CVS Health Option Alert: Sep 19 $60 Puts at the Ask: 4250 vs 14089 OI; Earnings 7/31 Before Open 

CVS Health Option Alert: Sep 19 $60 Puts at the Ask: 4250 @ $3.14 vs 14089 OI; Earnings 7/31 Before Open Ref=$59.67

CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) Bolsa

CVS HEALTH CORP

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 27 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 existing business lines.

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Morgan Stanley analyst Erin Wright maintains CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $80 to $82.

Price Target

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Morgan Stanley Maintains Overweight on CVS Health, Raises Price Target to $82

Barclays analyst Andrew Mok maintains CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $79 to $80.

Barclays Maintains Overweight on CVS Health, Raises Price Target to $80

In a strong rebuttal to concerns over pharmaceutical innovation, billionaire Mark Cuban, co-founder of Cost Plus Drugs and Shark Tank fame, argued that slashing pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) fees could paradoxically increase research and development (R&amp;D) funding by allowing manufacturers to earn more.
What Happened: Cuban asserts that brands can earn more by selling directly to his cost-plus model, bypassing the &#8220;insane fees&#8221; and rebates charged by PBMs.
This statement, replying to a query from Parvenu Capital, challenges the long-standing narrative that high U.S. drug prices are essential to sustain R&amp;D.
According to Parvenu Capital, the U.S. shoulders 60-70% of global pharma R&amp;D costs, with only 12% of drugs reaching the market, suggesting current prices amortize failed projects. Thus, the U.S. drugs have higher prices.
Cuban counters that PBMs siphon off profits through rebates and fees, leaving manufacturers with less for R&amp;D. By selling to Cost Plus Drugs at higher net returns, he claims, companies could reinvest more into innovation.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Actually the PBMs charge not only rebates , but also insane fees. So the brand manufacturers can sell to us for MORE than they get paid by he PBMs. So they will have MORE money for R&amp;D <a href="https://t.co/xYugLRhChN">https://t.co/xYugLRhChN</a>
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1951124886761644403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46754175/microsoft-meta-stocks-add-440-billion-in-a-day-nearly-matching-netflixs-entire-503-billion-marke">Microsoft, Meta Stocks Add $440 Billion In A Day—Nearly Matching Netflix&#8217;s Entire $503 Billion Market Cap</a>
Why It Matters: Supporting this, a 2021<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/publication/57126"> Congressional Budget Office</a> report indicates that global sales offset U.S. R&amp;D expenses, hinting that lower domestic prices might shift costs elsewhere without stalling progress. 
Cuban's model, offering <a href="https://www.costplusdrugs.com/medications/sacubitril-valsartan-49-51mg-tablet/">generic Entresto</a>, used to treat heart failure, at just $33.75, exemplifies this shift, contrasting sharply with U.S. prices nearing $600 monthly versus OECD averages of $180. 
As the debate unfolds, Cuban calls for dismantling PBM barriers, promising a future where transparency drives both affordability and innovation.
The Dallas Mavericks owner has been a PBM critic for a long time. He has said "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/46021366/mark-cuban-corrects-elizabeth-warren-as-she-slams-jnj-pfe-for-higher-prices-and-zero-taxes-on-big-pharma-pbms-corrupt-healthcare">PBMs corrupt healthcare</a>," explaining that these intermediaries control formularies and manipulate prices to maximize rebate revenue, with three major PBMs negotiating over 90% of rebates for commercial insurance plans. 
These groups, he says, act as middlemen, controlling not just the costs but also the accessibility of care. He blames PBMs for lack of transparency, inflated specialty drug prices, rebate distortion, formulary restrictions, and "Sh–ing on" independent pharmacies.
Price Acton: Some significant firms engaged in the PBM business listed in the U.S. include;
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stocks</td>
<td>YTD Performance</td>
<td>One Year Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>)</td>
<td>40.43%</td>
<td>3.45%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cigna Group. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>)</td>
<td>-2.59%</td>
<td>-19.61%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>)</td>
<td>-50.53%</td>
<td>-56.43%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Meanwhile, here is how some pharmaceutical sector ETFs have performed;
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Pharma ETFs</td>
<td>YTD Performance</td>
<td>One Year Performance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPH#NASDAQ">PPH</a>)</td>
<td>-3.95%</td>
<td>-12.22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares US Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHE#NYSE">IHE</a>)</td>
<td>0.20%</td>
<td>-4.85%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Invesco Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PJP#NYSE">PJP</a>)</td>
<td>-2.74%</td>
<td>-6.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SPDR S&amp;P Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPH#NYSE">XPH</a>)</td>
<td>-3.40%</td>
<td>-4.43%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KURE#NYSE">KURE</a>)</td>
<td>41.31%</td>
<td>46.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTXH#NASDAQ">FTXH</a>)</td>
<td>-3.92%</td>
<td>-10.01%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical &amp; Medical (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PILL#NYSE">PILL</a>)</td>
<td>-22.91%</td>
<td>-31.06%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Price Action:&nbsp;The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust ETF&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, declined on Thursday. The SPY was down 0.38% at $632.08, while the QQQ declined 0.53% to $565.01, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pr</a>o data.
On Friday, the futures of the Dow Jones, S&amp;P 500, and Nasdaq 100 indices were trading lower.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/hedge-funds/25/07/46687204/warren-buffett-has-56-of-his-258-billion-portfolios-value-exposed-to-ai-here-are-the-5-stocks-that-are-leveraging-ai-within-berkshires-holdings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett Has 56% Of His $258 Billion Portfolio's Value Exposed To AI: Here Are The 5 Stocks That Are Leveraging AI Within Berkshire's Holdings</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Health Care

