BUZZ-TD Cowen lowers its target price for UnitedHealth Group ahead of third-quarter earnings release
路透社2026/10/09 10:31On October 9, TD Cowen lowered its price target for UnitedHealth Group (UNH.N) from $430 to $402 ahead of the company's third-quarter earnings report on October 13. The brokerage stated that the widely expected third-quarter medical cost ratio of 89.9% and earnings per share of $4.12 are "well within reach." The report pointed out that recently announced Medicare star ratings have fallen as anticipated, which is expected to create a $1.5 billion revenue headwind in 2028. The new price target represents a 6.9% upside from the stock's previous closing price. "We also expect management to comment on preliminary expectations for 2027 Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment growth and may emphasize a focus on margins over enrollment growth," the brokerage added. Earnings forecasts remain unchanged, but a lowered valuation multiple led to the reduction in price target. Among 29 brokerages, 23 rate the stock a "buy" or higher, while 6 rate it "hold"; the median price target is $483.82, according to LSEG data. As of the previous close, the stock is up 12.3% year-to-date.
October 9 - ** TD Cowen, ahead of UnitedHealth Group's UNH.N third quarter earnings release on October 13, lowered its price target from $430 to $402
** The brokerage stated that the market consensus for the third quarter medical loss ratio is 89.9%, and EPS is $4.12, both of which are “fully achievable”
** The report pointed out that (link) the recently published Medicare star ratings declined as expected, which is projected to create a revenue headwind of $1.5 billion in 2028
** The new price target is 6.9% above the previous trading day's closing price
** “We also expect management to mention preliminary expectations for Medicare Advantage (MA) membership growth for 2027, and may stress a focus on margins rather than member growth,” the brokerage added
** Earnings forecasts remain unchanged, but a lower valuation multiple led to the reduced price target
** Of 29 brokerages, 23 rate the stock as “buy” or higher, and six as “hold”; median price target is $483.82 — LSEG data
** As of the previous trading day's close, the stock is up 12.3% year-to-date
(To assist non-English speakers, Reuters provides automated translation of its reports into a number of other languages. As automated translation may contain errors or may not include the required context, Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of automated translation. Automated translation is provided for reader convenience only. Reuters is not liable for any damage or loss caused by use of the automated translation function.)
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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