth (UNH) Share Price Plummets
UnitedHealth shares crashed by nearly 23% yesterday after the healthcare giant reported weaker-than-expected Q1 2025 results:
→ Earnings per share: actual = $7.20, expected = $7.29
→ Revenue: actual = $109.5bn, expected = $111.5bn
Technical Analysis of UNH Share Chart
As far back as a year ago, we highlighted key support around the $450 level. Yesterday’s negative news caused this support to once again demonstrate its strength by holding back further decline — but will it hold?
Taking the price action marked on the chart as a base, we can establish the structure of a descending channel (shown in red), with the price gapping sharply lower into the bottom half of this channel — and yesterday’s candle high (marked with an arrow) suggests that the median line has turned into resistance.
Yesterday’s candle closed near its lows, so it is reasonable to assume that bearish pressure may persist (with the aim of testing the lower boundary) — in which case, the $450 support zone, in place since early 2022, could be at risk.
This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
Buy Recommendation Note for UnitedHealth Group (UNH)Recommendation: Buy
Buy Zone: $551.50 - $557.00
Target: $600.00 (Short-Term), $650.00 (Medium-Term)
Rationale
Strong Fundamentals: UnitedHealth Group has consistently delivered robust revenue growth driven by its diversified healthcare services and insurance offerings.
Industry Leadership: As a leader in the healthcare sector, UNH benefits from its scale, market share, and innovative healthcare solutions, ensuring long-term stability.
Positive Outlook: Recent developments and earnings reports indicate strong growth potential, supported by increasing demand for managed healthcare services.
Valuation: Current levels provide a favorable risk-to-reward ratio for entry, with the stock trading near a key support zone.
Technical Analysis
The stock has shown strong support in the $551.50 - $557 range, making it an attractive buying opportunity. A breakout above $560 could signal a bullish continuation toward the target zones.
Technical Analysis
The stock has shown strong support in the $551.50 - $557 range, making it an attractive buying opportunity. A breakout above $560 could signal a bullish continuation toward the target zones.
Disclaimer:
This note is for study and informational purposes only. The recommendations and price levels mentioned are based on market observations and are not a guarantee of performance. Please consult with a licensed financial advisor and carefully consider your risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, including the potential loss of capital.
UNH Bounce - Don't Miss Out On This 15% OpportunityNYSE:UNH dropped after the tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO (not UNH Group CEO) as well as public backlash. Nevertheless, as always in such situation, this has nothing to do with the stock itself. As price action traders we do not trade political or news events since those drops have an unimportant impact mid- to long-term.
UNH now sits on the support zone at around $550 which was previous resistance. We also filled the daily gap at around $568 completely. We touched the 0.236 Fib from the $273 bottom (from 2020) and the RSI is nearly oversold on the daily. This gives us a got chance for a bounce from this zone up to $600 - $620.
Support Levels:
$550
$528
Target/Resistance Levels:
$600
$622-628
UnitedHealth Group ($UNH) Faces Surge in Medical CostsUnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:UNH ), one of the largest health insurers in the United States, reported a 3% drop in share price following its Q3 2024 earnings report. The company's results highlighted an uptick in medical costs as it grapples with challenges in its insurance business, including lower government payments and persistently high healthcare demand. Let’s break down the key aspects driving the stock's recent performance.
Elevated Costs and Earnings Beat
UnitedHealth's Q3 2024 results showed a significant rise in its medical loss ratio (MLR)—the percentage of premiums used to cover medical costs. The MLR rose to 85.2%, exceeding both last year’s figure (82.3%) and analysts’ expectations of 84.2%. This surge in costs is attributed to an increase in healthcare services under Medicare plans, particularly for individuals aged 65 and older, as postponed procedures from the COVID-19 pandemic catch up. Additionally, turnover in Medicaid has left insurers with a sicker patient base, further elevating costs.
Despite these challenges, UnitedHealth delivered an adjusted profit of $7.15 per share, beating Wall Street estimates by 15 cents. The company's revenues hit $100.8 billion, surpassing the $99.28 billion expected by analysts, thanks to strong growth in its healthcare services businesses under Optum and insurance offerings under UnitedHealthcare.
Key highlights:
- Optum Health revenue grew by $2.1 billion, driven by the expansion of value-based care and in-home patient services.
- Optum Rx, the company’s pharmacy services division, saw revenue growth of $5.4 billion, fueled by new clients and expanded pharmacy offerings.
- Medicare and Medicaid pressures persisted, with the company facing government funding reductions and a sicker Medicaid population due to eligibility redeterminations.
While the overall financial performance was positive, the rise in medical costs and increased demand for healthcare services, particularly from Medicare and Medicaid plans, weighed on investor sentiment, contributing to the drop in stock price.
