5 Safe Stocks to Buy for the Long Term in 2026

3. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 130

On May 27, Bernstein raised the firm’s price target on UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) to $492 from $444 and maintained an Outperform rating on the shares. The new target implies 27% upside potential. The firm said the higher price target reflects an improved adjusted EPS outlook tied to a recovery in Medicare Advantage, along with higher target multiples. Bernstein believes the company’s projected 16% adjusted EPS CAGR supports a higher valuation multiple during this cyclical recovery phase.

On May 26, Barclays raised its price target on UNH to $429 from $373 and kept an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm said it believes the stock movements across managed care companies following Q1 earnings reports are “durable.” Barclays added that it continues to favor managed care companies over healthcare facilities, noting that inflation and commercial mix are becoming larger sources of earnings risk for providers. The firm also adjusted ratings and price targets across the sector.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a healthcare and well-being company. Its businesses include Optum Health, Optum Insight, Optum Rx, and UnitedHealthcare.