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UnitedHealth Group ($UNH) Faces Surge in Medical CostsUnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:UNH ), one of the largest health insurers in the United States, reported a 3% drop in share price following its Q3 2024 earnings report. The company's results highlighted an uptick in medical costs as it grapples with challenges in its insurance business, including lower government payments and persistently high healthcare demand. Let’s break down the key aspects driving the stock's recent performance. Elevated Costs and Earnings Beat UnitedHealth's Q3 2024 results showed a significant rise in its medical loss ratio (MLR)—the percentage of premiums used to cover medical costs. The MLR rose to 85.2%, exceeding both last year’s figure (82.3%) and analysts’ expectations of 84.2%. This surge in costs is attributed to an increase in healthcare services under Medicare plans, particularly for individuals aged 65 and older, as postponed procedures from the COVID-19 pandemic catch up. Additionally, turnover in Medicaid has left insurers with a sicker patient base, further elevating costs. Despite these challenges, UnitedHealth delivered an adjusted profit of $7.15 per share, beating Wall Street estimates by 15 cents. The company's revenues hit $100.8 billion, surpassing the $99.28 billion expected by analysts, thanks to strong growth in its healthcare services businesses under Optum and insurance offerings under UnitedHealthcare. Key highlights: - Optum Health revenue grew by $2.1 billion, driven by the expansion of value-based care and in-home patient services. - Optum Rx, the company’s pharmacy services division, saw revenue growth of $5.4 billion, fueled by new clients and expanded pharmacy offerings. - Medicare and Medicaid pressures persisted, with the company facing government funding reductions and a sicker Medicaid population due to eligibility redeterminations. While the overall financial performance was positive, the rise in medical costs and increased demand for healthcare services, particularly from Medicare and Medicaid plans, weighed on investor sentiment, contributing to the drop in stock price. Technical Outlook: Bearish Signs Emerge On the technical front, NYSE:UNH stock has entered a bearish trend following the earnings report, and it is currently down 3.54% in Tuesday’s pre-market trading. On Monday, the stock saw a 1.60% gain but quickly reversed as the negative aspects of the earnings report began to dominate market sentiment. The stock has broken below its symmetrical triangle pattern, confirming a bearish continuation pattern. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) was 66 on Monday, indicating the stock was approaching overbought territory. However, the sharp decline in pre-market trading has relieved some of this pressure. If the bearish momentum continues, the RSI could dip below 50, signaling further downside potential. Immediate support lies at $530, the base of the triangle pattern, where the stock may find some consolidation. The stock is currently hovering around its 50-day. A break below these levels could reinforce the bearish sentiment and signal further downside to come. What Can Investors Expect? From a fundamental perspective, UnitedHealth's revenue growth and earnings beat show that the company remains a leader in the healthcare sector, with its Optum businesses continuing to drive profitability. However, the elevated medical costs, particularly related to Medicare and Medicaid, could be a persistent headwind. Regulatory changes or adjustments in Medicaid enrollment could also add to volatility in the coming quarters. On the technical side, the break below the triangle pattern is a bearish signal, and further downside toward the $530 support level seems likely if sentiment does not improve. Investors should watch for signs of consolidation at these levels or a potential breakdown, which could push the stock even lower. Conclusion UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: NYSE:UNH ) remains a strong company with a diverse portfolio spanning insurance and healthcare services. However, its near-term outlook is clouded by rising medical costs, Medicare funding challenges, and Medicaid enrollment fluctuations. Technically, the stock is in a bearish phase, but key support levels could provide opportunities for long-term investors if the stock consolidates or rebounds.
