Analyst Bullish on UnitedHealth (UNH) Ahead of Q3 Earnings Despite 2025 Struggles
UnitedHealth shares have underperformed in 2025, down 30% amid disappointing quarterly results and withdrawn guidance. Bernstein analyst Lance Wilkes anticipates a turnaround with Q3 earnings on October 28, expecting adj. EPS of $2.84 and a medical loss ratio of 90.7%. The focus will be on 2026 guidance, potentially revised upward from mid- to high-single-digit EPS growth.
Healthcare cost pressures have weighed on sentiment, but Wilkes sees recovery potential in Medicare Advantage (MA) improvements from 2026-2028. The earnings call could mark an inflection point for the beleaguered stock.