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
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