Analysts Bullish on UnitedHealth Ahead of Critical Earnings Report
NEW YORK, January 26, 2026 – UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE: UNH) shares, trading near $356, carry a consensus “Buy” rating from Wall Street analysts who see an average 12-month upside of nearly 12%. All eyes are now on the healthcare giant’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings report, scheduled for release before the market opens on Tuesday, January 27, which is expected to provide crucial guidance for the year ahead.
Analyst Consensus and Price Targets
Covering analysts remain overwhelmingly positive on UnitedHealth’s stock. Data aggregated from multiple sources shows an average analyst rating of “Buy,” with a 12-month consensus price target of approximately $398.17. This implies a potential increase of 11.76% from the stock’s recent closing price of $356.26. The most recent analyst actions include Morgan Stanley maintaining an Overweight rating with a $409 target and Barclays maintaining a Buy with a $391 target earlier this month.
Financial Forecasts and Upcoming Catalysts
| Metric | Forecast / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Q4 2025 Revenue Estimate | ~$113.6 Billion (+12.4% YoY) |
| Q4 2025 EPS Estimate | ~$2.09 – $2.12 (Significant YoY decline expected) |
| Full Year 2025 Revenue | $452.46 Billion (Est. +13.0%) |
| Full Year 2026 Revenue | $459.15 Billion (Est. +1.5%) |
| Full Year 2025 EPS | $16.48 (Est. +6.3%) |
| Full Year 2026 EPS | $17.92 (Est. +8.7%) |
| Next Earnings Call | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 (Pre-Market) |
The Earnings Spotlight
Tuesday’s report is highly anticipated as the first major health insurer to report this season. Investors will scrutinize the results for signs of stabilization in medical costs and clarity on 2026 financial guidance. Key areas of focus will be the performance of the Optum segments, trends in the medical cost ratio (MCR), and updates on regulatory and political pressures, including the company’s recent pledge to rebate profits from its Affordable Care Act plans starting in 2026.
Key Stock Metrics
UnitedHealth’s stock has experienced notable volatility over the past year, falling from a 52-week high above $606 to a low near $235, before recovering to current levels. The company maintains a robust dividend, currently yielding 2.48%, with an annual payout of $8.84 per share. With a market capitalization of approximately $322.7 billion, it remains a heavyweight in the Healthcare sector and a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the analyst consensus for UNH stock?
The consensus among Wall Street analysts covering UnitedHealth Group is a “Buy” rating, with an average 12-month price target of about $398, suggesting an 11.8% upside from recent prices.
When does UnitedHealth report earnings?
UnitedHealth Group is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results before the market opens on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. A conference call with investors will follow.
What are analysts expecting for UnitedHealth’s Q4 earnings?
Analysts expect revenue of approximately $113.6 billion, representing year-over-year growth of about 12.4%. Earnings per share (EPS) are forecast to be around $2.09 to $2.12, which would be a significant decline from the prior year’s quarter, primarily due to elevated medical costs and investment pressures.
Does UnitedHealth pay a dividend?
Yes. UnitedHealth Group pays a quarterly dividend of $2.21 per share, which translates to an annual dividend of $8.84 and a current yield of approximately 2.48%. The most recent ex-dividend date was December 8, 2025.