Technical Outlook: Bearish Signs Emerge
On the technical front, NYSE:UNH stock has entered a bearish trend following the earnings report, and it is currently down 3.54% in Tuesday’s pre-market trading. On Monday, the stock saw a 1.60% gain but quickly reversed as the negative aspects of the earnings report began to dominate market sentiment.
The stock has broken below its symmetrical triangle pattern, confirming a bearish continuation pattern. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) was 66 on Monday, indicating the stock was approaching overbought territory. However, the sharp decline in pre-market trading has relieved some of this pressure. If the bearish momentum continues, the RSI could dip below 50, signaling further downside potential.
Immediate support lies at $530, the base of the triangle pattern, where the stock may find some consolidation. The stock is currently hovering around its 50-day. A break below these levels could reinforce the bearish sentiment and signal further downside to come.
What Can Investors Expect?
From a fundamental perspective, UnitedHealth's revenue growth and earnings beat show that the company remains a leader in the healthcare sector, with its Optum businesses continuing to drive profitability. However, the elevated medical costs, particularly related to Medicare and Medicaid, could be a persistent headwind. Regulatory changes or adjustments in Medicaid enrollment could also add to volatility in the coming quarters.
On the technical side, the break below the triangle pattern is a bearish signal, and further downside toward the $530 support level seems likely if sentiment does not improve. Investors should watch for signs of consolidation at these levels or a potential breakdown, which could push the stock even lower.
Conclusion
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: NYSE:UNH ) remains a strong company with a diverse portfolio spanning insurance and healthcare services. However, its near-term outlook is clouded by rising medical costs, Medicare funding challenges, and Medicaid enrollment fluctuations. Technically, the stock is in a bearish phase, but key support levels could provide opportunities for long-term investors if the stock consolidates or rebounds.
UnitedHealth Shares Surge 4.91% on Q1 Earnings UpdateUnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH ), the titan of the health insurance industry, emerged triumphant in the face of daunting challenges as it delivered a stellar performance in its first-quarter earnings update. Despite grappling with a surge in medical payouts and the financial fallout from a crippling cyberattack, UnitedHealth's resilience shone through, propelling its shares to a robust 4.91% surge in early trading.
Earnings Beat and Resilience:
UnitedHealth ( NYSE:UNH ) reported adjusted earnings of $6.91 per share for the first quarter, exceeding Wall Street's expectations by 30 cents. The impressive 10.4% year-over-year growth underscored the company's ability to navigate turbulent waters while maintaining its upward trajectory.
Revenue Strength and Optum Dominance:
Bolstered by robust revenue figures, UnitedHealth showcased its financial prowess with group revenues surging 8.55% to $99.8 billion. Notably, Optum, the crown jewel of UnitedHealth's empire, saw its revenue soar 22.2% to $61.1 billion, cementing its position as the primary engine of the group's earnings growth.
Medical Cost Challenges and Cyberattack Fallout:
Amidst the triumph, UnitedHealth ( NYSE:UNH ) faced headwinds in the form of rising medical costs, reflected in a nearly 2-percentage-point increase in the medical-cost ratio to 84.3%. Furthermore, the company grappled with the aftermath of the Blackcat cyberattacks, which inflicted an $872 million blow to its Change Healthcare unit. Despite these setbacks, UnitedHealth ( NYSE:UNH ) remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering value to its stakeholders.
Outlook and Forward Momentum:
CEO Andrew Witty reaffirmed UnitedHealth's full-year adjusted earnings forecast, projecting a range between $27.50 and $28 per share. However, the company acknowledged the looming impact of the cyberattack, with potential costs soaring to as high as $1.6 billion for the year. Despite these challenges, Witty emphasized the company's unwavering focus on enhancing customer experiences and driving balanced growth.
Market Response and Sector Challenges:
The market responded enthusiastically to UnitedHealth's resilience, with shares surging 7.75% in pre-market trading. However, the broader healthcare sector faces mounting pressures, including tepid Medicare Advantage payment increases and regulatory scrutiny on pharmacy-benefit managers. Nonetheless, UnitedHealth's robust performance signals a beacon of hope amidst the industry's tumultuous landscape.
Medicare Advantage Rates Shake Health Insurers:The healthcare sector witnessed a significant upheaval as UnitedHealth ( NYSE:UNH ) and other major players tumbled following the Biden Administration's announcement regarding Medicare Advantage rates for 2025. The unexpected decision sent shockwaves through the industry, prompting a flurry of market activity and sparking concerns among investors.
