Stocks Considered 'Quality' by This Money Manager: Microsoft, Broadcom, Lilly, and More
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 11 2025
0mins
Should l Buy UNH?
Source: Barron's
Market Performance of Quality Stocks: The current market has not favored quality stocks, which are typically blue-chip companies with stable profits and low debt.
GMO's Outperformance: Funds managed by Tom Hancock at GMO have consistently outperformed both other quality portfolios and the broader market.
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Analyst Views on UNH
Wall Street analysts forecast UNH stock price to rise
19 Analyst Rating
16 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 314.050
Low
330.00
Averages
397.82
High
444.00
Current: 314.050
Low
330.00
Averages
397.82
High
444.00
About UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is a healthcare and well-being company. Its segments include Optum Health, Optum Insight, Optum Rx, and UnitedHealthcare, which includes UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement and UnitedHealthcare Community & State. Optum Health provides comprehensive and patient-centered care, addressing the physical, mental, and social well-being. Optum Health delivers primary, specialty and surgical care and helps patients and providers navigate and address complex, chronic and behavioral health needs. Optum Insight connects the healthcare system with services, analytics and platforms that make clinical, administrative and financial processes simpler and more efficient for all participants in the healthcare system. Optum Rx offers a range of pharmacy care services through retail pharmacies, through home delivery, specialty and community health pharmacies and the provision of in-home and community-based infusion services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Leadership Style: Just two weeks into her tenure as NYPD Commissioner, Jessica Tisch faced the high-profile shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, showcasing her collaborative leadership style by relying on experienced police chiefs, which maintained decision-making transparency and effectiveness during the crisis.
- Technological Modernization: Tisch discovered in 2010 that the NYPD's technology infrastructure was severely lacking, with many officers lacking cell phones or email, and she has since driven modernization efforts while ensuring that the introduction of new technologies does not compromise public trust, emphasizing the priority of privacy policies.
- Talent Development: She believes that the key to success lies in identifying and cultivating talent, and despite being a relatively young leader managing seasoned police personnel, she has earned their trust through preparation and transparency, demonstrating her extensive experience across various agencies.
- Significant Results: Under Tisch's leadership, the NYPD has achieved notable reductions in key areas such as subway crime, shootings, and retail theft, with retail theft down 14% in 2022 and over 20% so far in 2026, indicating the positive impact of her policies on public safety.
See More
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- Exelixis' Innovative Drugs: Exelixis' Cabometyx, a leading treatment for liver and kidney cancers, is expected to face no generic competition until 2030, while its development of next-gen cancer therapies could further drive growth in the coming years.
- Competitive Advantages: These three companies demonstrate significant market potential and innovation capabilities, with Krystal Biotech and Madrigal expanding their product lines to enhance market share, while Exelixis maintains a strong position in oncology through robust financial performance and R&D efforts.
See More
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- Upgraded Earnings Expectations: Analysts project CVS's earnings per share to reach between $7 and $7.20 in 2026, with the increase in Medicare payments likely enhancing CVS's profitability and boosting market confidence.
- Stock Valuation Potential: Currently trading at around 11 times forward earnings, CVS could see its stock price rise to $90 or $100 if it narrows the valuation gap with competitors like UnitedHealth Group, offering substantial investment returns.
- Stable Dividend Yield: With a forward dividend yield of 3.4%, CVS not only provides steady income but also attracts long-term investors, further supporting the upward momentum of its stock price.
See More
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- Earnings Forecast Adjustment: Analysts project CVS Health's earnings per share (EPS) to reach between $7 and $7.20 in 2026, with the increased Medicare payments potentially driving double-digit earnings growth in 2027, further propelling the stock price upward.
- Valuation Gap: CVS Health's current stock price trades at about 11 times forward earnings, while peers like UnitedHealth Group trade at 15 to 20 times; if CVS can partially close this valuation gap, its stock price could reasonably rise to $90 or $100, offering substantial investment returns.
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