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CVS Health

CVS Health offers a diverse set of healthcare services. Its roots are in its retail pharmacy operations, where it operates over 9,000 stores primarily in the us. CVS is also a large pharmacy benefit manager (acquired through Caremark), processing about 2 billion adjusted claims annually. It also operates a top-tier health insurer (acquired through Aetna) where it serves about 26 million medical members. The company's recent acquisition of Oak Street adds primary care services to the mix, which could have significant synergies with all its existing business lines.

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Aquí tienes cinco acciones estadounidenses que podrían llamar la atención de los inversores este miércoles: MCK, WIX, DIS, RIVN y CVS.

5 acciones en el foco este miércoles: MCK, WIX, DIS, RIVN y CVS

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Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas"> many investors&#8217; favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here&#8217;s a look at some of our top stories.
Major averages jumped on Friday but still logged weekly losses, with the Dow down 2.3%, the S&amp;P 500 falling 2%, and the Nasdaq losing 1.8%. 
The Federal Reserve&#8217;s widely anticipated 25-basis-point rate cut on Wednesday was overshadowed by its revised 2025 inflation forecasts and Jerome Powell&#8216;s cautious stance, dampening hopes for deeper cuts next year. Powell emphasized a "new phase" of monetary policy after a 100-basis-point reduction in 2024, signaling <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/12/42629219/fed-cuts-interest-rates-but-powell-spoils-santa-claus-rally-dollar-surges-to-over-2-year-high-bitcoin-sinks-below-100000-this-week-in-the-market">only gradual easing in 2025</a>.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), which had reached a record $108,388 before the Fed meeting, fell below $100,000 as markets absorbed the news.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week&#8217;s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bulls</h3>
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42525257/analyst-hikes-teslas-price-target-to-515-musk-expresses-hope-for-stock-to-touch-69042">Elon Musk Hopes TSLA Stock Will Reach $690 As Analysts Raise Price Target Despite Technical Indicators Flashing Warning Signals</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/anan-ashraf">Anan Ashraf</a>, reports Elon Musk's optimism about Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) reaching $690, as analysts upgraded the stock with $515 price targets, citing potential benefits from Musk's alignment with Donald Trump's pro-autonomous vehicle policies.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42602503/dave-portnoy-says-he-owns-15-million-bitcoin-13-million-xrp-bet-it-and-set-it-not-trading">Dave Portnoy Says He Owns $1.5 Million Bitcoin, $1.3 Million XRP: &#8216;Bet It And Set It, Not Trading&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a> , reveals that Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, holds $1.5 million in Bitcoin and $1.3 million in XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>), emphasizing a long-term investment strategy rather than active trading, following insights from a recent conversation with Michael Saylor.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42516826/nvidia-and-5-other-stocks-are-analysts-top-semiconductor-picks-for-2025-sees-2-ai-trends">Nvidia And 5 Other Stocks Are Analyst&#8217;s Top Semiconductor Picks For 2025, Sees 2 AI Trends</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/hayden-buckfire">Hayden Buckfire</a>, highlights a Bank of America analyst naming NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), and Marvell Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) as top AI-driven semiconductor picks for 2025, alongside Lam Research Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>), ON Semiconductor Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>), and Cadence Design Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDNS#NASDAQ">CDNS</a>).
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42547442/microsof-scoops-up-485000-nvidia-ai-chips-twice-as-many-as-its-closest-rival-meta-report">Microsoft Scoops Up 485,000 Nvidia AI Chips, Twice As Many As Its Closest Rival Meta: Report</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/12/42599673/amazon-has-20000-rivian-electric-delivery-vans-in-fleet-heres-what-could-be-next-for-both-companies">Amazon Has 20,000 Rivian Electric Delivery Vans In Fleet: Here&#8217;s What Could Be Next For Both Companies</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/24/12/42535298/joby-clears-faa-tail-test-stock-flies-higher">Joby Clears FAA Tail Test, Stock Flies Higher</a>
The Bears
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42522048/jim-cramer-warns-nvidias-vicious-and-fast-reversal-is-coming-amid-174-surge-this-year-and-china-antitrust-probe">Jim Cramer Warns Nvidia&#8217;s &#8216;Vicious&#8217; And &#8216;Fast&#8217; Reversal Is Coming Amid 174% Surge This Year And China Antitrust Probe</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/kaustubh-bagalkote">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>, features Jim Cramer's caution about NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) facing a sharp correction after its 174% YTD gain, amid heightened regulatory scrutiny from China over its Mellanox Technologies acquisition.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42568740/dogecoin-bull-says-he-had-to-sell-as-meme-king-plunges-to-5-week-low-but-derivative-traders-remain-bullish">Dogecoin Bull Says He &#8216;Had To Sell&#8217; As Meme King Plunges To 5-Week Low But Derivative Traders Remain Bullish</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/aniket-verma">Aniket Verma</a>, reports on Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) dropping amid Federal Reserve concerns, with early adopter Glauber Contessoto selling some holdings.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42517567/cvs-cigna-unitedhealth-shares-slide-as-trump-targets-drug-middleman">CVS, Cigna, UnitedHealth Shares Slide As Trump Targets Drug &#8216;Middleman&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/adam-eckert">Adam Eckert</a>, reports that shares of CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), and UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) dropped after Trump vowed to eliminate Pharmacy Benefit Managers, citing their role in inflating drug prices and contributing to industry inefficiencies.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42559347/trump-administration-could-ban-amazons-top-selling-routers-linked-to-chinese-cyberattacks-report">Trump Administration Could Ban Amazon&#8217;s Top-Selling Routers Linked To Chinese Cyberattacks: Report</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42529095/bitcoin-crash-could-trigger-stock-market-decline-in-2025-warns-expert-im-very-worried-that-people-overextended-themselves">Bitcoin Crash Could Trigger Stock Market Decline In 2025, Warns Expert: &#8216;I&#8217;m Very Worried That People Overextended Themselves&#8217;</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/12/42536470/costco-warns-that-tariffs-raise-prices-trump-team-says-trade-policies-will-make-life-affordable">Costco Warns That Tariffs Raise Prices, Trump Team Says Trade Policies Will &#8216;Make Life Affordable&#8217;</a>
Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following<a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga"> Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga"> on Twitter</a>.

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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Broadcom, UnitedHealth, Bitcoin And Dogecoin Bull 'Had To Sell' After Price Plunge

According to a report, U.S. healthcare spending grew by 7.5% to $4.9 trillion in 2023. The increase was fueled by higher enrollment in private health plans and expanded use of medical services, driven by legislative changes and post-pandemic rebounds in care utilization.
Healthcare spending accounted for 17.6% of the U.S. economy, outpacing GDP growth of 2.9%. Spending on retail prescription drugs <a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2024.01375" rel="noreferrer noopener">saw</a> the most significant rise, jumping 11.4% to $449.7 billion.
The report attributed this to increased use of medications for obesity and diabetes.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/41866438/donald-trumps-second-term-could-reshape-us-healthcare-system-with-major-impacts-on-affordable-care-act-and-medicare" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump&#8217;s Second Term Could Reshape US Healthcare System, With Major Impacts on Affordable Care Act And Medicare</a>
The rapid growth in spending for drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity contributed to faster overall growth in retail prescription drug expenditures and private health insurance and Medicare spending growth.
Hospital care spending rose 10.4% to $1.5 trillion in 2023, marking the fastest growth since 1990. Hospital discharges increased by 1.6%, with Medicare beneficiaries driving higher outpatient service utilization.
Spending on physician and clinical services also climbed by 7.4% to $978 billion, with private insurance and Medicare patients contributing to this rise.
Enrollment in private health insurance grew by 1.6%, adding 3.3 million Americans.
Private insurance spending surged by 11.5%, reaching $1.5 trillion and accounting for 30% of national healthcare expenditures.
Medicare spending grew 8.1% to $1 trillion, representing 21% of total healthcare spending. Medicaid spending, however, grew more slowly at 7.9%, reflecting the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The report also revealed that 92.5% of Americans had health insurance in 2023, up from 92.0% in 2022, underscoring the broader coverage expansion in recent years.
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Your Healthcare Costs are Soaring! US Spending Reached $5 Trillion In 2023 with Major Increase in Obesity and Diabetes Drugs, Hospital Services

CVS Health's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) short percent of float has fallen 17.06% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 17.77 million shares sold short, which is 1.41% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.67 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>CVS Health Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734631217_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for CVS Health has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing CVS Health's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, CVS Health's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 8.75%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Peering Into CVS Health's Recent Short Interest

CVS Health Corporation&#8217;s stock (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) is trading lower Thursday amid news of a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against CVS Pharmacy Inc., a subsidiary of CVS Health. Here&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42569500/cvs-faces-doj-lawsuit-alleging-violations-of-controlled-substances-act-and-false-claims-act-over-opioid-prescriptions">what you need to know.</a>
What To Know: The DOJ alleges that CVS violated the Controlled Substances Act by filling unlawful prescriptions for opioid combinations and excessive quantities since 2013. Additionally, the DOJ accuses the company of breaching the False Claims Act by seeking federal reimbursements for these prescriptions. The lawsuit is part of broader scrutiny related to the opioid crisis.
In response, CVS Health denied the allegations, with company spokesperson Amy Thibault asserting that all prescriptions were FDA-approved and issued by licensed practitioners. Despite these claims, the legal action opens the company to potential civil penalties for each unlawful prescription and damages related to federally reimbursed prescriptions.
CVS Price Action: CVS Health Corporation shares were down 2.66% at $44.08 at the time of writing, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro.</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://benzinga.slack.com/archives/D072651PB4K/p1733167806337199"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="525" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19120128/CVS-1024x525.png" alt="" class="wp-image-700225" style="width:479px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19120128/CVS-1024x525.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19120128/CVS-300x154.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19120128/CVS-768x393.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19120128/CVS.png 1179w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
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Movers

CVS Shares Are Falling Today: What's Going On?

WIIM

CVS Health shares are trading lower amid a DOJ lawsuit alleging the company violated the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act in regard to opioid prescriptions.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil complaint against CVS Pharmacy Inc owned by CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), alleging the nation&#8217;s largest pharmacy chain violated the Controlled Substances Act by filling unlawful prescriptions for dangerous opioid combinations and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42554729/pharmacy-benefit-managers-played-key-role-in-worsening-opioid-crisis-drug-makers-paid-staggering-rebates-to-the-middlemen">quantities from 2013 onwards</a>. 
The complaint also accuses CVS of violating the False Claims Act by seeking federal reimbursement for these prescriptions.
The legal action follows <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/01/36447365/consulting-firm-mckinsey-concludes-opioid-litigation-settlement-with-78m-agreement">McKinsey &amp; Company&#8217;s recent settlement</a> over its role in Purdue Pharma&#8216;s OxyContin sales. 
CVS strongly disputes the allegations, with spokesperson Amy Thibault emphasizing that all prescriptions were FDA-approved and written by government-licensed practitioners, according <a href="https://apnews.com/article/cvs-lawsuit-prescriptions-opioids-justice-department-b402388119be1a3213268a442acd67e6">to</a> the Associated Press. 
The company faces potential civil penalties for each unlawful prescription and additional damages for federally reimbursed prescriptions.
Price Action: CVS Health Corp&#8217;s stock closed at $45.28 on Wednesday, up 2.82% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock gained an additional 0.24%. Year-to-date, the stock has declined 44.00%. 
CVS stock has traded within a 52-week range of $43.93 to $83.25 and currently has a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.50, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
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Image Via Shutterstock 
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Tech

CVS Faces DOJ Lawsuit Alleging Violations Of Controlled Substances Act And False Claims Act Over Opioid Prescriptions

Legal

US Prosecutors Announce Lawsuit Accusing CVS Of Filling And Billing Us Government For Unlawful Opioid Prescriptions

Shares of pharmacy benefit managers and insurance stocks are trading higher. The sector may be rebounding after falling on recent comments from President-elect Trump criticizing the space.

Macro Economic Events

Market Summary

Economics

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

Benzinga Market Summary: Dow Rises Following Recent Weakness, Pharmacy Benefit Managers Rebound, Fed Rate Decision To Be Announced At 2:00 p.m.

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) – key intermediaries in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain – have come under scrutiny for their role in exacerbating the opioid epidemic.
While presenting themselves as proactive in curbing opioid abuse, PBMs quietly profited from arrangements with drugmakers that undermined safeguards against overprescribing, a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/17/business/pharmacy-benefit-managers-opioids.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation</a> by The New York Times reveals.
The three largest PBMs—UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>),&nbsp;through its Optum unit,&nbsp;CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) via CVS Caremark, and&nbsp;Cigna Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) through Express Scripts oversee prescription drug access for over 200 million Americans.
Several state and local governments have filed lawsuits against drug companies and PBMs, accusing them of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40560002/governments-suing-pharmacy-benefit-managers-over-insulin-prices-have-long-benefited-from-their-r" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflating insulin prices</a>.
These companies negotiate drug prices on behalf of insurers and employers, often collecting rebates from manufacturers in exchange for favorable placement on insurance formularies.
However, the NYT report says that internal documents reveal that PBMs repeatedly bargained away restrictions that could have curbed opioid misuse in exchange for lucrative rebates.
For example, Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, explicitly offered rebates to PBMs to remove limits on prescribing their drugs. These deals eliminated prior authorization requirements and allowed higher prescription doses than <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/06/39531087/purdue-pharma-bankruptcy-plan-rejected-by-supreme-court-billionaire-sacklers-to-face-lawsuits" rel="noreferrer noopener">federal guidelines suggested</a>.
Internal communications from Purdue and PBMs celebrated these arrangements as boosting sales while ensuring favorable drug coverage.
The NYT investigation highlights that opioid manufacturers paid staggering rebates to PBMs.
Between 2003 and 2012, Purdue's annual rebates for OxyContin nearly doubled to $400 million. PBMs retained a portion of these funds while passing some to their clients, incentivizing insurers to avoid imposing prescribing restrictions.
PBMs sometimes actively worked with manufacturers to prevent insurers from introducing safeguards. The lack of restrictions directly contributed to the worsening opioid crisis, the report said.
High prescription thresholds and unrestricted access facilitated overprescribing and fueled addiction.
One 2015 study found that patients receiving doses well below the thresholds negotiated by PBMs were still at significantly increased risk of overdose and death.
Despite mounting evidence and public pressure, PBMs prioritized revenue over patient safety, according to the report. In 2017, as public outrage over the opioid epidemic grew, Express Scripts and Optum Rx delayed introducing safety measures, citing potential losses from reduced rebates.
Some executives within these companies voiced frustration over prioritizing profits over lives, highlighting the ethical conflict at play.
Although PBMs later implemented stricter opioid controls following federal and state pressures, the damage was already done.
Critics argue that these measures were motivated more by public relations concerns than a genuine commitment to ending the crisis.
According to a Bloomberg&nbsp;report, Trump said he plans to "knock out" PBMs, or so-called drug middlemen, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42517567/cvs-cigna-unitedhealth-shares-slide-as-trump-targets-drug-middleman" rel="noreferrer noopener">from the industry</a>.
In September, the&nbsp;FTC filed a complaint&nbsp;accusing the PBMs of creating a system that benefits them financially by prioritizing drug rebates, forcing patients to pay higher costs for life-saving insulin.
These PBMs, referred to as the Big Three, administer around 80% of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40964870/us-federal-trade-commission-sues-cvs-health-cigna-unitedhealths-pharmacy-benefit-managers-for-infl" rel="noreferrer noopener">prescriptions in the U.S</a>.
However, the PBMs argue that this action seeks to upend current drug rebate contracts and disrupt long-standing practices, all while expanding the FTC's authority <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/42097386/cvs-healthcignaunitedhealths-pharmacy-benefit-managers-accuse-ftc-of-overreach-in-effort-to-reshape-drug-rebate-system" rel="noreferrer noopener">beyond traditional limits</a>.
Price Action: At last check Wednesday, CI stock was up 4.34% to $277.12, CVS stock was up 2.97% to $45.35, and UNH stock was up 2.13% to $495.35.
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Pharmacy Benefit Managers Played Key Role in Worsening Opioid Crisis, Drug Makers Paid Staggering Rebates To Middlemen: NYT