NYSE:UNHShort
by DEXWireNews
UnitedHealth Broke Out. Now It’s Pulled BackUnitedHealth broke out to new highs in July. Now after a pullback, some traders may see potential for a continuation to the upside. The first pattern on today’s chart is the pair of bullish moves after the last two earnings reports. That kind of price action may reflect positive sentiment toward the health insurer’s fundamentals. Next, the second jump propelled UNH above its previous high from October 2022. The stock has remained there since, potentially confirming the breakout. Third, prices are trying to stabilize near the rising 50-day simple moving average (SMA). The 50-day SMA also had a “golden cross” above the 200-day SMA about two months ago. Those signals may be consistent with intermediate and longer-term uptrends. Finally, stochastics are trying to rebound from an oversold condition. TradeStation has, for decades, advanced the trading industry, providing access to stocks, options and futures. See our Overview for more. Past performance, whether actual or indicated by historical tests of strategies, is no guarantee of future performance or success. There is a possibility that you may sustain a loss equal to or greater than your entire investment regardless of which asset class you trade (equities, options or futures); therefore, you should not invest or risk money that you cannot afford to lose. Online trading is not suitable for all investors. View the document titled Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options at www.TradeStation.com . Before trading any asset class, customers must read the relevant risk disclosure statements on www.TradeStation.com . System access and trade placement and execution may be delayed or fail due to market volatility and volume, quote delays, system and software errors, Internet traffic, outages and other factors. Securities and futures trading is offered to self-directed customers by TradeStation Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a futures commission merchant licensed with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission). TradeStation Securities is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the National Futures Association, and a number of exchanges. TradeStation Securities, Inc. and TradeStation Technologies, Inc. are each wholly owned subsidiaries of TradeStation Group, Inc., both operating, and providing products and services, under the TradeStation brand and trademark. When applying for, or purchasing, accounts, subscriptions, products and services, it is important that you know which company you will be dealing with. Visit www.TradeStation.com for further important information explaining what this means.
NYSE:UNH
by TradeStation
UNITED HEALTH forming a bottom.United Health (UNH) gave an excellent dip buy opportunity last time (March 29, see chart below), with the price even breaking above the long-term Resistance Zone eventually: The price has since entered a Channel Up pattern with the price now below its 1D MA50 (blue trend-line), having already topped and attempting to form a new Higher Low at the bottom of the pattern. Like the previous one in June, this bottoming process can take another 3 weeks, so we will time it accordingly and target 675.00 (+21.00% rise, similar to both previous Bullish Legs). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** Please LIKE 👍, FOLLOW ✅, SHARE 🙌 and COMMENT ✍ if you enjoy this idea! Also share your ideas and charts in the comments section below! This is best way to keep it relevant, support us, keep the content here free and allow the idea to reach as many people as possible. ** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💸💸💸💸💸💸 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇
NYSE:UNHLong
by TradingShot
Unitedhealth Group (UNH) | Chart & Forecast SummaryKey Indicators on Trade Set Up in General 1. Push Set Up 2. Range Set up 3. Break & Retest Set Up Active Sessions on Relevant Range & Elemented Probabilities; * Asian(Ranging) - London(Upwards) - NYC(Downwards) * Weekend Crypto Session # Trend | Time Frame Conductive | Weekly Time Frame - General Trend - Measurement on Session * Support & Resistance * Trade Area | Focus & Motion Ahead # Position & Risk Reward | Daily Time Frame - Measurement on Session * Retracement | 0.5 & 0.618 * Extension | 0.786 & 1 Conclusion | Trade Plan Execution & Risk Management on Demand; Overall Consensus | Neutral
U
by P-Ment4U
Watchlist 9/2/24 PT-1OPTIONS WATCHLIST 9/1/2024 NASDAQ:NFLX - Netflix's Strategic Shift To Live Sports And A Revamped Subscription Model Catapults Its Stock To Record Highs. Multiple analyst upgrades last week from $750 to $900. Calls above $702.50 for a move towards $720 and higher. Needs to hold $700 NYSE:GE - Stock approaching all time highs at $177.20. Looking for calls above $175 for a move towards all time highs. Above that we can see $180 and higher. Stock is a strong indicator on daily and weekly time frames. NYSE:V - Co recently Reveals Launch Of Its Money Movement Advisory Practice In US And Canada stock breaking out of trendline channel on weekly time frame and moving higher. Looking for calls above $276.50 for a move towards $280. Above $280 this can break all time highs and hit $300 NYSE:UNH - Stock consolidating last week around all time highs. Looking for calls above $593.26 for a move towards $600 and higher. Stock is strong on indicators. AMEX:SPY - ETF failing to break all time highs last week after coming close trice. ETF forming Inverse head and shoulders pattern on daily time frame. Calls above $565.16 for a move towards $575
NYSE:UNH
by TheStockTraderHub
$UNH FishingSimple idea for a short scenario but only if a reversal pattern or signs of weakness occur at the top green rectangle zone. Discretionary approach for each trader to decide according to their needs or preferences, perhaps in tune with other opinions found elsewhere. Just wanted to leave this here for anyone interested in this stock, as I have also developed some projected potential zones of support/resistance for the future in case a bearish scenario unfolds, and if the big green zone holds as resistance. The last red rectangle zone is only for extreme longer term scenario. Much can happen until then with this stock, even before the next earnings report which is right before the time zone of the big red. If the price does start to slide towards the pink I am curious to see the price action and developments near the smaller red ones with potential auxiliary signals for short entries in these areas.
NYSE:UNH
by nen
4
ALERT! Healthcare Stocks? $UNH 70% decline! Sub $200 possible. I've been watching and keeping this quiet for a while now and I am now extremely confident of this trade. NYSE:UNH headed for the dumps as technicals show signs of a 70% decline ahead in the next year. This is a developing trade and I do not have any news to support this drop however, I am certain. The Weekly is currently in a bear flag the same exaact way. After a huge run, UNH looks to be running out of steam. The RSI matches around 70 on the 10D timeframe and the MACD is also coming from a negative area into bullish territory, yet the bearish divergence is clear imo. I will be glady entering long puts up here. I will continuously update this trade. See you Next year. Use this chart as a reference to current chart.
NYSE:UNHShort
by TazmanianTrader
UNITEDHEALTH - In Pursuit of Both TargetsOn May 7, 2024, we published an analysis predicting a total appreciation of over +11% if both targets were reached. However, only one target was hit, resulting in a partial gain of +4.50%. Achieving a target with a partial realization of at least half the invested capital and protecting this result with a trailing stop is something to be valued. There is nothing wrong with that. The important thing is to exit the trade with a profit, as it is just one in a sequence. We cannot jeopardize the next trade by lamenting the past. Within this philosophy, we now see the opportunity to try again, even though a short time has passed, to seek better performance in the same stock. This is not "stubbornness" but "perseverance" in overcoming setbacks with a successful experience. Such an approach tests our limits and fears, strengthening us as traders. Now, let’s develop our traditional risk management and organization for this operation: If this projection is confirmed and a partial realization occurs at the first target, the stop loss should be moved from its initial position to the same line where the position was opened. This way, the journey towards the final target will proceed with reduced risk of losses and the preservation of the partial gains achieved so far. Follow us to receive notifications of new trades as well as frequent updates on ongoing trades. Finally, if you agree with the idea or found it useful, please give it a BOOST so that it can reach a larger number of people!
NYSE:UNHLong
by EthosInvest
UnitedHealth Group a Shorting Opportunity or a Long-Term Gem?As the healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group (UNH) faces significant headwinds, recent trading patterns and technical indicators suggest a critical juncture for potential investors and traders. This comprehensive analysis delves into the latest chart movements, technical tools, and market sentiment to forecast potential price trajectories and strategic trading opportunities for UNH. Market Overview and Recent Developments UnitedHealth Group's stock is currently trading at $481.00, experiencing a slight decline of -0.73%. This drop follows the news of a MIL:1M fine imposed on the company for regulatory non-compliance, a development that has undoubtedly added to the recent bearish sentiment. The latest candlesticks show a bearish engulfing pattern, signaling potential continuation of the downtrend. The stock has struggled to maintain momentum above the $500 level, with resistance firmly established around $490 - $495. Immediate support is identified at $475, a level tested multiple times in recent sessions. Resistance looms at $490, a barrier reinforced by recent price action and moving averages. Moving Averages: The Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) for 10, 20, and 30 days are all above the current price, each indicating a 'Sell' signal. This alignment typically suggests continued bearish pressure. The 100 and 200-day EMAs also suggest a 'Sell', with values at $498.19 and $501.58 respectively. The alignment of these longer-term averages above the current price reinforces the bearish outlook. Currently at 39.31, RSI is hovering near the oversold territory. This indicates that while the stock is under significant selling pressure, it may soon find some buying interest if the oversold condition persists. The MACD (12, 26) is at -4.09, signaling a 'Sell' with the MACD line below the signal line. The histogram is negative, reinforcing the bearish trend. The Stochastic %K is at 13.30, also indicating an oversold condition. This supports the potential for a short-term bounce. Recent trading volumes are below the 30-day average, indicating lower participation in the current price moves. This can suggest weakening momentum, often preceding a reversal or consolidation phase. The cash flow analysis highlights significant fluctuations with operating activities showing strength while investing and financing activities have varied widely. Revenue continues to grow, particularly in its core segments: UnitedHealthcare and Optum, suggesting strong underlying business