UNH Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strikes at $330 and $340 Offer Breakout Potential Amid Analyst Optimism

• UNH surges 2.18% to $326, trading near 30D support at $320.84 and 200D resistance at $310.11.
• Options data shows heavy call open interest at $330 and $340, with puts clustered at $310 and $305.
• Analyst forecasts highlight 28% upside potential, driven by Scott Gottlieb’s board appointment and MCR stabilization hopes.
• Put/Call ratio of 0.478 (calls dominate) suggests strong near-term bullish sentiment.

Here’s the thing: UNH’s options market and technicals are painting a clear picture. The stock is perched on a short-term bearish trend but with long-term range-bound momentum. Calls at $330 and $340 are magnets for attention, while puts at $310 hint at cautious hedging. Combine this with news of a former FDA chief joining the board, and you’ve got a stock primed for a breakout—or a sharp correction if fundamentals falter.

The Options Playbook: Calls at $330 and Puts at $310 Signal Battleground

Let’s break down the options data. This Friday’s top OTM calls are clustered at $330 (OI: 3154) and $340 (OI: 2487), while puts at $310 (OI: 3459) and $305 (OI: 2087) show heavy bearish positioning. The next Friday’s options see calls at $330 (OI: 1949) and puts at $255 (OI: 1536) gaining traction.

What does this mean? Think of it like a tug-of-war. Bulls are betting on a push above $330, while bears are bracing for a drop below $310. The put/call ratio of 0.478 (calls > puts) leans bullish, but don’t ignore the puts—they’re a safety net for those expecting volatility. No block trades to skew the data, so this is pure crowd sentiment.

News and Sentiment: Scott Gottlieb’s Board Move Fuels Optimism

The recent appointment of Scott Gottlieb to UNH’s board isn’t just a headline—it’s a signal. Analysts are watching closely for MCR stabilization and Optum’s recovery. The stock’s 16x-17x valuation (vs. historical 25x) suggests undervaluation, but that discount reflects lingering doubts about earnings predictability.

Reddit and Motley Fool are bullish, but they’re not wrong. If Gottlieb’s expertise helps UNH navigate regulatory hurdles, the $330+ calls could see action. However, if MCR volatility persists, the puts at $310 might dominate. Investor perception is key here: a 28% upside forecast is enticing, but execution matters more than hype.

Actionable Trades: Calls at $330 and Stock Entry Near $320.84

For options traders, the UNH 11/28 330C and UNH 12/5 330C are prime candidates. These strikes align with the Bollinger Band middle at $329.19 and the 30D support zone. If UNH breaks above $328 (intraday high), the 330C could see rapid gains. For a conservative play, consider a bull call spread using the 330C and 340C to cap risk.

Stock traders should eye entry near $320.84 (30D support) with a stop just below $320.904 (intraday low). A breakout above $328 could target $330–$340, aligning with the call-heavy zones. On the downside, a drop below $310 (put-heavy) might justify a bear put spread using the 310P and 305P to hedge against a potential selloff.

Volatility on the Horizon: Balancing Bullish Hopes and Bearish Risks

The next few weeks will test UNH’s resolve. A push above $330 could validate the bullish case, unlocking the 28% upside analysts predict. But a slip below $310 might reignite bearish sentiment, especially if MCR issues resurface. The key is execution: Scott Gottlieb’s influence and Optum’s recovery will determine whether this is a short-term rally or a long-term turnaround.

Bottom line: UNH is at a crossroads. The options data and news both point to a stock with upside potential, but don’t ignore the puts—they’re a reminder that healthcare sector volatility isn’t gone. Trade with a plan, and keep an eye on those $330 calls and $310 puts. The market’s already betting on a breakout—now it’s up to UnitedHealth to deliver.