UnitedHealth (UNH) seasonality: returns by month

UnitedHealth (UNH) has averaged +4.0% in November and −2.0% in February since 2000, the best and worst months. Every month's average is shown below with how often it rose, so a single big year can't hide.

UnitedHealth returns by calendar month since 2000

UNH return statistics by calendar month
MonthAverageMedianRose inBestWorst
January+0.2%+1.1%54% of 26 yrs+13.7% 2011−13.1% 2026
February−2.0%−0.4%44% of 27 yrs+7.6% 2012−30.6% 2009
March+2.8%+4.4%70% of 27 yrs+16.7% 2000−26.0% 2008
April+2.6%+0.5%56% of 27 yrs+36.9% 2026−21.4% 2025
May+1.1%+2.8%70% of 27 yrs+13.1% 2009−26.6% 2025
June+1.7%+3.1%70% of 27 yrs+15.0% 2000−23.3% 2008
July+1.7%+2.7%67% of 27 yrs+13.1% 2024−20.0% 2025
August+2.1%+1.0%59% of 27 yrs+24.2% 2025−6.0% 2026
September0.0%−0.6%44% of 27 yrs+12.1% 2025−16.6% 2008
October+3.0%+1.5%65% of 26 yrs+17.8% 2021−6.5% 2008
November+4.0%+4.9%73% of 26 yrs+14.4% 2004−11.5% 2008
December+2.8%+3.3%73% of 26 yrs+26.6% 2008−16.8% 2024

Month-end closes adjusted for splits and dividends, through the October 14, 2026 close. Source: Yahoo Finance chart API, monthly close adjusted for splits and dividends. Excludes taxes, fees and inflation. Methodology

Past returns don't repeat. What does the price assume now?

These tables show what already happened. A buyer today gets the next ten years, and the price already reflects what the market expects. The reverse DCF calculator shows the growth today's price implies, so you can judge whether it is realistic.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best month for UnitedHealth?

November, with an average return of +4.0% since 2000. It rose in 73% of Novembers (26 years).

What is the worst month for UnitedHealth?

February, averaging −2.0% and rising in 44% of years.

Is it a good idea to time purchases by month?

Usually not. Each month has only about 26 observations here, one big year can swing an average, and the gaps between months are small next to a single year's range. Seasonality is a curiosity, not a trading signal.

How are the monthly returns calculated?

Each month's return runs from the previous month-end close to that month's close, using prices adjusted for splits and dividends. The current, unfinished month is left out.

The math is easy. The macro is hard.

UnitedHealth shows the arithmetic. Members get the monthly call that decides which inputs matter, plus written breakpoints when the facts move. $39/month or $249/year.

$39/mo or $249/yr · cancel future renewals anytime · sources included