PCM Encore LLC purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH – Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 4,200 shares of the healthcare conglomerate’s stock, valued at approximately $1,746,000.
Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in UNH. Sarver Vrooman Wealth Advisors acquired a new stake in UnitedHealth Group during the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 220.0% in the fourth quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 80 shares of the healthcare conglomerate’s stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Joseph Group Capital Management purchased a new stake in UnitedHealth Group in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Nalls Sherbakoff Group LLC purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $27,000. Finally, Lifetime Wealth Management P.C. acquired a new stake in UnitedHealth Group during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. 87.86% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Insider Buying and Selling
In other UnitedHealth Group news, CEO Patrick Hugh Conway sold 500 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $410.00, for a total transaction of $205,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 16,497 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,763,770. The trade was a 2.94% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.19% of the company’s stock.
UnitedHealth Group Stock Up 1.6%
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.94 by $1.44. The firm had revenue of $112.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $110.81 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 3.14% and a return on equity of 16.53%. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up .4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $4.08 EPS. UnitedHealth Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 19.500-20.000 EPS. Analysts predict that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 19.81 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement
The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 22nd. Investors of record on Monday, September 14th will be paid a $2.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 14th. This represents a $9.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.4%. UnitedHealth Group’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 59.72%.
Key Stories Impacting UnitedHealth Group
Here are the key news stories impacting UnitedHealth Group this week:
- Positive Sentiment: UnitedHealth is reportedly prioritizing Medicare Advantage profitability over rapid membership growth by tightening benefits, improving pricing and controlling costs. The strategy could support stronger margins and more sustainable earnings, even if enrollment growth moderates. Is UnitedHealth Finding a Better Path to Medicare Advantage Growth?
- Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research added UNH to its Rank #1, or “Strong Buy,” lists for overall stocks, value stocks and income stocks. The repeated favorable rankings may reinforce investor confidence in the shares. New Strong Buy Stocks for August 21st
- Positive Sentiment: Analysts raised several forward EPS estimates, including Q1 2028 to $7.36 from $6.78 and Q2 2028 to $7.19 from $5.84. A separate report also noted an increase in the Q1 EPS estimate, while Zacks maintained a Strong Buy rating. Q1 EPS Estimate for UnitedHealth Group Increased by Analyst
- Neutral Sentiment: Forecast revisions were mixed: Q3 2027 EPS was reduced to $4.74 from $4.81 and Q4 2027 to $4.07 from $4.12, partially offsetting the increases for 2028.
- Negative Sentiment: Aon expects U.S. employer health-care costs to rise 9.5% in 2027. Persistent medical-cost inflation could pressure insurers’ margins and increase pricing, benefit and utilization-management challenges for UnitedHealth. AON Sees No Relief From Health-Cost Inflation
Wall Street Analyst Weigh In
Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. BMO Capital Markets set a $512.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Tuesday, July 21st. HSBC increased their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $300.00 to $380.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, July 6th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $468.00 to $529.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, July 17th. UBS Group lifted their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $460.00 to $490.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Finally, Erste Group Bank raised shares of UnitedHealth Group from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, April 27th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have assigned a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $455.92.
Read Our Latest Stock Report on UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group Company Profile
UnitedHealth Group Inc is a diversified health care company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, that operates two primary business platforms: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. Founded in 1977, the company provides a broad range of health benefits and health care services to individuals, employers, governmental entities and other organizations. Its operations span commercial employer-sponsored plans, individual and Medicare and Medicaid programs, and services for customers and health systems in the United States and selected international markets.
UnitedHealthcare is the company’s benefits business, administering health plans and networks, managing provider relationships, and offering coverage products for employers, individuals, and government-sponsored programs.
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