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ELV vs UNH
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Elevance Health (ELV) vs. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- ELV (Elevance Health) posted a stronger-than-expected third quarter, raising its 2026 adjusted earnings guidance and signaling at least 12% EPS (earnings per share) growth for 2027.
- UNH (UnitedHealth Group) is further along in its margin-repair turnaround, with a sharply improved medical care ratio and a third consecutive guidance increase this year.
- The two names reflect contrasting profiles: Elevance leans on diversified insurance plus its Carelon services platform, while UnitedHealth pairs its insurance arm with the larger Optum healthcare-services ecosystem.
- Relative performance has diverged, with UnitedHealth staging a stronger recovery from a deep drawdown, while Elevance has shown steadier, more diversified earnings momentum.
- Both stocks face shared sector risks, including elevated medical costs, Medicaid redetermination effects, and regulatory scrutiny of Medicare Advantage and pharmacy benefit managers.
- For more on each name, explore ELV Major News and ELV Today's Price Move, or UNH Major News and UNH Today's Price Move.
- For automated, data-driven insights on these and thousands of other tickers, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Elevance Health and UnitedHealth Group are two of the largest publicly traded managed-care organizations in the United States, making this stock comparison directly relevant to investors evaluating the health-insurance sector. Both companies have navigated a difficult period of elevated medical utilization, government policy shifts, and regulatory pressure, yet their recent paths have diverged in important ways. Long-term investors seeking steady compounders and traders watching relative performance and momentum can both benefit from understanding how these industry bellwethers differ in business mix, growth drivers, and market positioning. The following analysis examines recent developments and observable trends to help clarify how ELV and UNH stack up today.
ELV Overview and Recent Performance
Elevance Health, rebranded from Anthem in 2022, operates a diversified health-benefits business spanning commercial, Medicaid, Medicare, and individual (Affordable Care Act) plans, alongside its Carelon services arm covering pharmacy benefit management, behavioral health, and care delivery. In recent weeks, Elevance reported third-quarter results that beat consensus, with adjusted EPS of $6.99 versus roughly $4.70 expected and operating revenue of about $50.4 billion. Management raised full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to at least $29.00 and increased its operating cash-flow outlook.
The quarter was notable for a 70-basis-point improvement in its benefit expense ratio to 90.6%, driven by stronger Medicare Advantage and individual-market performance. Medical membership, however, declined by roughly 487,000 year over year to about 44.9 million, reflecting deliberate repositioning. Carelon continued to diversify results, with operating revenue up 5% and operating gain up 17%. Sentiment has been supported by analyst price-target increases, though some of the earnings beat reflected non-operating items, prompting measured market reactions.
UNH Overview and Recent Performance
UnitedHealth Group is the largest U.S. health insurer and a diversified healthcare enterprise, combining the UnitedHealthcare insurance segment with the Optum platform spanning Optum Health, Optum Rx, and Optum Insight. In recent weeks, UnitedHealth reported third-quarter adjusted EPS of $4.69, well above the roughly $4.12–$4.14 consensus, on revenue of about $112.7 billion. The company raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to at least $20.50, its third increase this year.
The standout development was margin recovery: its medical care ratio improved to 88.4% from 89.9% a year earlier, helped in part by favorable prior-period reserve development. Membership fell to about 48.3 million from 50.1 million as the company intentionally exited unprofitable markets and plans. Optum Health swung sharply, with operating earnings rising to roughly $735 million from $41 million a year earlier. Under returning CEO Stephen Hemsley, the firm has prioritized profitability over enrollment growth, a strategy that has lifted sentiment and driven a substantial rebound from 2025 lows.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies differ most clearly in scale and structure. UnitedHealth is roughly four times Elevance's market capitalization, with a larger, more integrated services engine in Optum. Elevance, by contrast, offers a more balanced mix across commercial and government lines and relies heavily on Carelon for diversification. In growth drivers, Elevance is positioning for margin expansion and Carelon cross-selling, while UnitedHealth is consolidating after a deliberate retreat from lower-margin business.