Shares of Pharmacy-benefit managers (PBMs) including&nbsp;CVS Health Corp&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>),&nbsp;UnitedHealth Group Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) and Cigna Group&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) are moving lower Tuesday on continued downside pressure following aggressive commentary from President-elect&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;regarding plans to cut <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42517567/cvs-cigna-unitedhealth-shares-slide-as-trump-targets-drug-middleman">drug middlemen out of the industry</a>.
What To Know: Trump on Monday announced plans to "knock out" PBMs, or so-called drug middlemen, from the healthcare industry, according to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-16/trump-middleman-remark-sinks-cvs-unitedhealth-cigna-shares?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">Bloomberg</a>. 
&#8220;You know the middleman, right? The horrible middleman that makes more money frankly than the drug companies, and they don&#8217;t do anything except they&#8217;re a middleman,&#8221; President-elect Trump said. &#8220;We&#8217;re going to knock out the middleman.&#8221;
CVS Health's Caremark,&nbsp;UnitedHealth's OptumRx and Cigna's Express Scripts are the three largest PBMs. The companies have faced repeated criticism for driving up the prices of drugs. The role of PBMs in the industry has seen increased attention in recent weeks following the murder&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/24/12/42427146/pennsylvania-mcdonalds-where-unitedhealthcare-ceo-murder-suspect-arrested-gets-review-bombed-more-like-narc-donalds">UnitedHealthcare&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Brian Thompson</a>.
Don&#8217;t Miss: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42371469/blue-shields-500-million-drug-savings-initiative-with-amazon-pharmacy-can-potentially-launch-in-january">Blue Shield&#8217;s $500 Million Drug Savings Initiative With Amazon Pharmacy Can Potentially Launch In January</a>
Shares of CVS, UnitedHealth and Cigna all traded lower on Monday following Trump&#8217;s comments. The trio is moving lower again on Tuesday after Pfizer Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) CEO Albert Bourla said Trump is &#8220;very committed&#8221; to implementing changes to stop drug middlemen from inflating prices. 
&#8220;The president has very strong views,&#8221; Bourla said on a call with analysts and investors Tuesday morning, before adding that Trump &#8220;wants transparency.&#8221;
"It seems to me that he is very committed to make this happen," the Pfizer CEO said.
Sen.&nbsp;Elizabeth Warren&nbsp;(D.-Mass.) and&nbsp;Sen. Josh Hawley&nbsp;(R.-Mo.) unveiled a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42450947/bipartisan-lawmakers-aim-to-break-up-health-care-giants-with-new-legislation">new Senate bill</a> last week that would require the companies that own PBMs to divest those businesses within three years.
The proposed legislation is not expected to gain traction in Congress until next year. 
CVS, UNH CI Price Action: At the time of publication, CVS shares were down 5.48% at $44.01, UnitedHealth shares were down 2.66% at $485.15 and Cigna shares were down 2.84% at $265.54, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo: Shutterstock.

What's Going On With CVS Health, UnitedHealth And Cigna Group Shares?

