BLI Banque de Luxembourg Investments has increased its stake in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE: UNH) by 1.0%, according to its recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor now holds a total of 107,530 shares following the acquisition of an additional 1,020 shares during the second quarter. As of the latest reporting period, the value of BLI’s holdings in UnitedHealth Group is approximately $33.23 million.
Several other hedge funds have also adjusted their positions in UnitedHealth Group. Bayforest Capital Ltd significantly increased its investment by 685.7% in the first quarter, now owning 55 shares valued at $29,000 after purchasing 48 additional shares. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd similarly raised its position by 416.7% during the same period, acquiring 62 shares worth $32,000 after adding 50 shares.
In the second quarter, LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SA entered a new position in UnitedHealth Group valued at around $25,000. Islay Capital Management LLC also acquired new shares during the same quarter, with a valuation of approximately $31,000. Nova Wealth Management Inc. raised its stake by 339.1% in the first quarter and now owns 101 shares valued at $53,000 after an additional purchase of 78 shares. Notably, hedge funds and institutional investors collectively hold 87.86% of the company’s stock.
Current Market Position and Dividend Announcement
On Friday, shares of UnitedHealth Group opened at $329.75. The company has a market capitalization of $298.70 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.21. Its current ratio is 0.82, with a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. Over the past year, the stock has experienced a low of $234.60 and a high of $622.83.
The company recently announced a quarterly dividend of $2.21 per share, set to be paid on December 16, 2023. Shareholders of record as of December 8, 2023 will be eligible for this dividend, which translates to an annualized dividend of $8.84 and a yield of 2.7%. The dividend payout ratio currently stands at 46.14%.
Analyst Ratings and Price Targets
Recent reports from equity analysts have varied in their outlook on UnitedHealth Group. On October 24, 2023, Weiss Ratings upgraded the company from a “sell (d+)” to a “hold (c-)” rating. Royal Bank of Canada raised its target price from $286.00 to $408.00, issuing an “outperform” rating on October 29, 2023. Conversely, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded the stock from “buy” to “hold,” setting a price objective of $333.00.
Zacks Research also upgraded UnitedHealth Group from a “strong sell” to a “hold” rating on October 6, 2023. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an “overweight” rating with a price target of $440.00 on August 26, 2023. Currently, eighteen analysts rate the stock as a Buy, nine as Hold, and three as Sell, giving UnitedHealth Group a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” with an average price target of $397.12.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified healthcare company in the United States, functioning through four main segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment provides a range of health benefit plans and services tailored for various employers and individuals, along with Medicaid and other health care programs aimed at supporting underserved populations.
For ongoing updates regarding UnitedHealth Group and its investment landscape, interested parties are encouraged to monitor resources like HoldingsChannel.com for the latest 13F filings and insider trades.
