Why is UNH stock down today?

Shares fell as investors reacted to UnitedHealth guidance that pegs 2026 revenue about $15 billion below Street expectations, plus a proposed near flat 2027 Medicare Advantage rate update. Those factors pressured estimates and valuation multiples, prompting price target cuts from major brokers and stoking concerns about MA profitability and utilization trends.

What did UnitedHealth guidance imply for 2026?

Management indicated 2026 revenue could be roughly $15 billion below consensus. That suggests slower growth and tighter margins across core businesses, pending clarity on medical cost trend, membership mix, and MA bids. Investors will look for levers in Optum efficiency and benefit design to protect earnings and free cash flow next year.

How do Medicare Advantage rates affect UnitedHealth?

Medicare Advantage rates influence revenue per member. A near flat 2027 update limits pricing power and puts more weight on star ratings, risk adjustment, and care management to defend margins. If rates stay tight, plans may trim benefits or shift mix to maintain profitability, which can weigh on growth and valuation.

Is UNH stock a buy after the selloff?

It depends on time horizon and risk tolerance. Valuation sits near 21x TTM EPS with a 3.09% dividend yield and strong cash generation. However, estimate risk remains elevated until final 2027 MA rates and April results. We prefer staged entries on weakness with clear stops while monitoring utilization and margin signals.

When is UnitedHealth’s next earnings date?

UnitedHealth is scheduled to report on April 16, 2026. Investors should watch 2026 revenue cadence, MA bid assumptions, medical cost trend, and star ratings updates. Any shift in guidance or policy tone could move UNH stock, particularly given recent target cuts and the ongoing valuation reset.

Global Market Insights

UNH Stock Today: February 23 — Weak 2026 Outlook Spurs Target Cuts

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 24, 2026

UnitedHealth’s UNH stock is under pressure after management signaled 2026 revenue could land roughly $15 billion below consensus. The weak UnitedHealth guidance has already sparked analyst price targets cuts from Mizuho and Truist, while a proposed near flat 2027 Medicare Advantage payment update adds policy risk. In recent trading, UNH stock changed hands near $282.34, down 2.64% on the day, with a 52-week range of $234.60 to $606.36. We explain what changed, how it affects valuation, and what to watch into April earnings.