On recent momentum, UnitedHealth has delivered the more dramatic recovery, rising substantially from its early-2026 trough as margin repair took hold. Elevance has been comparatively steadier, with its gains tied to consistent earnings execution rather than a rebound narrative. Risk factors also differ in emphasis: Elevance carries notable Medicaid and state-rate sensitivity, whereas UnitedHealth faces the largest Medicare Advantage footprint and lingering regulatory scrutiny. Valuation and dividend profiles diverge as well, with UnitedHealth offering a higher yield and Elevance a lower payout ratio, reflecting different capital-return philosophies.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor UnitedHealth Group at present, owing to its stronger established uptrend, improving margin trajectory, and clearer earnings-recovery catalysts across its insurance and Optum segments. Elevance Health remains a solid, well-diversified candidate with attractive long-term fundamentals, but its momentum has been less decisive and its recent beat partly stemmed from non-operating items. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive: both names carry exposure to medical-cost trends and policy risk, and relative positioning could shift as new data emerges. Traders and investors should weigh trend strength against valuation and their own objectives.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ELV is a Hold and UNH is a Hold.
ELV's RSI Oscillator peaks and leaves overbought zone
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ELV moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. Traders may want to look at selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 28 instances where the indicator moved out of the overbought zone. In 20 of the 28 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move down at 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for ELV turned negative on October 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 51 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 30 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 59%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ELV declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
ELV broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 39 of 64 cases where ELV's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 10, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ELV as a result. In 58 of 99 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
ELV moved above its 50-day moving average on October 06, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for ELV crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Following a +4.98% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ELV advanced for three days, in 183 of 319 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 137 of 251 cases where ELV Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 55%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ELV’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 64 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.057) is normal, around the industry mean (3.520). P/E Ratio (18.775) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.353). ELV's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.291) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.786). Dividend Yield (0.016) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.453) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 78 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ELV’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 99 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
UNH sees its Stochastic Oscillator ascending out of oversold territory
On November 10, 2026, the Stochastic Oscillator for UNH moved out of oversold territory and this could be a bullish sign for the stock. Traders may want to buy the stock or buy call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 instances where the indicator left the oversold zone. In 33 of the 48 cases the stock moved higher in the following days. This puts the odds of a move higher at over 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
UNH moved above its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for UNH crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
Following a +2.78% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where UNH advanced for three days, in 186 of 330 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 106 of 245 cases where UNH Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 43%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for UNH moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 35 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 20 of the 35 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 57%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 02, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on UNH as a result. In 60 of 83 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for UNH turned negative on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 28 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 60%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where UNH declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 52%.
UNH broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 20, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. UNH’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 63 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.594) is normal, around the industry mean (3.520). P/E Ratio (25.266) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.353). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.025) is also within normal values, averaging (0.786). UNH has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.024) as compared to the industry average of (0.009). P/S Ratio (0.757) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 92 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. UNH’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock worse than average.
ELV | UNH | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 69 | 79 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 64 Fair valued | 63 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 78 | 92 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 99 | 58 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 34 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 9 | 9 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
UNH's Valuation (63) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as ELV (64). This means that UNH’s stock grew similarly to ELV’s over the last 12 months.
ELV's Profit vs Risk Rating (78) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as UNH (92). This means that ELV’s stock grew similarly to UNH’s over the last 12 months.
UNH's SMR Rating (58) in the Managed Health Care industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ELV (99). This means that UNH’s stock grew somewhat faster than ELV’s over the last 12 months.
ELV's Price Growth Rating (34) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as UNH (47). This means that ELV’s stock grew similarly to UNH’s over the last 12 months.
ELV's P/E Growth Rating (9) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as UNH (9). This means that ELV’s stock grew similarly to UNH’s over the last 12 months.
| ELV | UNH | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 69% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 72% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 60% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 57% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 54% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 56% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 58% | 6 days ago 52% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 43% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ELV’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while UNH’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- ELV’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- UNH’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ELV’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while UNH’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ELV’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- UNH’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
ELV (@Managed Health Care) experienced а +3.84% price change this week, while UNH (@Managed Health Care) price change was +0.17% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Managed Health Care industry was +1.16%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +4.68%, and the average quarterly price growth was +16.62%.
Reported Earning Dates
ELV is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
UNH is expected to report earnings on Jan 20, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Managed Health Care (+1.16% weekly)Managed healthcare industry focuses on providing health/medical and disability insurance plans, generally intended to reduce the cost of for-profit health care. The insurance products might be provided through employer-paid (fully or partly) insurance and benefit programs, or through Medicare/Medicaid. Some of the largest providers of managed health care include Aetna, Humana Inc., and Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare.
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ELV and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ELV has been closely correlated with UNH. These tickers have moved in lockstep 67% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ELV jumps, then UNH could also see price increases.
UNH and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, UNH has been closely correlated with ELV. These tickers have moved in lockstep 66% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if UNH jumps, then ELV could also see price increases.