- Nvidia Tops Buy Point. 5 Dow Stocks Near Entries Share This Flaw
May 11, 2026
Nvidia topped a buy point on Monday after Boeing provided an entry on Friday, among five Dow stocks to watch near buy points this week. Nvidia stock and its peers have rallied in a soaring stock market, with earnings out of the way for some of these names but not for others. Walmart, Goldman Sachs and UnitedHealth also make the cut.
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- Nvidia, Boeing Lead 5 Dow Stocks Near Buy Points. They Share This Flaw.
May 9, 2026
Nvidia and Boeing lead five Dow stocks to watch near buy points this week. Nvidia stock and its peers have rallied in a soaring stock market, with earnings out of the way for some of these names but not for others. Walmart, Goldman Sachs and UnitedHealth also make the cut.
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- UnitedHealth Group (UNH) Valuation Check After Earnings Beat Guidance Lift And Prior Authorization Cuts
May 9, 2026
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UnitedHealth Group (UNH) has been in focus after first quarter 2026 earnings, a higher full year earnings outlook, and plans to cut prior authorization requirements, while analysts highlighted the stock following these updates.
See our latest analysis for UnitedHealth Group.
The stock has reacted strongly to the first quarter earnings update and guidance lift, with a 30 day share price return of 20.15% and 90 day share price return of 33.65%. However, the 1 year total shareholder return is slightly negative, suggesting recent momentum is rebuilding from a weaker multi year period.
If UnitedHealth's rebound has you rethinking opportunities in healthcare and technology, it could be worth scanning for other potential beneficiaries in this space through our 35 healthcare AI stocks.
With UNH up more than 20% in 30 days and trading only about 5% below the average analyst price target, the key question is whether recent strength still leaves value on the table or if the market is already pricing in future growth.
Most Popular Narrative: 24.1% Undervalued
UnitedHealth Group's most followed valuation narrative pegs fair value at $486.86 per share, comfortably above the recent $369.74 close. This is described as a bullish valuation gap according to WallStreetWontons.
UNH serves approximately 53 million members globally, including 5 million outside the U.S. Its scale in managed care, along with investments in its Optum franchises, positions it as a healthcare services powerhouse.
Read the complete narrative.
Want to see what kind of revenue build and profit margin profile is baked into that fair value, and how Optum and UnitedHealthcare each pull their weight?
According to WallStreetWontons, the narrative describes a discounted cash flow style view that relies on steady premium revenue, a broad service mix across Optum and UnitedHealthcare, and profitability anchored around mid single digit margins, all evaluated at a 6.06% discount rate and a future P/E of 25x.
Result: Fair Value of $486.86 (UNDERVALUED)
Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.
However, this hinges on regulatory outcomes and competitive pressure, either of which could compress margins or disrupt the premium and Optum driven assumptions in that valuation.
Find out about the key risks to this UnitedHealth Group narrative.
Next Steps
If this mix of optimism and concern around UnitedHealth feels familiar, consider using it as a prompt to act quickly and test the assumptions yourself using the 3 key rewards and 2 important warning signs
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Zero in on potential mispriced opportunities by scanning companies highlighted in our 51 high quality undervalued stocks. Focus on income by reviewing companies offering resilient payouts using the 12 dividend fortresses. Prioritize stability by sorting through companies flagged in the 72 resilient stocks with low risk scores.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include UNH.
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- UnitedHealth to Eliminate Prior Authorization for 30% of Healthcare Services
May 7, 2026
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is included among the 10 Best Value Stocks to Buy in 2026 According to Warren Buffett.UnitedHealth to Eliminate Prior Authorization for 30% of Healthcare Services
On May 5, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) announced that it is removing authorization requirements for 30% of healthcare services that previously needed insurer approval. The company said the move builds on several recent commitments aimed at making healthcare simpler and more affordable. It also said the changes are intended to improve transparency and accountability across the healthcare system.
UnitedHealthcare noted that prior authorization is currently required for only 2% of its medical services. Of the authorization requests submitted, around 92% are approved, with decisions taking less than 24 hours on average. The company also stated that, within Medicare Advantage, it has fewer prior authorization requirements than any other insurer.
By the end of 2026, UnitedHealthcare plans to eliminate another 30% of its remaining prior authorizations. The changes will include select outpatient surgeries, certain diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms, and some outpatient therapies and chiropractic care. The company said a full list of the affected services will be available on UHCProvider.com before the changes take effect.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a healthcare and well-being company. Its business segments include Optum Health, Optum Insight, Optum Rx, and UnitedHealthcare. The UnitedHealthcare segment includes UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, and UnitedHealthcare Community & State.
While we acknowledge the potential of UNH as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
READ NEXT: 10 Best Blue Chip Stocks to Invest In According to Billionairesand 10 Best Performing Dividend Stocks So Far in 2026
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- Bullish Quarterly Results: 3 Companies Raising Guidance
May 7, 2026
The 2026 Q1 earnings season continues to roll along, with a wide variety of companies revealing results in the coming days. The cycle has overall been strong, with growth remaining solid and a decent number of companies exceeding quarterly expectations.
And concerning those exceeding quarterly expectations, UnitedHealth Group UNH, Quanta Services PWR, and Quest Diagnostics DGX both raised their outlooks, with each also seeing a nice pop following their results.
UnitedHealth
UnitedHealth posted a double beat relative to our consensus expectations, with both EPS and sales moving modestly higher year-over-year. It reflected the company’s first double-beat in several quarters, helping underpin the favorable reaction shares enjoyed post-earnings.
The company’s EPS outlook remains bullish, with estimates drifting higher across all timeframes illustrated below. The favorable revisions are led by a guidance upgrade, with UNH raising its FY26 earnings outlook.Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics similarly posted a double-beat relative to our consensus expectations, marking the sixth consecutive period in which it exceeded both EPS and sales expectations. Sales grew 9.2% from the year-ago period, whereas EPS grew by a double-digit 13.1% YoY.
The company raised both its EPS and sales guidance for its current FY26 amid the favorable results, with DGX seeing favorable revisions following the release.Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Quanta Services
Quanta Services yet again delivered another set of robust quarterly results, with both EPS and sales results beating Zacks Consensus Estimates. Adjusted EPS of $2.68 grew by a sizable 50% YoY and reflected a 31.4% surprise, whereas sales of $7.9 billion saw a double-digit 26.3% YoY climb. Importantly, the backlog reached a record $48.5 billion, helping underpin its broader business momentum for a long time to come.
Quanta Services raised guidance across many metrics, driven by a favorable demand environment, further adding to the positivity. The broad guidance hike is very bullish from a share momentum standpoint, a big driver behind the stock’s surge after it reported.
EPS revisions remain bullish nearly across the board.Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Bottom Line
Guidance upgrades are generally among the most bullish announcements a company can make, signaling that the outlook is even better than previously expected. Upgrades commonly lead to share outperformance, with UnitedHealth UNH, Quanta Services PWR, and Quest Diagnostics DGX seeing bullish share reactions following their results.
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- THC Beats Q1 Earnings Estimates on Strong Ambulatory Growth, Ups '26 EPS View
May 6, 2026
Tenet Healthcare Corporation THC reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $4.82, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 14.5%. The bottom line increased 10.6% year over year.
Net operating revenues advanced 2.8% year over year to $5.37 billion. The top line marginally missed the consensus mark by 0.4%.
The quarterly results benefited from strong same-facility revenue growth and higher adjusted admissions, along with solid contributions from acquisitions that supported the Ambulatory Care segment. However, the upside was partly offset by an unfavorable payer mix and higher operating costs, particularly elevated supply expenses.
