Healthcare ETFs to Buy as UnitedHealth Beats on Q3 Earnings

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) trades at a premium valuation, with investors expecting profit recovery. The company raised its 2026 guidance but warned of rising medical costs, citing high-cost drugs and the No Surprises Act. A 1% increase in medical costs could cost UNH $3.45 billion. The company's free cash flow and operating income provide some cushion against these costs. Investors should monitor the medical care ratio in future reports.

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) reported Q3 revenue of $112.7B, down YoY but above estimates, with adjusted EPS of $4.69. The company raised its full-year EPS guidance to at least $20.50. UNH stock is up 22% in 2026, trading at a forward P/E of 16, lower than the S&P 500 average. The company has been improving efficiency and investing in AI.

UnitedHealth Group reported Q3 2026 net earnings of $4.11B, up from $2.35B in Q3 2025. Revenue was $112.7B, slightly down from $113.2B. Growth was driven by AI investments and expansion in home health, hospice, and specialty pharmacy. CEO Steve Hemsley highlighted AI's role in improving care quality and efficiency. Challenges include rising healthcare costs and Medicaid rate pressures, with Medicaid CEO Mike Cotton expecting margin improvements in 2027.

Several US-listed companies, including CoreWeave, Broadcom, and Verizon, have objected to tokenized versions of their shares trading on OKXICE, a planned platform. OKXICE, owned by Intercontinental Exchange and OKC, aims to offer 24/7 trading of tokenized securities paired with stablecoins. The platform operates under the SEC's Innovation Exemption, which allows tokenized share trading with certain conditions.

Nine U.S. companies, including Broadcom (AVGO), Verizon (VZ), and UnitedHealth (UNH), have blocked OKXICE from listing tokenized versions of their shares, using an SEC opt-out provision. OKXICE, a joint venture between ICE and OKX, aims to trade U.S. equities 24/7 via blockchain. The SEC's temporary framework allows tokenized stocks but requires issuer consent.

UnitedHealth, Meta, and Marvell are favored by analysts for long-term growth. UnitedHealth reported strong Q3 2026 results, raising its earnings outlook to at least $20.50 EPS. Meta's AI strategy and Muse AI agent's growth are in focus ahead of its Q3 earnings. Marvell increased its addressable market estimate to $400B by 2030, citing AI demand.