fundamentals despite the short-term technical weaknesses. The broader market sentiment, as reflected in analyst ratings, shows a dichotomy. Despite the strong sell signals from technical indicators, analysts maintain a 'Strong Buy' stance, with a one-year price target set at $576.68, projecting a potential upside of nearly 20%. Short Opportunity: Given the prevailing bearish indicators, a short position can be considered if the price breaks below $475 with a target near the next support at $460. Use a tight stop-loss above $490 to manage risk. Long Opportunity: Watch for a potential reversal if the price bounces off the $475 support level and breaks above $490. This move, coupled with a shift in volume and momentum indicators, could set a short-term target around $510. Place a stop-loss just below $475 to mitigate downside risk. Upside Potential: Aligning with the bullish analyst sentiment, if the stock manages to hold above $475 and breaks above the $500 level, the long-term price target could be set at $576.68. This aligns with both technical and fundamental strength in the company’s revenue and cash flow projections. Downside Risk: Should the bearish momentum persist and the stock fails to hold above key supports, a deeper decline toward the $450 level is plausible. Long-term investors should keep an eye on the $465 level as a potential buy zone, provided the broader fundamentals remain intact. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) presents a complex yet intriguing picture for traders and investors. The current technical landscape suggests caution with strong bearish signals, but underlying financial strength and market sentiment provide a silver lining. Whether to short or long UNH hinges on the upcoming price action around the critical $475 and $490 levels. Stay vigilant, set your stops, and align your strategies with your risk tolerance and market outlook.
NYSE:UNH
by AxiomEx
Investors Await Q1 ReportKey arguments in support of the idea. ▪ UNH stock has come under pressure from a series of adverse events, though Q1 earnings may improve investor sentiment regarding further UNH business growth potential. ▪ A good moment for buying, both fundamentally and technically. Investment Thesis UnitedHealth Group (UNH) engages in the provision of health insurance, software, and related consulting services. UNH is the largest provider of healthcare plans in the US. In Early 2024, UNH’s Stock Came Under Pressure from Several Adversities at Once . First, it is a cyberattack on Change Healthcare services, that led to a temporary freeze on payments from medical organizations. At the time of finalizing this report, UnitedHealth informed that services were restored, and that it did not expect big implications for financial results. However, market participants fear a one-time negative impact on profitability in Q1 2024. Shortly after the cyberattack, it was reported that the US Department of Justice had initiated an antitrust investigation for examining the strength of relationship between UnitedHealth’s insurance and medical business divisions. The impact of the investigation is uncertain, and we do not believe it to influence the stock in the short term. Investors Were Disappointed by CMS’ Final Decision on Medicare Advantage (MA) Payment Rates. On April 2, MA plan rate rises for 2025 compared to 2024 became finally known. The payout rate remained at the proposed level of 3.7% y/y, disappointing investors looking for a bigger increase. This caused a negative market reaction: UNH, the largest player, ended the April 2 trading with a 9.3% drop. Some other major stocks reacted that day accordingly: HUM (-13.4%), CVS (-7.2%), ELV (-3.3%). The worsened MA business revenue expectations for 2025 are already reflected in prices. However, the Optum segment’s organic growth (OptumHealth, OptumInsight, and OptumRx) remains a strong point of the Company and may support its Q1 2024 results that will be released on April 16. Expectations for Q1 Report. We think that investors will be focused on the guidance for 2024. Management’s confirmation or improvement of the existing guidance could dispel investor worries. Besides, we expect a detailed commentary on the impact of the cyberattack and the MA rate decision on financial results. Now Is a Good Time to Buy. The P/E NTM ratio has decreased to 15.8, which is lower than the Company’s all-time average of 18.8. The RSI has dropped below 30 points, signaling a likely reversal. We consider UNH shares’ current weakness as a good opportunity to buy, assuming that (1) the impact of the approved MA 2025 rate is already reflected in prices, (2) the cyberattack will have a one-time insignificant implication for UNH, and (3) there is still a high demand in the MA market, and UNH remains the largest and growing provider of healthcare plans. The target price for UNH over a 2-month horizon is $495, which corresponds to P/E NTM of 18. We recommend Buying and setting a Stop Loss at $415.
