What is Erste Group Bank’s Forecast for UNH FY2027 Earnings?

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) – Equities researchers at Erste Group Bank boosted their FY2027 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for UnitedHealth Group in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday, September 18th. Erste Group Bank analyst H. Engel now forecasts that the healthcare conglomerate will post earnings per share of $22.51 for the year, up from their previous forecast of $22.45. Erste Group Bank currently has a “Hold” rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for UnitedHealth Group’s current full-year earnings is $19.85 per share.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.38 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.94 by $1.44. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 16.53% and a net margin of 3.14%.The firm had revenue of $112.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $110.81 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $4.08 earnings per share. UnitedHealth Group’s quarterly revenue was up .4% on a year-over-year basis. UnitedHealth Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 19.500-20.000 EPS.

Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Robert W. Baird upgraded shares of UnitedHealth Group from an “underperform” rating to a “neutral” rating and upped their price objective for the company from $287.00 to $453.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 16th. DA Davidson set a $512.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Tuesday, July 21st. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $397.00 to $485.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, July 13th. Zacks Research lowered UnitedHealth Group from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, September 14th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised UnitedHealth Group from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Saturday, August 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have assigned a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $456.56.

UnitedHealth Group Price Performance

NYSE UNH opened at $372.81 on Monday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $401.67 and a 200-day simple moving average of $372.70. UnitedHealth Group has a 52-week low of $255.96 and a 52-week high of $461.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $334.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.78.

Institutional Trading of UnitedHealth Group

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of UNH. Wellington Altus USA Inc. lifted its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 97.1% in the second quarter. Wellington Altus USA Inc. now owns 67 shares of the healthcare conglomerate’s stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. Security National Bank of SO Dak bought a new stake in UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Sarver Vrooman Wealth Advisors bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the fourth quarter worth $25,000. Aberdeen Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the 2nd quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Nalls Sherbakoff Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the fourth quarter worth approximately $27,000. 87.86% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Insider Activity at UnitedHealth Group

In related news, CEO Patrick Conway sold 1,169 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $390.00, for a total value of $455,910.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 15,328 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $5,977,920. This trade represents a 7.09% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.19% of the company’s stock.

UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 22nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 14th were given a $2.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 14th. This represents a $9.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.5%. UnitedHealth Group’s payout ratio is currently 59.72%.

Trending Headlines about UnitedHealth Group

Here are the key news stories impacting UnitedHealth Group this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Earnings and guidance remain supportive. UnitedHealth reported second-quarter adjusted EPS of $6.38, well above the $4.94 consensus estimate, while revenue reached approximately $112 billion. Management raised its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $19.50–$20.00, reinforcing expectations for a substantial earnings recovery. Can UNH Stock Keep Growing Earnings While Its Sales Stall?
• Positive Sentiment: Margin recovery could drive further upside. Analysts highlighted improving margins in UnitedHealthcare and Optum Health, supported by cost controls, contract resets and technology-related efficiencies. Continued operating improvements could support earnings growth through 2027 and 2028. UnitedHealth: Margin Recovery And Earnings Growth Support Further Upside
• Positive Sentiment: Some analysts have raised earnings expectations. Erste Group Bank brokers increased their estimates for UNH, reflecting greater confidence in the company’s improving financial performance. Erste Group Bank Brokers Increase Earnings Estimates for UNH
• Neutral Sentiment: Investors are looking ahead to the next earnings report. UnitedHealth is expected to report results in October, making the upcoming release a potential catalyst for the stock and a test of whether the margin recovery is continuing. Should You Buy UnitedHealth Group Stock Before Oct. 13?
• Negative Sentiment: Revenue growth and medical-cost risk are weighing on sentiment. Revenue has nearly stalled, leaving the earnings recovery increasingly dependent on controlling members’ medical expenses—an outcome UnitedHealth can only partly influence. The combination of limited sales growth and uncertainty over utilization trends likely explains the recent pressure on UNH shares. Can UNH Stock Keep Growing Earnings While Its Sales Stall?

About UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is a diversified health care and well-being company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Its operations are organized primarily through two businesses: UnitedHealthcare, which provides health benefit plans and services, and Optum, which delivers health care services, technology, pharmacy care and data-driven solutions.

UnitedHealthcare serves individuals, employers, government programs and other organizations through products that include employer-sponsored health plans, individual and family coverage, Medicare and Medicaid plans, dental and vision benefits, and related administrative services.