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in CVS usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 52 extraordinary options activities for CVS Health. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 42% leaning bullish and 40% bearish. Among these notable options, 28 are puts, totaling $3,134,885, and 24 are calls, amounting to $1,525,797.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $35.0 to $75.0 for CVS Health over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for CVS Health's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of CVS Health's whale activity within a strike price range from $35.0 to $75.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>CVS Health Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734461129_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.8</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$47.50</td>
<td>$740.0K</td>
<td>5.1K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$22.6</td>
<td>$22.5</td>
<td>$22.6</td>
<td>$67.50</td>
<td>$465.5K</td>
<td>383</td>
<td>295</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$12.0</td>
<td>$11.9</td>
<td>$12.0</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$202.8K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td>326</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$22.65</td>
<td>$22.6</td>
<td>$22.6</td>
<td>$67.50</td>
<td>$201.1K</td>
<td>383</td>
<td>89</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$5.15</td>
<td>$5.15</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$195.7K</td>
<td>13.4K</td>
<td>620</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About CVS Health</h3>
CVS Health offers a diverse set of healthcare services. Its roots are in its retail pharmacy operations, where it operates over 9,000 stores primarily in the us. CVS is also a large pharmacy benefit manager (acquired through Caremark), processing about 2 billion adjusted claims annually. It also operates a top-tier health insurer (acquired through Aetna) where it serves about 26 million medical members. The company's recent acquisition of Oak Street adds primary care services to the mix, which could have significant synergies with all its existing business lines.
Having examined the options trading patterns of CVS Health, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Where Is CVS Health Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 15,221,963, the price of CVS is down -4.48% at $44.51. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 50 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on CVS Health</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $68.6.
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&#x2A; An analyst from Deutsche Bank upgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $66. 
&#x2A; In a positive move, an analyst from Wells Fargo has upgraded their rating to Overweight and adjusted the price target to $66. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Truist Securities has revised its rating downward to Buy, adjusting the price target to $67. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Piper Sandler continues to hold a Overweight rating for CVS Health, targeting a price of $64. 
&#x2A; An analyst from TD Cowen persists with their Buy rating on CVS Health, maintaining a target price of $80. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for CVS Health with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

A Closer Look at CVS Health's Options Market Dynamics

During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/yield-investments"> high dividend payout</a>.
Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on their favorite stocks by visiting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Traders can sort through Benzinga's extensive database of analyst ratings, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">by analyst accuracy</a>.
Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yielding stocks in the health care sector.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 5.71%</li>
<li>Truist Securities analyst David Macdonald reiterated a Buy rating and cut the price target from $76 to $67 on Nov. 20. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 66%.</li>
<li>UBS analyst Kevin Caliendo maintained a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $60 to $62 on Nov. 7. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 70%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Monday, CVS Health announced early results of maximum tender offer and election of early settlement.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed alerted to <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent121724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">latest CVS new</a>s. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent121724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="902" height="836" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17034652/image-141.png" alt="" class="wp-image-695397" style="width:589px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17034652/image-141.png 902w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17034652/image-141-300x278.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17034652/image-141-768x712.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 902px) 100vw, 902px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 4.44%</li>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Tim Anderson reinstated a Neutral rating with a price target of $63 on Dec. 10. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 61%.</li>
<li>Citigroup analyst Andrew Baum maintained a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $55 to $60 on Nov. 12. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 70%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Dec. 13, Bristol Myers Squibb said its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of 62 cents per share on the $0.10 par value common stock of the company.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed alerted to <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent121724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">latest BMY news</a>. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent121724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="917" height="842" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17034734/image-142.png" alt="" class="wp-image-695399" style="width:634px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17034734/image-142.png 917w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17034734/image-142-300x275.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17034734/image-142-768x705.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 917px) 100vw, 917px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dividend Yield: 3.82%</li>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Tim Anderson reinstated a Neutral rating with a price target of $191 on Dec. 10. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 61%.</li>
<li>Leerink Partners analyst David Risinger upgraded the stock from Market Perform to Outperform with a price target of $206 on Nov. 22. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 74%.</li>
<li>Recent News: On Dec. 13, AbbVie announced plans to acquire Nimble Therapeutics.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s charting tool helped identify the <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent121724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">trend in ABBV stock</a>. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent121724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="915" height="851" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17034808/image-143.png" alt="" class="wp-image-695400" style="width:570px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17034808/image-143.png 915w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17034808/image-143-300x279.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/17034808/image-143-768x714.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 915px) 100vw, 915px" /></a></figure>
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Read More: 
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Dividends

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

ABBV

Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts Weigh In On 3 Health Care Stocks With Over 3% Dividend Yields

Shares of CVS Health Corp&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>),&nbsp;Cigna Group&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) and&nbsp;UnitedHealth Group Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) are falling Monday afternoon after President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to target Pharmacy-benefit managers (PBMs) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42496937/analyst-bitcoins-potential-surge-to-800000-in-2025-tied-to-trumps-policies-says-this-analyst">during his administration</a>.
What Happened: According to a Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-16/trump-middleman-remark-sinks-cvs-unitedhealth-cigna-shares?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">report</a>, Trump on Monday sent shares of PBMs lower when he said he plans to &#8220;knock out&#8221; PBMs, or so-called drug middlemen, from the industry.
CVS Health&#8217;s Caremark,&nbsp;Cigna&#8217;s Express Scripts and&nbsp;UnitedHealth&#8217;s OptumRx are the three largest PBMs. The companies have faced repeated criticism for driving up the prices of drugs.
"We have a thing called the middleman," Trump reportedly told reporters on Monday.
"You know the middleman, right? The horrible middleman that makes more money frankly than the drug companies, and they don't do anything except they're a middleman," he said. "We're going to knock out the middleman."
The news comes after Sen.&nbsp;Elizabeth Warren&nbsp;(D.-Mass.) and&nbsp;Sen. Josh Hawley&nbsp;(R.-Mo.) unveiled a new bipartisan Senate bill last week that would require the companies that own PBMs to divest those businesses within three years.
&#8220;PBMs have manipulated the market to enrich themselves — hiking up drug costs, cheating employers, and driving small pharmacies out of business,&#8221; Warren said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42515044/broadcom-tesla-propel-nasdaq-100-gains-bitcoin-hits-107000-fueling-crypto-stocks-rally-whats-driving-markets-monday">Broadcom, Tesla Propel Nasdaq 100 Gains, Bitcoin Hits $107,000, Fuels Crypto Stocks Rally: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Monday?</a>
The proposed legislation is not expected to gain traction in Congress until next year, but comments from Trump on Monday suggest the problems with the drug industry could be addressed sooner rather than later.
The role of PBMs in the healthcare industry has been a heightened focus in recent weeks following the murder&nbsp;of&nbsp;UnitedHealthcare&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Brian Thompson. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42365853/unitedhealthcare-faces-tough-questions-following-insurance-business-ceos-tragic-death" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Several dissatisfied patients</a>&nbsp;have expressed dissatisfaction with PBMs since. Luigi Mangione&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42423214/luigi-mangione-fights-extradition-to-new-york-on-murder-charge-shouts-at-press-outside-courthouse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has been charged</a>&nbsp;with killing Thompson.
CVS, CI, UNH Price Action: At publication time, CVS shares were down 5.61% at $46.60, Cigna Group shares were down 3.05% at $272.76 and UnitedHealth shares were down 4.22% at $498.50, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

CVS, Cigna, UnitedHealth Shares Slide As Trump Targets Drug 'Middleman'

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>TEVA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$167.5K</td>
<td>17.1K</td>
<td>2.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$29.9K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$54.7K</td>
<td>6.6K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$292.5K</td>
<td>6.2K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VRDN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$22.50</td>
<td>$27.0K</td>
<td>458</td>
<td>599</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MCK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$580.00</td>
<td>$57.1K</td>
<td>475</td>
<td>250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PRAX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$45.0K</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BMY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$32.6K</td>
<td>615</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$25.1K</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding TEVA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEVA#NYSE">TEVA</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 2500 contract(s) at a $17.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $167.5K, with a price of $67.0 per contract. There were 17104 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2970 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 38 contract(s) at a $500.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.9K, with a price of $788.0 per contract. There were 1381 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2262 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CVS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 205 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 25 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $54.7K, with a price of $267.0 per contract. There were 6605 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1828 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 760 day(s) on January 15, 2027. This event was a transfer of 25 contract(s) at a $180.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $292.5K, with a price of $11700.0 per contract. There were 6297 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1688 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VRDN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRDN#NASDAQ">VRDN</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $22.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.0K, with a price of $135.0 per contract. There were 458 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 599 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MCK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCK#NYSE">MCK</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 56 contract(s) at a $580.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $57.1K, with a price of $1020.0 per contract. There were 475 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 250 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PRAX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRAX#NASDAQ">PRAX</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 32 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 98 contract(s) at a $80.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $45.0K, with a price of $460.0 per contract. There were 14 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 99 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BMY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 95 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 20 contract(s) at a $40.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.6K, with a price of $1630.0 per contract. There were 615 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 25 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 151 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 10 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.1K, with a price of $2517.0 per contract. There were 42 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 12 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

PRAX

TEVA

VKTX

VRDN

9 Health Care Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Shares of health insurance stocks and pharmacy benefit managers are trading lower after President-elect Trump indicated he would 'knock out' the middle men regarding the drug industry.