FTXH

iShares Dow Jones US Pharmaceuticals Index Fund

KURE

PILL

Merrill Lynch Pharmaceutical HOLDRs Trust

Mark Cuban Says Cutting PBM Fees Won't Reduce Pharmaceutical R&D Funding: 'Manufacturers Can Sell To Us For More'

WIIM

CVS stock has given up its prior gain. CVS Health shares were trading higher after the company reported better-than-expected Q2 adjusted EPS and sales.

A post-earnings surge in Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) and Microsoft Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NYSE">MSFT</a>) sent major tech-heavy indices to fresh record highs Thursday, capping a fourth consecutive month of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46760627/magnificent-seven-microsoft-meta-nvdia-earnings-sp500-market-cap">gains for U.S. equities.</a>
By midday in New York, the S&amp;P 500 rose 0.7% to break above 6,400, while the Nasdaq 100 climbed past 24,500 — each logging new intraday highs.
Meta jumped 11% after delivering blockbuster second-quarter results and upbeat revenue guidance. Microsoft climbed about 5% after reporting strong Azure revenues.
The combined market value of the Magnificent Seven swelled past $19.4 trillion, with both Microsoft and Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46760627/magnificent-seven-microsoft-meta-nvdia-earnings-sp500-market-cap">worth more than $4 trillion</a>.
Indexes with less tech exposure lagged: the Dow Jones added just 0.1%, while the Russell 2000 slipped 0.1%.
The broader market surge came despite hotter-than-expected inflation data that supported the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates steady in July.
The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index rose to 2.6% in June from 2.3% in May, surpassing the 2.5% forecast. Core PCE, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, held at 2.8%, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/07/46755543/inflation-pce-june-tariffs-trump-powell-interest-rates">above the 2.7% consensus.</a>
Traders are now pricing in just a 39% chance of a rate cut in September, according to the CME FedWatch Tool, down from 65% earlier this week.
On trade, President Donald Trump announced a new 15% tariff on select South Korean imports, while a deal with Mexico was extended for another 90 days.
The U.S. dollar index gained 0.1%, aiming for its sixth straight daily gain and the longest winning streak since 2022. 
Commodities remained under pressure. Copper fell another 5% to $4.39 per pound, nearing April's lows after Wednesday's historic 19.4% drop triggered by tariff exemptions on refined copper.
Silver lost 1.3%, while gold edged up 0.5% to $3,290 per ounce. 
In crypto, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) rose 0.9% to $118,871.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Performance In Major U.S. Indices, ETFs</h1>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day chg. %</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>6,406.83</td>
<td>0.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>23,495.60</td>
<td>0.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>44,550.87</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,229.94</td>
<td>-0.1 %</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated by 12:35 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The&nbsp;Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) rose 0.6% to $586.59.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) inched 0.1% up to $444.99.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;rose 0.5% to $570.89.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) eased 0.2% to $221.21.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Communication Services&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLC#NYSE">XLC</a>) outperformed, up 1.6%; the&nbsp;Health Care&nbsp;Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLV#NYSE">XLV</a>) lagged, down 0.7%.</li>
</ul>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Thursday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h1>
Stocks moving on earnings reports included: 
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Microsoft Corp. up 4.5%</li>
<li>Meta Platforms, Inc. up 12.3%</li>
<li>Mastercard Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MA#NYSE">MA</a>) up 3.0%</li>
<li>AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) up 2.5%</li>
<li>S&amp;P Global Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPGI#NYSE">SPGI</a>) up 4.3%</li>
<li>QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) down 6.2%</li>
<li>KKR &amp; Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KKR#NYSE">KKR</a>) down 2.4%</li>
<li>Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>) up 2.4%</li>
<li>Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>) down 4.5%</li>
<li>Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ICE#NYSE">ICE</a>) up 0.4%</li>
<li>The Southern Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SO#NYSE">SO</a>) up 0.3%</li>
<li>Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>) down 4.6%</li>
<li>Carvana Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVNA#NYSE">CVNA</a>) up 18.2%</li>
<li>CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) up 1.6%</li>
<li>Equinix, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EQIX#NASDAQ">EQIX</a>) up 0.9%</li>
<li>The Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) down 6%</li>
<li>Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>) down 9.5%</li>
<li>Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APD#NYSE">APD</a>) down 0.6%</li>
<li>Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PWR#NYSE">PWR</a>) down 2.6%</li>
<li>Allstate Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALL#NYSE">ALL</a>) up 6.7%</li>
<li>Public Storage (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSA#NYSE">PSA</a>) down 4.8%</li>
<li>Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXC#NASDAQ">EXC</a>) up 1.1%</li>
<li>Ford Motor Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) up 2.5%</li>
<li>AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AME#NYSE">AME</a>) up 5.9%</li>
<li>eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EBAY#NASDAQ">EBAY</a>) up 18.6%</li>
<li>Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XEL#NASDAQ">XEL</a>) up 1.5%</li>
<li>Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRU#NYSE">PRU</a>) up 3%</li>
<li>Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTSH#NASDAQ">CTSH</a>) up 0.1%</li>
<li>Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VMC#NYSE">VMC</a>) down 0.7%</li>
