UnitedHealth (UNH) Secures Analyst Confidence with Strong Medicare Outlook and Earnings Guidance

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is one of the best defensive stocks to buy, according to Steve Cohen. On September 10, Bernstein SocGen Group reiterated an Outperform rating on the stock and a $379 price target.

The positive stance stems from the company signaling stability in its medical benefits business, with solid preliminary 2026 Medicare Advantage Stars results. Initial results in an 8-K filing indicate that approximately 78% of Medicare Advantage members will be in 4-star or higher plans next year.

In addition, the research firm has echoed UnitedHealth’s reaffirmation of its 2025 adjusted earnings per share guidance, despite facing significant headwinds this year. Initially, there were concerns of potential guidance cuts under the new CEO.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a healthcare company that offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services. It also provides care delivery, care management, wellness, consumer engagement, and health financial services to patients.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.