The death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has left the internet divided, with some showing sympathy for murder suspect Luigi Mangione, who was arrested and charged in<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42316904/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-fatally-shot-outside-nyc-hotel"> last week's shooting death.</a>
What Happened: Following the death of Thompson, insurance companies have been in the spotlight due to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42423214/luigi-mangione-fights-extradition-to-new-york-on-murder-charge-shouts-at-press-outside-courthouse">potential motive Mangione </a>had of denial claims and high costs for health care patients from companies like UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), the parent company of UnitedHealthcare.
In a recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," podcaster Joe Rogan shared his thoughts about the murder.
Rogan suggested the public wasn't as sympathetic to Thompson and UnitedHealthcare over the murder due to the "dirty business" in which he operated. 
"I think this guy, if I had to guess, was some guy who got f&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;ed over," Rogan said of the suspect. "Apparently, that company is really bad at denying claims."
The episode, which featured filmmaker Quentin Tarantino and producer Roger Avary, was filmed before Mangione was arrested, as <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/11/us-news/joe-rogan-blasts-dirty-healthcare-insurance-industry-after-unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompsons-murder/">reported </a>by the New York Post.
Avary said the high denial rate for health insurance claims could be why the public is not showing sympathy for Thompson's death.
"I don' think anybody is, like, going to be crying too hard over (Thompson)," Avary said.
Rogan said that the only people crying over Thompson's death are "maybe his family, but that's about it.
"It's a dirty, dirty business. The business of insurance is f&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;ing gross. It's gross. Especially health care insurance," Rogan added.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42418763/unitedhealthcare-ceo-murder-suspect-chronic-pain-unabomber-fascination-isolation-details-emerge">UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Suspect: Chronic Pain, Unabomber Fascination, Isolation Details Emerge</a>
Why It's Important: Rogan's comments come as the public has now learned that 26-year-old Mangione, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, who is charged with murdering Thompson.
A manifesto document reportedly contained comments on health insurance companies focusing on profits and greed over public health.
Mangione is fighting extradition from Pennsylvania, where he was arrested at a McDonald's, to New York. The suspect has not publicly shared a motive for the killing with which he is charged other than the manifesto that police said was found.
Mangione reportedly suffered from chronic back pain, which kept him from activities like surfing and intimate relationships. It is unknown at this time whether Mangione had personal dealings with UnitedHealthcare.
Rogan's comments about the "dirty" health insurance sector come as New York police have warned about increased threats against health care executives. Online posts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42451885/nypd-warns-about-wanted-posters-targeting-executives-including-amex-ceos-image-and-crossed-out-unitedhealth-ceo">have listed the names</a> and salaries of other figures in the sector. Flyers resembling wanted posters have also popped up across New York featuring images of financial executives, prompting concerns over copycat attacks.
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) shut down Facebook and Instagram accounts belonging to Mangione. X suspended the account linked to Mangione before Elon Musk worked to get it restored. The account has generated millions of impressions and has people on the internet launching crypto tokens connected to the suspect and also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/24/12/42427146/pennsylvania-mcdonalds-where-unitedhealthcare-ceo-murder-suspect-arrested-gets-review-bombed-more-like-narc-donalds">posting negative reviews</a> for the Pennsylvania McDonald's location where police were called when Mangione was recognized.
Members of Congress are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42450947/bipartisan-lawmakers-aim-to-break-up-health-care-giants-with-new-legislation">targeting the health insurance sector</a> and companies like CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) and UnitedHealth Group could be forced to divest portions of their business if a new bill is passed.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/24/12/42427146/pennsylvania-mcdonalds-where-unitedhealthcare-ceo-murder-suspect-arrested-gets-review-bombed-more-like-narc-donalds">Pennsylvania McDonald&#8217;s Where UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Suspect Arrested Gets Review Bombed: &#8216;More Like Narc-Donalds&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Joe Rogan On Public Sympathy For UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Suspect: Health Insurance A 'Dirty, Dirty Business'

Shares of CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) are trading lower on Thursday. This move could break important support. A new downtrend may be about to form.
Our team of expert traders and technical analysts has made it our ‘<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-of-the-day">Stock of the Day</a>'.
In the stock market, some price levels are more important than others. These are called ‘support' and ‘resistance' levels.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42450947/bipartisan-lawmakers-aim-to-break-up-health-care-giants-with-new-legislation">Bipartisan Lawmakers Aim To Break Up Health Care Giants With New Legislation</a>
If a market is trending lower, it is because the sellers are overwhelming the buyers. There aren't enough buy orders to fill all of the sell orders.
The sellers are forced to push the price lower and this creates a downtrend. When there is eventually enough demand, the price stops moving down.
This happens at support levels. When a market is trending higher, the opposite dynamics are in play. There aren't enough sell orders to fill all of the buy orders.
The buyers are forced to push the price higher and this creates an uptrend. When there is eventually enough supply, the price stops moving higher.
This occurs at resistance levels.
The term ‘market memory' means that some important support and resistance levels can retain their importance for a long time. It could be weeks, months, or even years.
As you can see on the short-term chart, over the past year the $52.50 level has been important support for CVS. When the shares got there in May and November, a reversal followed.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Short Term Chart</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="554" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12164115/1st-1024x554.png" alt="" class="wp-image-690362" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12164115/1st-1024x554.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12164115/1st-300x162.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12164115/1st-768x416.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12164115/1st.png 1537w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Now it looks like this important level has broken. The buyers may have left the market and the sellers may need to force the price lower to draw them back in.
This level is important for CVS for a long time.
The 8-year chart of CVS illustrates an example of market memory.
The $52.50 level first became support in May 2019. It was a support level again in March 2020.
And it was support again this past June.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Long Term Chart</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="549" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12164051/1lt-1024x549.png" alt="" class="wp-image-690360" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12164051/1lt-1024x549.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12164051/1lt-300x161.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12164051/1lt-768x411.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12164051/1lt.png 1525w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
‘Market Memory' is real. Some analysts may have a hard time believing an important price level can be important for so long. But the chart of CVS proves it.
Now that the support at this level has finally been broken, there is a good chance the move lower has just gotten started.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42371469/blue-shields-500-million-drug-savings-initiative-with-amazon-pharmacy-can-potentially-launch-in-january">Blue Shield&#8217;s $500 Million Drug Savings Initiative With Amazon Pharmacy Can Potentially Launch In January</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Technicals