NYSE:UNH
by FreedomHolding
UnitedHealth (UNH) Share Price Surges after Strong ReportUnitedHealth (UNH) Share Price Surges after Strong Report UnitedHealth shares surged Tuesday, rising more than 5% after the health care giant delivered stronger-than-expected first-quarter 2024 results: → earnings per share: actual = USD 6.91, expected = USD 6.61, last quarter = USD 6.16; → gross income: actual = USD 94.4 billion, expected = USD 92.1 billion. UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Whitty said health care costs rose sharply last year, and he attributed much of the rise to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Also adding positive news to investors was UnitedHealth Group's handling of the Feb. 21 cyberattack on its Change Healthcare subsidiary, which disrupted hospital and pharmacy operations for more than a week and cost an estimated USD 872 million. Technical analysis of the UNH stock chart shows that: → starting in 2022, the price moves within the range between support at USD 450 and resistance at USD 550 per share; → false breakouts of the indicated levels occurred repeatedly; → as a result of the publication of the report, another false breakdown of support was formed at USD 450 per UNH share; → growth after the report occurred with a gap in the area of USD 450-465, which can serve as support; → it is possible that a test of the gap will form on the chart and growth will at least reach the mid-channel level of USD 500 per share. According to analysts surveyed by TipRank, the average price forecast for UMH shares is USD 591.29 in 12 months (more than +25% from the current price). This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.
NYSE:UNH
by FXOpen
1
UnitedHealth Shares Surge 4.91% on Q1 Earnings UpdateUnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH ), the titan of the health insurance industry, emerged triumphant in the face of daunting challenges as it delivered a stellar performance in its first-quarter earnings update. Despite grappling with a surge in medical payouts and the financial fallout from a crippling cyberattack, UnitedHealth's resilience shone through, propelling its shares to a robust 4.91% surge in early trading. Earnings Beat and Resilience: UnitedHealth ( NYSE:UNH ) reported adjusted earnings of $6.91 per share for the first quarter, exceeding Wall Street's expectations by 30 cents. The impressive 10.4% year-over-year growth underscored the company's ability to navigate turbulent waters while maintaining its upward trajectory. Revenue Strength and Optum Dominance: Bolstered by robust revenue figures, UnitedHealth showcased its financial prowess with group revenues surging 8.55% to $99.8 billion. Notably, Optum, the crown jewel of UnitedHealth's empire, saw its revenue soar 22.2% to $61.1 billion, cementing its position as the primary engine of the group's earnings growth. Medical Cost Challenges and Cyberattack Fallout: Amidst the triumph, UnitedHealth ( NYSE:UNH ) faced headwinds in the form of rising medical costs, reflected in a nearly 2-percentage-point increase in the medical-cost ratio to 84.3%. Furthermore, the company grappled with the aftermath of the Blackcat cyberattacks, which inflicted an $872 million blow to its Change Healthcare unit. Despite these setbacks, UnitedHealth ( NYSE:UNH ) remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering value to its stakeholders. Outlook and Forward Momentum: CEO Andrew Witty reaffirmed UnitedHealth's full-year adjusted earnings forecast, projecting a range between $27.50 and $28 per share. However, the company acknowledged the looming impact of the cyberattack, with potential costs soaring to as high as $1.6 billion for the year. Despite these challenges, Witty emphasized the company's unwavering focus on enhancing customer experiences and driving balanced growth. Market Response and Sector Challenges: The market responded enthusiastically to UnitedHealth's resilience, with shares surging 7.75% in pre-market trading. However, the broader healthcare sector faces mounting pressures, including tepid Medicare Advantage payment increases and regulatory scrutiny on pharmacy-benefit managers. Nonetheless, UnitedHealth's robust performance signals a beacon of hope amidst the industry's tumultuous landscape.
NYSE:UNHLong
by DEXWireNews