Tenet Healthcare Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS SurpriseTenet Healthcare Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Tenet Healthcare Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Tenet Healthcare Corporation Quote
Inside THC’s Q1 Performance
Adjusted net income of $422 million climbed 1.9% year over year in the quarter.
Adjusted EBITDA of $1.2 billion surpassed our estimate of $1.1 billion, driven by solid same-facility revenue growth and disciplined expense management. However, the metric dipped 0.1% year over year due to an unfavorable payer mix, reflecting lower exchange admissions. Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 70 basis points year over year to 21.6%.
Salaries, wages and benefits increased 2.6% year over year to $2.2 billion in the first quarter, while supply costs rose 6% and net other operating expenses increased 2.9%.
Q1 Segmental Details
Ambulatory Care: The segment’s net operating revenues climbed 10.6% year over year to $1.3 billion in the quarter, driven by strong growth in consolidated same-facility net patient service revenues, contributions from facility acquisitions and an expansion of service lines. The metric topped our estimate by 2.3%.
Adjusted EBITDA was $484 million, which advanced 6.1% year over year. The metric missed our estimate by 2.6%. Adjusted EBITDA margin deteriorated 150 bps year over year to 36.7%.
Hospital Operations and Services: The segment recorded net operating revenues of $4.05 billion, which inched up 0.5% year over year driven by higher adjusted admissions, partly offset by an unfavorable payer mix. The metric missed our model estimate by 1.6%.
Adjusted EBITDA decreased 4.1% year over year to $678 million in the quarter, affected by an unfavorable payer mix. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.7% was down 80 bps year over year.
THC’s Financial Position (as of March 31, 2026)
Tenet Healthcare exited the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $2.97 billion, which improved from the 2025-end level of $2.88 billion. Total assets of $31.2 billion rose from the 2025-end figure of $29.7 billion.
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Long-term debt, net of the current portion, amounted to $13.1 billion, which inched up marginally from the figure as of Dec. 31, 2025. The current portion of long-term debt totaled $81 million.
Total shareholders’ equity of $4.8 billion increased from the 2025-end level of $4.2 billion.
THC generated $1.6 billion of net cash from operations in the first quarter of 2026, which advanced 101.3% year over year. Free cash flows improved 127.6% year over year to $1.5 billion in the quarter.
THC’s Share Repurchase Update
THC bought back 1.35 million of common shares worth $318 million in the first quarter.
THC Provides Outlook for 2026
Net operating revenues are projected in the range of $21.5-$22.3 billion, unchanged from prior guidance and up from $21.3 billion in 2025. Hospital segment revenues are expected to be between $16 billion and $16.6 billion, while the Ambulatory Care unit is forecasted to generate $5.5–$5.7 billion.
Adjusted EBITDA is likely to remain between $4.485 billion and $4.785 billion in 2026, compared with the 2025 figure of $4.566 billion. Adjusted EBITDA margin is estimated to be in the 20.9-21.5% band, the mid-point of which indicates a decline from the 2025 level of 21.4%. Adjusted EPS for 2026 is anticipated to be in the band of $16.38-$18.68, up from the previous guidance of $16.19-$18.47.
Net cash provided by operating activities is now expected to be between $3.64 billion and $4.09 billion. Free cash flow is now estimated to remain between $2.94 billion and $3.29 billion. Capital expenditures are projected in the range of $700-$800 million.
Tenet Healthcare currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
How Did Other Medical Companies Perform?
Here are some stocks from the broader Medical space that have also reported their quarterly results: HCA Healthcare, Inc. HCA, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated UNH and The Ensign Group, Inc. ENSG
HCA Healthcare reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $7.15, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.17, though up 10.9% year over year. Revenues increased 4.3% to $19.1 billion but narrowly missed the consensus estimate by 0.1%. HCA’s performance was affected by declines in same-facility inpatient and outpatient surgeries, along with elevated operating expenses, partially offset by modest growth in emergency room visits.
