Key insights
- Raymond James upgraded UnitedHealth (UNH) to "outperform" with a $330 price target, citing an attractive entry point due to recent scandals and margin improvement potential via AI and acquisition integration. The upgrade could improve sentiment after a rough patch for UNH, pressured by investigations, CEO change, and high healthcare costs. Upcoming Q1 earnings on April 21 will be a key catalyst.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FGettyImages-22575383431-412e13249c26481f8ffcf508a9384b33.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise.
UnitedHealth Group's stock has taken a big hit lately. One group of analysts says that could leave it poised for a rebound.
Analysts from Raymond James upgraded their rating for UnitedHealth (UNH) stock to "outperform" Wednesday with a price target of $330, which would suggest they see a return to where it started the year. The consensus price target of analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha is even higher at $364.
Though the stock added about 1% to close near $274 Wednesday amid a broader market rally, it's dropped 17% in 2026 so far, and nearly 50% over the past 12 months after a series of scandals.
The stock's recent struggles have created an "attractive entry point" for investors, according to the Raymond James analysts, who said they see substantial room for the health insurance giant to improve its margins, trim its general and administrative (G&A) expenses by using AI tools to modernize its operations, and further integrate some of its acquisitions.
The upgrade from Raymond James could boost sentiment around UnitedHealth's prospects after a rough stretch for the stock.
UnitedHealth shares have been pressured for much of the last year by a number of concerns, including reports of investigations into the company's Medicare Advantage billing practices and an unexpected CEO change last May. The insurer's quarterly results have also disappointed investors as it grapples with high healthcare costs.
Investors will get their next look at UnitedHealth's finances when the company posts its first-quarter earnings before the opening bell on April 21.
Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise.