UnitedHealth Q3: Star Ratings & Outlook Clash

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is set to report its third-quarter earnings on October 13, 2026. Ahead of this announcement, analysts are sharing their views on the company's performance and future outlook.

Pipor Sandler analyst Jessica Tassan reiterated a Buy rating on UNH, citing the recent release of Medicare 2027 Part C & D Star Ratings by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Tassan believes UNH's Star Ratings are "underappreciated" and views the company as an "actionable" Medicare Advantage organization.

Conversely, TD Cowen analyst Ryan Langston reiterated a Hold rating and reduced the price target for UNH stock. Langston anticipates UnitedHealth will provide its initial 2027 outlook during the Q3 earnings call, expecting 2027 EPS growth guidance to align with or slightly trail the consensus estimate of 14%.

Wall Street consensus anticipates UNH will report Q3 earnings per share of $4.15, a 42.1% year-over-year increase, with revenue projected to decrease by approximately 1.6% to $111.31 billion. Despite a noted potential revenue headwind from declining Star Ratings, UNH stock has appreciated 17% year-to-date, with an average price target suggesting further upside potential.