UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), one of the largest healthcare companies in the U.S., is under pressure after disclosing a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into its Medicare Advantage billing practices. This news has caused the stock to dip, raising concerns among investors.
UnitedHealth Drops Amid DoJ Scrutiny on Medicare Practices
The DOJ is reportedly reviewing whether UnitedHealth overbilled Medicare through its Medicare Advantage program. While details are limited, the company’s disclosure has stirred uncertainty in the market.
This scrutiny comes at a sensitive time, as the healthcare sector is already facing regulatory changes. Investors worry that legal or financial consequences from the investigation could impact UnitedHealth’s future earnings.

Deutsche Bank Slashes UnitedHealth Stock (UNH) Price Target Ahead of Q2 Earnings
In response to recent developments and ahead of the company’s Q2 earnings report, Deutsche Bank has lowered its price target for UNH stock. Analysts now expect lower growth potential and heightened risk due to legal pressures.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s changed:
| Firm | Previous Price Target | New Price Target | Reason for Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bank | $551 | $503 | DOJ investigation and cautious earnings outlook |
Should You Invest $2,000 in UNH Right Now?
Many investors are wondering if now is a smart time to buy UNH stock. While UnitedHealth is a giant in the healthcare space with long-term stability, the current situation introduces short-term risks.
Pros:
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Strong fundamentals and market leadership
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Diversified services in health insurance and data analytics
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Long-term growth potential once the investigation clears
Cons:
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Legal uncertainty from the DOJ probe
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Possible fines or reputation damage
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Lowered analyst confidence
If you’re a long-term investor with a high risk tolerance, you may view this as a buying opportunity. But for conservative or short-term investors, it may be wise to wait until after the Q2 earnings and further DOJ updates.

Deutsche Bank Cuts Price Target Ahead of UNH’s Q2 Earnings
Deutsche Bank’s revised price target reflects caution as Q2 earnings approach. Analysts believe rising medical costs and ongoing legal matters could weigh on UnitedHealth’s near-term performance.
Investors should watch for:
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Guidance updates in the earnings call
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Management’s response to the DOJ investigation
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Changes in Medicare Advantage enrollment or profit margins
What Is the Price Target for UNH Stock?
With the recent downgrade, here’s a look at how various analysts view UNH stock:
| Analyst Firm | Price Target | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Bank | $503 | Hold |
| Morgan Stanley | $580 | Overweight |
| Bank of America | $545 | Buy |
| Barclays | $525 | Equal Weight |
While the average consensus still leans positive, there is growing caution in the short term.