15 Best S&P 500 Stocks to Look For in 2026

10. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH)

Market Capitalization: $299.85 Billion

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 140

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is one of the best S&P 500 stocks to look for in 2026.

On January 15, Mizuho Securities reiterated its Buy rating on UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH), keeping the price target at $430. TheFly reported that Mizuho expects the upcoming release of the Medicare Advantage 2027 Advance Notice, a Proposal Rule that will detail major policy changes in 2027 and beyond, to be a positive driver for UnitedHealth Group.

Ann Hynes from Mizuho pointed out that an additional positive rate increase will raise investor confidence in the margin recovery buildup across the managed care industry. Hynes believes this to be a major catalyst for stocks such as UNH. The analyst noted that Wall Street is expecting a 5% rate increase and believes a 5% or higher increase will be positive for managed care firms. The analyst expects rate growth in the 9-10% range, similar to the final 2026 rate announcement.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a leading healthcare company operating through four segments, including UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx.