Should I buy UnitedHealth Group stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring UnitedHealth Group’s performance for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users across the United States trust us to analyze market trends and uncover top investment opportunities. Our analyses are created for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. In line with our ethical guidelines, HelloSafe has never received, and will never accept, compensation from UnitedHealth Group.

What is UnitedHealth Group?

How much is UnitedHealth Group stock?

The price of UnitedHealth Group stock is declining this week. Currently, UNH trades at $400.68, showing a 2.62% loss over the last 24 hours and a steep weekly decline, nearing its 52-week low. The company holds a market capitalization of $364.71 billion, with an average daily volume of 6.3 million shares. Valuation metrics include a P/E ratio of 16.78, a dividend yield of 2.10%, and a stock beta of 0.62, highlighting its historically lower volatility relative to the market. While recent performance reflects market caution, these levels may signal opportunity for investors attentive to long-term value and potential rebounds.

Our full analysis on UnitedHealth Group stock

Having reviewed UnitedHealth Group’s latest quarterly results and examined the stock’s trajectory over the past three years, our team has applied proprietary analytics to integrate key financial metrics, technical patterns, market data, and peer benchmarking. This holistic framework delivers a nuanced perspective on UnitedHealth Group’s positioning. So, why might UnitedHealth Group stock once again become a strategic entry point into the healthcare sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) has experienced pronounced volatility in 2025. After trading as high as $630.73 earlier in the year, shares have corrected sharply, now oscillating around $400.68—just above the new 52-week low of $399.86. This marks a substantial retracement from previous highs, creating an atypical value gap for a stock historically valued for resilience and consistency. The correction coincided with the company’s downward revision of full-year EPS guidance, driven by intensified care activity within Medicare Advantage, volatile reimbursement dynamics at Optum Health, and policy-driven funding headwinds.

Yet, several positive undercurrents remain evident:

• Resilient Revenue Growth: Q1 2025 revenue rose 9.8% year-over-year to $109.6 billion, validating robust top-line momentum even amidst sectoral pressure.
• Customer Expansion: UnitedHealthcare added 780,000 new members year-to-date; Optum Health is on track to serve 650,000 new value-based care patients in 2025—a signal of continued demand for high-value healthcare solutions.
• Sector Tailwinds: The U.S. healthcare sector remains structurally attractive, benefiting from aging demographics, persistent demand for managed care, and sustained investment in value-based and digital health models.

While recent earnings revisions have tempered near-term optimism, UnitedHealth’s enduring market leadership and operational scale reinforce its defensive attributes amidst broader market recalibration.

Technical Analysis

The technical picture for UNH is currently characterized by pronounced short-term weakness but an emerging case for reversal. As of early May 2025:

• Moving Averages: The stock trades materially below all major moving averages (5/20/50/100/200-day), indicating recent strong downward momentum. While this informs technical caution, it also frequently signals the late stages of a correction, particularly when juxtaposed with extreme oversold conditions.
• Oscillators: Multiple indicators suggest conditions are ripe for at least a technical rebound:
• RSI (14): 27.55 (“Buy”—deeply oversold)
• MACD: -29.81 (“Buy”—negative but poised for positive crossover)
• Stochastic (9,6): 5.40 (“Buy”—reversal zone)
• Williams %R: -94.92 (“Buy”—deep oversold)
• ADX (14): 38.09 (Neutral), indicating a steady but not extreme trend strength.
• Support/Resistance: The $399.86 level is a critical technical anchor. Sustained holds at or just above this multi-year support, coupled with oversold readings, may catalyze a reversal. Short-term resistance lines are clustered at $417.62, $426.01, and $430.27, forming a zone that, if breached, may confirm a bullish phase resumption.

Given this backdrop, the current drawdown—while signaling prior distribution—may soon give way to tactical long entry opportunities as technical conditions reset. Historically, oversold readings at key support for entrenched market leaders like UNH have preceded robust recoveries.

Fundamental Analysis

Despite recent earnings guidance revisions, UnitedHealth Group’s core fundamentals remain undeniably robust:

• Consistent Revenue and Profitability: Q1 2025 demonstrated 9.8% revenue growth and net income of $6.29 billion, supporting margins despite increased Medicare expenses.
• Valuation: The stock currently trades at a compelling forward P/E of 15.27 and a trailing 12-month P/E of 16.78—levels rarely seen for a business of UnitedHealth’s quality, signaling attractive entry valuations relative to both historical averages and sector peers.
• Dividend: A healthy, sustainable annual payout of $8.40 per share (2.10% yield) underscores management’s commitment to shareholder returns and capital discipline.
• Diversification and Brand Power: With four interlocking business segments (UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, Optum Rx), UnitedHealth maintains competitive moats spanning insurance, data analytics, pharmacy benefit management, and provider services.
• Scale Advantages: As the preeminent U.S. health insurer, UnitedHealth is positioned to benefit from risk pooling, advanced data analytics, and operational leverage at a scale difficult for competitors to match.
• Strategic Growth: Expansion in value-based care through Optum Health’s 650,000 new patients in 2025 reflects both secular growth and UnitedHealth’s innovative ability to pivot to the fastest-growing healthcare delivery models.