UnitedHealth Group reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $7.23, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.46 and increased 0.4% year over year. Revenues rose 2% to $111.7 billion and exceeded the consensus estimate by 2.1%. UNH’s performance was driven by growth in commercial fee-based membership and strength in Optum Rx, partially offset by weakness in Optum Health and a decline in risk-based membership.
Ensign Group reported a first-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.85, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.4%. The bottom line improved 21.7% year over year. Operating revenues advanced 18.4% year over year to $1.4 billion. The top line marginally missed the consensus mark by 0.07%. ENSG’s strong performance was driven by higher occupancy, patient days and contributions from newly acquired and transitioning facilities, along with growth in rental income. However, these gains were partly offset by increased expenses.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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- CVS Health Stock Jumps After Earnings. What’s Encouraging Wall Street.
May 6, 2026
CVS Health’s Aetna was the third-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in 2025, behind UnitedHealth Group and Humana.
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- UnitedHealth Prior Authorization Shift And What It Could Mean For UNH Stock
May 6, 2026
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UnitedHealthcare, part of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH), plans to remove prior authorization requirements for a large share of healthcare services starting in 2026. The change is intended to cut administrative complexity, while aiming to improve access and affordability for patients and providers. This policy update affects core insurance operations and could influence how hospitals, physicians and patients interact with NYSE:UNH plans.
For a company of UnitedHealth Group's scale in US health insurance and services, adjusting prior authorization policies touches a central part of how care is approved and paid for. Investors watching managed care and healthcare services have been tracking regulatory attention on prior authorization, along with industry efforts to simplify patient and provider experiences.
This shift could influence how NYSE:UNH is perceived by regulators, employer clients and health systems that have pushed for fewer administrative hurdles. It also provides another data point for readers assessing how large insurers may adapt product design, care management and technology investments to support more streamlined healthcare delivery.
Stay updated on the most important news stories for UnitedHealth Group by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on UnitedHealth Group.NYSE:UNH 1-Year Stock Price Chart
Is UnitedHealth Group's balance sheet strong enough for future acquisitions? Dive into our detailed financial health analysis.
Quick Assessment
⚖️ Price vs Analyst Target: At US$363.87, the stock sits about 6% below the US$387.27 analyst consensus target. ✅ Simply Wall St Valuation: The shares are described as trading 58.9% below an estimated fair value. ✅ Recent Momentum: The 30 day return of 0.31% is modestly positive.
There is only one way to know the right time to buy, sell or hold UnitedHealth Group: review detailed analysis. Head to Simply Wall St's company report for the latest analysis of UnitedHealth Group's fair value.
Key Considerations
📊 The planned reduction in prior authorizations in 2026 could change how utilization, medical costs and member satisfaction are reflected in future results. 📊 Monitor how the US$363.87 share price compares with the US$387.27 analyst target and the 27.4x P/E ratio, along with any commentary on care management related to this policy shift. ⚠️ One flagged risk is UnitedHealth Group's high level of debt, which may limit flexibility if the policy change affects cost trends or margins.
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Dig Deeper
For a fuller picture including additional risks and potential rewards, explore the complete UnitedHealth Group analysis. You can also visit the community page for UnitedHealth Group to see how other investors believe this latest news fits into the company's broader narrative.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include UNH.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
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- CVS Has Two Hurdles to Clear in Earnings. Medicare Advantage Just Might Be the Lower One.
May 5, 2026
CVS Health’s Aetna was the third-largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in 2025, behind UnitedHealth Group and Humana.
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- ENSG Tops Q1 EPS Estimates on Patient Growth, Raises '26 Outlook
May 5, 2026
The Ensign Group, Inc. ENSG reported a first-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.85, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.4%. The bottom line improved 21.7% year over year.
Operating revenues advanced 18.4% year over year to $1.4 billion. The top line marginally missed the consensus mark by 0.07%.
ENSG’s strong results were driven by higher occupancy, improved patient days and contributions from acquired and transitioning facilities, along with growth in rental income. The positives were partly offset by higher expenses.
