Can UnitedHealth Pull Off A Comeback? Retail Isn't Too Sure — But The Stock’s Running Anyway

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is back in the spotlight — and for now, it’s for the right reasons.

After one of the most bruising stretches in its corporate history, the stock finished at seven-week highs in the last session, reclaiming ground lost after a rare earnings miss, executive shakeup, and deepening legal and political scrutiny. 

UNH was one of the top-trending tickers on Stocktwits late Tuesday, where retail traders are locked in a spirited debate over whether the bounce is just a blip or the start of something bigger.

The sudden enthusiasm comes as longtime leader Stephen Hemsley returns as CEO, promising a return to operational discipline. 

Investors appear to be giving him a chance, despite a backdrop that remains fraught.

The company is still recovering from its challenging Q1, which saw UNH suspend its 2025 outlook and revise earnings expectations downward due to higher-than-expected costs in its Medicare Advantage business. 

Legal clouds haven’t lifted either: the company is reportedly under federal investigation for alleged Medicare fraud tied to its claims practices, which came under fire following the murder of its Optum unit CEO last year.

But in corners of the retail community on Stocktwits, patience and conviction remain high. 

One user described the stock’s message board as “the worst example of groupthink,” with bulls and bears battling with equal fervor. 

Another said they were still holding hundreds of shares with a long-term view, aiming for prices as high as $800. 

A third argued that the “path of least resistance” remains higher, even while expecting volatility ahead.

Some see the recent bounce as validation of their gut instinct, describing the stock as one of the best investments they’ve made, just not one worth bragging about quite yet.

Beyond sentiment, UNH has moved to streamline its global footprint. 

The company is reviewing offers for Banmedica, its insurance arm in Chile and Colombia. According to Reuters, at least four non-binding bids have been submitted, valuing the business around $1 billion. The sale would mark another step in UNH’s exit from Latin America, after absorbing billions in losses from its now-exited Brazilian unit.

Meanwhile, in Washington, legislative risk is on the rise. A sweeping tax and domestic policy bill narrowly passed the Senate this week, including Medicaid work requirements, eligibility checks, and reimbursement changes that could put pressure on insurers and hospitals. 

The bill, backed by President Donald Trump, now heads to the House and could reshape the landscape for public healthcare plans. Still, Hemsley has told shareholders the company is retooling its operations with an eye toward 2026. 

UNH stock has lost more than 35% of its value this year, ranking among the worst performers in the S&P 500. 

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