The current valuation levels, in particular, appear to underestimate the company’s normalized earnings power, structural scale, and innovation-driven growth horizons.

Volume and Liquidity

Trading volume in UNH remains robust, averaging 6.3 million shares daily over the past three months. Consistently high volume at current price levels suggests resolute institutional interest, with strategic buyers potentially stepping in as the stock approaches technical capitulation zones. The $364.71 billion market cap, paired with a widely held and liquid float, means that UNH’s valuation is dynamic and responsive to macro and fundamental catalysts. This liquidity profile reduces transaction cost friction and ensures that new capital can enter positions with relative ease.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Several tangible catalysts support a constructive outlook for UnitedHealth Group, both short- and long-term:

• Optum’s Value-Based Growth: Continued expansion into value-based care solidifies UNH’s status as a leader in transformative healthcare delivery, with 650,000 new value-based care patients projected in 2025 alone.
• Cost Discipline and Strategic Responses: Management has clearly articulated its commitment to “aggressively address” recent headwinds—emphasizing that current challenges are “highly addressable.” Operational recalibration and repricing efforts are expected to flow through results in the medium term.
• Secular Sector Drivers: Favorable demographic trends, increased chronic disease prevalence, and ongoing regulatory support for managed care underscore a robust long-term industry backdrop.
• ESG Commitment: UnitedHealth Group’s sustained focus on sustainability, broad healthcare access, and social responsibility continues to resonate with a growing cohort of socially-conscious investors.
• Analyst Consensus: The consensus price target stands at $552.84—about 38% above current levels—highlighting substantial anticipated recovery and upside.
• Tail Risk Mitigation: UNH’s diversified business model and enormous scale ensure multiple levers for managing volatility and government reimbursement pressures.

These factors combine to create a multidimensional profile favoring recovery and reacceleration.

Investment Strategies

For investors and traders evaluating UnitedHealth Group, several strategic entry points and holding periods appear well-justified:

Short-Term

• The combination of record oversold technical readings and proximity to multi-year support suggests that nimble investors seeking a tactical rebound may find the current setup compelling.
• Watch for stabilization above $399.86 and initial closes above resistance bands ($417.62/$426.01) as early signs of momentum reversal.

Medium-Term

• The next wave of quarterly results, as operational adjustments take hold, could catalyze a new upward phase. Medium-term entrants may aim to position ahead of confirmed execution on Optum Health turnaround initiatives and early data on cost containment.
• Any news on regulatory relief or sector re-rating could accelerate capital flows back into the stock.

Long-Term

• For those with a multi-year horizon, UnitedHealth Group’s market-leading position, diversified revenue streams, and normalized earnings growth target (13-16%) present a compelling case for strategic accumulation.
• The current drawdown has reset valuation multiples to levels rarely seen in the past decade, affording long-term investors an advantageous cost basis.

In all cases, entry at current levels—so close to fundamental and technical inflection points—seems to represent an excellent opportunity to align with one of the sector’s most durable growth franchises.

Is it the Right Time to Buy UnitedHealth Group?

UnitedHealth Group sits at a pivotal juncture: near 52-week lows, with a coolly attractive valuation, outstanding sector leadership, and clear operational capacity to address recent headwinds. The combination of oversold technical conditions and newly favorable risk/reward calculus suggests the stock may be entering a new bullish phase—one underpinned by disciplined management response and secular growth trends.

With resilience demonstrated through cycles, sustained revenue momentum, and a diversified strategy primed for the future of healthcare, UnitedHealth Group’s current positioning justifies renewed interest from investors attuned to both fundamental strength and technical opportunity. While short-term volatility cannot be discounted, the medium- to long-term outlook appears markedly positive—backed by consensus price targets, robust cash generation, and a committed capital return strategy.

In the context of 2025’s market environment, UnitedHealth Group seems to represent an excellent opportunity for those seeking exposure to the intersection of healthcare stability, innovation, and value. The intersection of technical inflection and enduring fundamentals offers a rare setup where both short- and long-term investors may find rational grounds to consider a new or expanded position. Now more than ever, UnitedHealth Group stock appears poised to reward conviction and patience as clarity returns to the managed care landscape.

How to buy UnitedHealth Group stock in United States?

Purchasing UnitedHealth Group (UNH) stock online is both simple and secure when you use a regulated broker. Investors have the choice between two main approaches: spot buying, where you directly acquire shares, or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which lets you speculate on price movements with leverage. Each method has its pros and cons depending on your goals, risk appetite, and investing style. To help you make an informed decision, a comprehensive comparison of leading brokers is available further down this page.

Spot buying

Spot (or cash) purchase means buying actual UnitedHealth Group shares on the stock market. This gives you legal ownership, voting rights, and potential dividend income. U.S. brokers usually charge a flat commission per trade, typically ranging from $0 to $10 depending on the platform.

Important information

Example with a $1,000 investment:
If UnitedHealth Group’s share price is $400.68, you can buy around 2 shares (2 × $400.68 = $801.36), spending $805.36 including a $5 brokerage fee. The remaining cash stays in your account.

✔️ Gain scenario:
If the share price climbs 10% to $440.75, your two shares are now worth $881.50 (2 × $440.75).
Result: You gain approximately $80 gross (+10% on investment), not counting dividends.

Trading via CFD

CFD (Contract for Difference) trading lets you speculate on UnitedHealth Group’s price changes without owning the underlying stock. You can take long (buy) or short (sell) positions, often using leverage to amplify your exposure. Fees typically include a spread (the difference between buy and sell price) and daily overnight financing costs if you hold positions beyond a day.

Important information

Example with a $1,000 stake and 5x leverage:
Opening a CFD on UnitedHealth Group with 5x leverage means controlling $5,000 worth of stock. If the share price rises 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.

✔️ Gain scenario:
A $5,000 exposure yields a $400 profit (before fees) on your $1,000 investment.

Final advice

Before investing, it’s essential to compare brokers’ fees, trading conditions, and available tools, as these can significantly affect your returns. Whether you opt for direct share ownership for long-term growth and dividends, or prefer trading CFDs for flexibility and leverage, your choice should reflect your financial objectives and risk tolerance. To assist you further, you’ll find a detailed broker comparison further down this page.

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Our 7 tips for buying UnitedHealth Group stock

The latest news about UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group maintains impressive revenue growth, reporting a 9.8% year-over-year increase in Q1 2025. Despite headwinds from heightened care activity and Medicare funding changes, UnitedHealth delivered $109.6 billion in first-quarter revenue. This performance was underpinned by robust expansion in its core UnitedHealthcare segment, which added 780,000 new members year-to-date, highlighting continued market leadership and resilience in the face of challenging sector dynamics. Such growth stands out amid a tough operating environment and reinforces UnitedHealth’s position as the largest health insurer in the U.S.

Analysts consensus remains highly constructive, with an average price target 38% above current levels. Amid recent share price declines, market analysts continue to express confidence in UnitedHealth’s long-term fundamentals, maintaining a consensus price target of $552.84. This represents significant upside from the present price near 52-week lows. The broad base of analyst support reflects optimism surrounding UnitedHealth’s strategic market position, diversified revenue streams, and continuing expansion in value-based care through its Optum business.

Technical indicators signal an oversold condition, suggesting potential for a near-term rebound. While the stock is currently in a pronounced downtrend, all major technical oscillators—including RSI, MACD, Stochastic, and Williams %R—indicate that shares are oversold at present levels. The 14-day RSI at 27.55 and a Williams %R of -94.92 both point to conditions where sharp intraday buying could drive a technical bounce. This environment may draw attention from traders looking to capitalize on a short-term reversal backed by technical momentum.

Management reiterates commitment to addressing challenges and upholding strong long-term earnings growth targets. UnitedHealth’s leadership, led by CEO Andrew Witty, has communicated a clear strategy to aggressively address recent operational issues, particularly around the Medicare Advantage segment and Optum Health’s care models. The company remains committed to its long-term adjusted EPS growth target of 13–16%, underlining the management’s confidence in overcoming short-term pressures through operational improvement and continued growth in value-based care.

Dividend policy remains robust and attractive for U.S. investors, with a 2.10% yield and favorable tax treatment. UnitedHealth continues to provide a consistent $8.40 annual dividend per share, equating to a 2.10% yield at current prices. For U.S. investors, these dividends are qualified for favorable capital gains tax treatment and the stock remains eligible for inclusion in tax-advantaged retirement and healthcare accounts. This ongoing commitment to capital return bolsters total shareholder return and reinforces UnitedHealth’s appeal as a core holding for income-focused investors amid recent volatility.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.