Stock Of The Day: Historic Technical Analysis Lesson In CVS

Shares of pharmacy benefit manager stocks are trading lower in possible reaction to a recent report suggesting a bipartisan lawmakers are seeking to potentially break up companies in the sector.

Pharmacy-benefit managers (PBMs) have been scrutinized for their role in drug distribution for years. Now a bipartisan group of lawmakers is threatening to break up the companies behind these <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/42097386/cvs-healthcignaunitedhealths-pharmacy-benefit-managers-accuse-ftc-of-overreach-in-effort-to-reshape-drug-rebate-system">so-called drug middlemen</a>.
What To Know: According to a Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/warren-hawley-health-insurers-pbm-bill-c8cdeb85?mod=latest_headlines">report</a>, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D.-Mass.) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R.-Mo.) have sponsored a Senate bill that would require the companies that own health insurance units or PBMs to divest those businesses over the next three years.
A companion bill was also reportedly introduced in the House on Wednesday. 
The legislation could cut off a significant source of revenue for these companies and bring an end to ongoing frustration for patients.
"PBMs have manipulated the market to enrich themselves — hiking up drug costs, cheating employers, and driving small pharmacies out of business," Warren said.
Hawley added that the legislation will stop health care companies from charging &#8220;more and more for less.&#8221;
CVS Health Corp&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) Caremark, Cigna Group&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) Express Scripts and UnitedHealth Group Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) OptumRx are the three largest PBMs. Shares of these companies turned lower Wednesday when news of the bills surfaced.
"Any policies that would limit our ability to negotiate with drugmakers and pharmacies would ultimately increase the cost of medicine in the United States, and in many cases, serve as a handout to the pharmaceutical industry," a&nbsp;CVS Health&nbsp;spokesperson reportedly said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/12/42449013/adobe-q4-earnings-revenue-eps-beat-on-strong-demand-related-to-ai-shares-slide-following-soft-guidance">Adobe Q4 Earnings: Revenue, EPS Beat On Strong Demand Related To AI, Shares Slide Following Soft Guidance</a>
The report indicates the bills are not likely to gain traction in Congress until next year, but supporters are attempting to lay the groundwork for potential passage in 2025.
The role of PBMs in the healthcare industry has been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42365853/unitedhealthcare-faces-tough-questions-following-insurance-business-ceos-tragic-death">challenged by several dissatisfied patients</a> across social platforms following the murder&nbsp;of&nbsp;UnitedHealthcare&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Brian Thompson. Luigi Mangione <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42423214/luigi-mangione-fights-extradition-to-new-york-on-murder-charge-shouts-at-press-outside-courthouse">has been charged</a> with killing Thompson. 
CVS, CI, UNH Price Action: CVS shares closed Wednesday down 6.15% at $51.76, Cigna Group closed the session down 5.57% at $294.03 and UnitedHealth closed down 5.60% at $533.53, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo: Shutterstock.

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Republicans spending package includes no PBM reform, Punchbowl says

TD Cowen keeps a Buy rating and $80 price target on CVS. The firm says the DOJ complaint relating to opioid prescriptions is incremental to the 202...

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The Drugstore Industry Is Definitely Suffering, But Don't Count It Out Just Yet

ACHC

BPAQF

EVGO

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Press Releases

CVS Health names Dr. Sreekanth Chaguturu President, Health Care Delivery

CVS Health Corporation Announces Cash Tender Offers for Certain of its and Aetna's Outstanding Notes

CVS Health announces Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness leadership appointments

CVS Health Corporation Announces Pricing of Any and All Tender Offer

CVS Health Corporation Announces Expiration and Results of Any and All Tender Offer

Offerings

CVS Health Corporation Announces Early Results of Maximum Tender Offer and Election of Early Settlement

CVS Health Corporation Announces Pricing of Maximum Tender Offer

Aetna Adds Spanish Language Capabilities for Health App to Better Serve Diverse Populations

Fintech

Varo Bank Introduces Zero Fee Cash Deposits at Participating CVS Locations

CVS INVESTIGATION INITIATED by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates the Officers and Directors of CVS Health Corporation - CVS

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Quest Diagnostics Incorporated Common Stock

Quest Diagnostics

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