Impact on Health Insurers:
The Biden Administration's announcement that final Medicare Advantage rates in 2025 will remain unchanged from initial plans in January dealt a blow to major health insurers, particularly UnitedHealth and Humana. Both companies, as leading Medicare Advantage players, experienced substantial declines in their stock prices, with Humana plunging 9.4% and UnitedHealth sinking 4% in premarket trading.
Market Response and Investor Sentiment:
The market response was swift and decisive, with other health insurers such as CVS Health and Cigna also witnessing notable retreats in their stock prices. CVS Health, a significant Medicare Advantage player, saw its stock retreat by 4% overnight, while Cigna experienced a 1.1% dip early Tuesday. Smaller players in the Medicare Advantage market, including Centene and Molina Healthcare, were not spared from the downturn, reflecting the broad impact of the announcement on the industry.
Technical Outlook and Bearish Trend:
UnitedHealth's stock is currently entrenched in a bearish trend, underscored by a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 44.88 and trading below its respective Moving Averages (MA). This technical analysis further validates the bearish sentiment surrounding NYSE:UNH stock and highlights the challenges it faces in the current market environment.
Implications for the Healthcare Sector:
The Biden Administration's decision regarding Medicare Advantage rates in 2025 has far-reaching implications for the healthcare sector, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape and impacting revenue streams for major insurers. As companies navigate this period of uncertainty, strategic agility and resilience will be crucial in mitigating risks and seizing opportunities amidst evolving market dynamics.
UNH Stock tumble after report of antitrust investigationUnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH ) finds itself navigating turbulent waters as it confronts both regulatory scrutiny and cybersecurity disruptions. The recent revelation of a U.S. Department of Justice antitrust investigation has sent shockwaves through the healthcare conglomerate, causing its shares to plummet by about 5%. This investigation, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, casts a shadow over UnitedHealth's ( NYSE:UNH ) acquisitions made through its health services arm, Optum, raising concerns about potential monopolistic practices and their impact on competition within the healthcare industry.
The timing couldn't be more precarious, as UnitedHealth ( NYSE:UNH ) grapples with the fallout from a cybersecurity attack on its Change Healthcare unit, which has led to an eight-day outage. The prolonged disruption has not only rattled investor confidence but has also triggered operational challenges for the conglomerate and its partners, including pharmacy chains like CVS Health.
Analysts are quick to underscore the significance of these developments. Scott Fidel, an analyst at Stephens, aptly describes it as a "tough past week of headlines for UnitedHealth." The market reaction has been swift and severe, with more than $25 billion wiped out from UnitedHealth's market value, exacerbating losses incurred earlier in the week.
The ramifications of the reported antitrust probe extend beyond UnitedHealth ( NYSE:UNH ), casting a shadow of uncertainty over its competitors. Humana and CVS Health, both with aspirations in caregiving akin to UnitedHealth's Optum arm, have witnessed declines in their respective stock prices, signaling investor apprehension about the potential ripple effects of the investigation.
Julie Utterback, an analyst at Morningstar, underscores the interconnectedness of the healthcare landscape, suggesting that the investigation could have implications for CVS and Humana, especially if it expands further.
The specifics of the investigation delve into the intricate relationships between UnitedHealthcare ( NYSE:UNH ) and Optum, probing into potential conflicts of interest and anti-competitive behaviors. Such scrutiny underscores the complexities inherent in the intersection of insurance and healthcare services, where conglomerates like UnitedHealth wield considerable influence.
Meanwhile, Change Healthcare continues to grapple with the aftermath of the cybersecurity incident, with disruptions expected to persist. The impact reverberates across the healthcare ecosystem, affecting not only UnitedHealth but also its partners and clients, including pharmacy chains reliant on its services.
As UnitedHealth ( NYSE:UNH ) navigates these challenges, stakeholders are left pondering the company's resilience and the broader implications for the healthcare industry. Will regulatory scrutiny force a reassessment of consolidation strategies? Can UnitedHealth ( NYSE:UNH ) effectively mitigate cybersecurity risks and restore trust in its operations?
UnitedHealth Group ($UNH) Shakes Investors with 4Q Earnings
UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH ) recently made headlines as it unveiled its fourth-quarter earnings, leaving investors with mixed sentiments. While the numbers beat estimates, concerns over rising medical costs and future pricing strategies have cast a shadow on the stock's performance. This article delves into the intricacies of NYSE:UNH 's financial report, analyzes the factors driving its market movement, and examines the outlook for the healthcare giant in the coming quarters.