The Ensign Group, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS SurpriseThe Ensign Group, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
The Ensign Group, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | The Ensign Group, Inc. Quote
ENSG’s Q1 Update
Ensign Group’s adjusted net income of $110.2 million rose 23.9% year over year. Same-facilities occupancy improved 190 basis points (bps) to 84.3%, while transitioning-facilities occupancy increased 310 bps year over year to 85.1%.
Total expenses escalated 18% year over year to $1.26 billion due to higher cost of services, rent and G&A costs, but came in lower than our estimate of $1.27 billion.
Ensign Group’s Segmental Update
Skilled Services: The segment’s revenues totaled $1.3 billion, which grew 18.4% year over year but missed our estimate by 0.4%. The metric benefited from higher occupancy rates and improved patient days. Segment income of $174 million advanced 20.9% year over year. Skilled nursing facilities and campus operations were 331 and 31, respectively.
Standard Bearer: Rental revenues climbed 27.1% year over year to $36.1 million in the quarter. The metric benefited from real estate purchases and increased annual rent. Segment income of $10.8 million advanced 25.9% year over year. Funds from operations amounted to $21.6 million, which increased 26.6% year over year.
ENSG’s Financial Update (As of March 31, 2026)
Ensign Group exited the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $539.5 million, which rose from the 2025-end figure of $503.9 million. It had $591.6 million of available capacity under its line-of-credit. Total assets of $5.6 billion increased from $ 5.5 billion at the end of 2025.
Long-term debt — less current maturities — totaled $136.5 million, down from $137.5 million as of Dec. 31, 2025. Current maturities of long-term debt amounted to $4.3 million.
Total equity of $2.4 billion advanced from the 2025-end figure of $2.2 billion.
ENSG generated net cash from operations of $100.2 million, up from $72.2 million.
Ensign Group’s Capital-Deployment Update
As of March 31, 2026, $20.0 million remained available under the company’s stock repurchase program. The company also paid a quarterly cash dividend of 6.5 cents per share of Ensign common stock.
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ENSG’s 2026 Outlook
ENSG has raised its full-year 2026 outlook. Revenues are now expected to range between $5.81 billion and $5.86 billion compared with the prior guidance of $5.77-$5.84 billion. Adjusted EPS is projected to be in the band of $7.48-$7.62 per share, up from the earlier estimate of $7.41-$7.61.
The weighted average common shares outstanding is currently estimated to be around 60 million and the tax rate is anticipated to be 25%.
ENSG’s Zacks Rank
Ensign currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Other Medical Sector Releases
Here are some stocks from the broader Medical space that have also reported their quarterly results: HCA Healthcare, Inc. HCA, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated UNH and Elevance Health, Inc. ELV.
HCA Healthcare reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $7.15, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.17, though up 10.9% year over year. Revenues increased 4.3% to $19.1 billion but narrowly missed the consensus estimate by 0.1%. HCA’s performance was affected by declines in same-facility inpatient and outpatient surgeries, along with elevated operating expenses, partially offset by modest growth in emergency room visits.
UnitedHealth Group reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $7.23, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.46 and increased 0.4% year over year. Revenues rose 2% to $111.7 billion and exceeded the consensus estimate by 2.1%. UNH’s performance was driven by growth in commercial fee-based membership and strength in Optum Rx, partially offset by weakness in Optum Health and a decline in risk-based membership.
Elevance Health reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $12.58, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 17.8% on the back of strong premium growth. The bottom line increased 5.1% year over year. ELV’s operating revenues rose 1.5% to $49.5 billion and exceeded the consensus estimate by 3.7%. Segment-wise, the Carelon division delivered robust revenue growth, supported by the scaling of risk-based services, while the Health Benefits segment benefited from higher premium yields.
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UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) : Free Stock Analysis Report
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The Ensign Group, Inc. (ENSG) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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