UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is included among the 14 Best Warren Buffett Dividend Stocks to Buy.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is going through a difficult stretch, with the stock dropping nearly 14% since the start of 2026, reflecting growing concern among investors. The company reported its fourth-quarter results on January 27, and the numbers did not leave much room for optimism. UnitedHealth managed to beat Wall Street’s earnings estimate, but only by a penny. That kind of narrow beat did little to change sentiment.
The company posted $113.2 billion, which came in below the $113.8 billion analysts were expecting. Even a modest shortfall like this can signal slowing momentum, and investors took notice. The real pressure point was the company’s outlook. Management said it expects full-year 2026 revenue of $439 billion. That is about $15 billion lower than Wall Street projections. If that estimate proves accurate, it would mark the company’s first annual revenue decline in more than three decades. That alone explains much of the recent weakness in the stock.
Analysts adjusted their views soon after. On February 5, Mizuho reduced its price target on UNH to $350 from $430. The firm kept its Outperform rating but acknowledged that the earnings recovery is unfolding more slowly than expected after the fourth-quarter report.
Truist analyst David MacDonald also revised his outlook. On February 2, he lowered the firm’s price target to $370 from $410 while maintaining a Buy rating. In a research note, the analyst said the firm updated its estimates following the company’s Q4 results and its 2026 guidance.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) operates as a healthcare and well-being company with multiple business lines. These include Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The company also runs UnitedHealthcare, which serves Employer & Individual, Medicare & Retirement, and Community & State markets.
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