Breaking Down the Numbers:
Analysts anticipated fourth-quarter earnings per share (EPS) of $5.98 for UNH, reflecting a 12% YoY increase. Surpassing expectations, UNH reported an impressive 15.4% growth in EPS, reaching $6.16 per share. Revenue also outpaced estimates, rising by 14.1% to $94.4 billion. However, the spotlight fell on the medical cost ratio, which climbed to 85 in Q4, exceeding analysts' projections. This ratio, representing the percentage of premiums spent on members' health needs, raised concerns about the sustainability of UNH's profit margins.
Factors Driving the Numbers:
NYSE:UNH attributed the elevated medical cost ratio to several ongoing factors, including the provision of outpatient care, primarily serving seniors, and the composition of its business mix. The company highlighted that coverage in government programs tended to incur higher costs compared to commercial coverage. Additionally, UNH acknowledged a $100 million unfavorable development in medical reserves during Q4, signaling potential challenges in managing future healthcare costs.
Outlook and Pricing Pressure:
Despite the strong performance, UNH maintained its full-year EPS guidance of $27.50 to $28, suggesting confidence in its ability to navigate challenges. However, analysts expressed concerns over the unexpected rise in the medical cost ratio, emphasizing the potential impact on pricing strategies in 2024. The company recognized a $100 million unfavorable development in medical reserves during Q4, marking the first negative revision since 4Q16. Analysts believe these details indicate heightened pressure on pricing in the coming years.
Stock Market Reaction:
Following the earnings release, UNH stock experienced a 3.65% decline to $520 in early Friday market action. The stock had previously shown signs of resilience by climbing 0.4% on Thursday, surpassing its 50-day and 10-week moving averages. Despite a consolidation period dating back to November 2022, UNH has struggled to gain significant momentum since April 2022. The relative strength line, tracking the stock's performance against the S&P 500 index, has been on a downward trend since November 2022.
Conclusion:
UnitedHealth Group's fourth-quarter earnings report has sparked a nuanced conversation among investors. While the company exceeded EPS and revenue expectations, concerns over the rising medical cost ratio and its impact on future pricing strategies have raised eyebrows. As UNH navigates these challenges, investors will closely monitor how the healthcare giant adapts its business model to maintain profitability in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Unitedhealth Group broke above the Diamond rocket to $579Broadening Diamond shape has formed since 5 January.
It was an either or situation. Either it breaks up or down. Clearly, it's broken up giving a decent Risk to Reward ratio.
Now the momentum will most likely push the price up.
7>21>200
RSI>50
Target $579
UNH UnitedHealth Group Incorporated Options Ahead of EarningsIf you haven`t sold UNH here:
or here:
Then analyzing the options chain of UNH UnitedHealth Group Incorporated prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 460usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2024-1-19,
for a premium of approximately $36.25.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
Looking forward to read your opinion about it.
UNH UnitedHealth Group Incorporated Double TopA double top is one of the most bearish technical reversal patterns.
A Double Top Bearish Chart Pattern forms after an asset reaches a high price two consecutive times.
After applying the Elliot Waves Pattern on UNH UnitedHealth Group, we have 2 price targets: $459 and $396.
Looking forward to read your opinion about it.
UNH UnitedHealth Group Incorporated Options Ahead Of EarningsIf you haven`t sold the Double Top:
Then looking at the UNH UnitedHealth Group Incorporated options chain ahead of earnings , i would buy the HKEX:520 strike price Calls with
2023-4-21 expiration date for about
$6.20 premium.
If the options turn out to be profitable Before the earnings release, i would sell at least 50%.
Looking forward to read your opinion about it.
UnitedHealth Group share outlook before the earningsShares in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (symbol ‘UNH’) have been trading in a bearish movement throughout the first quarter of 2023. The company is expected to report its earnings for the fiscal quarter ending March 2023 on Friday 14th of April. The consensus EPS is $6,25 compared to the result for the same quarter last year of $5,49.
‘The last recording we had in regards to the company’s current ratio for the last quarter in 2022 was 77%. This indicates that the company does not have the ability to use its current assets to adequately cover its current liabilities. With a low dividend yield of less than 1.5% and a payout ratio of around 30% the company does not hold the title of an “exciting/attractive” selection in terms of returns.‘ said Antreas Themistokleous, an analyst at Exness ‘ Although the company’s technical details might not be that appealing it is still one of the biggest players in the health insurance industry and therefore still attracting investors attention.’
On the technical side the price has been trading in a declining channel for the first quarter of the year with a valid break above only in the last session. The Bollinger bands are expanding indicating volume building up while the following sessions are important to see if the price will move back into the channel or if the bullish correction will hold strong. The 50 day moving average is still trading well below the 1oo day moving average showing that the overall bearish movement is still valid for the time being while the Stochastic oscillator is moving towards the extreme overbought levels.