<li>VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VICI#NYSE">VICI</a>) up 1.5%</li>
<li>Xylem Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XYL#NYSE">XYL</a>) up 9.3%</li>
<li>Fair Isaac Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FICO#NYSE">FICO</a>) down 11.1%</li>
<li>DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DXCM#NASDAQ">DXCM</a>) down 6.7%</li>
<li>Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WTW#NASDAQ">WTW</a>) up 5.0%</li>
<li>Blue Owl Capital Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OWL#NYSE">OWL</a>) down 0.7%</li>
<li>PG&amp;E Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PCG#NYSE">PCG</a>) down 0.8%</li>
<li>Ventas, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTR#NYSE">VTR</a>) up 1.1%</li>
<li>Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXR#NYSE">EXR</a>) down 8.1%</li>
<li>Kellanova (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/K#NYSE">K</a>) up 0.1%</li>
<li>Albemarle Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALB#NYSE">ALB</a>) down 0.6%</li>
<li>American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWK#NYSE">AWK</a>) up 1.0%</li>
<li>AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVB#NYSE">AVB</a>) down 2.9%</li>
<li>Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WDC#NASDAQ">WDC</a>) up 8.7%</li>
<li>PPL Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPL#NYSE">PPL</a>) down 0.7%</li>
<li>PTC Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTC#NASDAQ">PTC</a>) up 7.6%</li>
<li>International Paper Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IP#NYSE">IP</a>) down 8.9%</li>
<li>Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TYL#NYSE">TYL</a>) up 4.9%</li>
<li>FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FE#NYSE">FE</a>) up 1.5%</li>
<li>Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INVH#NYSE">INVH</a>) down 0.7%</li>
<li>Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIIB#NASDAQ">BIIB</a>) up 1.8%</li>
<li>GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GFL#NYSE">GFL</a>) up 5.6%</li>
<li>F5, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>) up 6.8%</li>
<li>Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAA#NYSE">MAA</a>) down 2.0%</li>
<li>Aptiv PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APTV#NYSE">APTV</a>) up 4.2%</li>
<li>Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFM#NASDAQ">SFM</a>) down 3.4%</li>
<li>Hologic, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOLX#NASDAQ">HOLX</a>) up 2.6%</li>
<li>Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KIM#NYSE">KIM</a>) down 0.9%</li>
<li>Everest Group, Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EG#NYSE">EG</a>) up 2.0%</li>
<li>Masco Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAS#NYSE">MAS</a>) up 3.9%</li>
<li>XPO, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPO#NYSE">XPO</a>) down 8.9%</li>
<li>UDR, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UDR#NYSE">UDR</a>) flat at -0.0%</li>
<li>C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHRW#NASDAQ">CHRW</a>) up 17.1%</li>
<li>Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLDR#NYSE">BLDR</a>) down 2.8%</li>
<li>Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAX#NYSE">BAX</a>) down 19.1%</li>
<li>Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCLH#NYSE">NCLH</a>) up 8.9%</li>
<li>Host Hotels &amp; Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HST#NASDAQ">HST</a>) down 1.5%</li>
<li>Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HII#NYSE">HII</a>) up 9.9%</li>
<li>Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AR#NYSE">AR</a>) up 2.7%</li>
<li>MGM Resorts International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MGM#NYSE">MGM</a>) down 4.1%</li>
</ul>
Stocks slated to report earnings after the close include: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MELI#NASDAQ">MELI</a>), Stryker Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYK#NYSE">SYK</a>), KLA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>), First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>), Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROP#NYSE">ROP</a>), Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPWR#NASDAQ">MPWR</a>), Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IR#NYSE">IR</a>), Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EMN#NYSE">EMN</a>), LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LPLA#NASDAQ">LPLA</a>), AES Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AES#NYSE">AES</a>), Vale S.A. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VALE#NYSE">VALE</a>), The Clorox Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLX#NYSE">CLX</a>), Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>), Roku, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROKU#NASDAQ">ROKU</a>), Mettler-Toledo International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTD#NYSE">MTD</a>), Edison International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EIX#NYSE">EIX</a>), ResMed Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RMD#NYSE">RMD</a>), Arthur J. Gallagher &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AJG#NYSE">AJG</a>), Ameren Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEE#NYSE">AEE</a>), Essential Utilities, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WTRG#NYSE">WTRG</a>), Camden Property Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPT#NYSE">CPT</a>), Healthpeak Properties, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOC#NYSE">DOC</a>), Huntsman Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUN#NYSE">HUN</a>), Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOG#NYSE">NOG</a>), Park Hotels &amp; Resorts Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PK#NYSE">PK</a>), Procore Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PCOR#NYSE">PCOR</a>), Rogers Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROG#NYSE">ROG</a>), Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RYAN#NYSE">RYAN</a>), and Essex Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESS#NYSE">ESS</a>).
Read Now:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/07/46733603/fed-holds-trump-powell-waller-bowman-interest-rates">Fed Skips Rate Cut Again—But Reveals Something We Haven&#8217;t Seen Since 1993</a></li>
</ul>
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Meta, Microsoft Power Wall Street To New Records Despite Inflation Jump: What's Moving Markets Thursday?

CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) stock is trading higher on Thursday after the company reported better-than-expected Q2 earnings and raised its annual guidance.
The company reported second-quarter sales of $98.90 billion on Thursday, beating the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $94.85 billion</a>.
Total revenues increased 8.4% year over year, driven by revenue growth across all segments.
Adjusted earnings of $1.81&nbsp;per share also beat the analyst estimate of $1.46.
GAAP earnings of $0.80 per share decreased from $1.41 in the prior year, reflecting the impact of two litigation charges associated with CVS&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/n46750861/cvs-health-corporation-reports-second-quarter-2025-results-and-updates-full-year-2025-guidance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">past business practices</a>.
Operating income decreased 21.8% to $2.38 billion primarily due to $833 million in litigation charges related to two court decisions associated with the company&#8217;s past business practices, partially offset by a decrease in acquisition-related integration costs.
Adjusted operating income increased 1.7% to $3.81 billion, driven by increases in the Health Care Benefits and Pharmacy &amp; Consumer Wellness segments, primarily offset by a decline in the Health Services.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/06/45753489/amazon-pharmacy-challenges-cvs-health-and-walgreens-dominance-unveils-new-features-to-expand-medicare-access" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon Pharmacy Challenges CVS Health And Walgreens Dominance, Unveils New Features To Expand Medicare Access</a>
The company announced that it would commit $20.0 billion over the next decade to simplify the U.S. healthcare system for American consumers.
Revenues in the Health Care Benefits segment increased 11.6% to $36.26 billion, primarily driven by increases in the Government business, mainly due to the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on the Medicare Part D program.
The MBR increased to 89.9% compared to 89.6% a year ago, driven by the $471 million (140 basis points) premium deficiency reserve recorded as health care costs described above, primarily offset by the favorable year-over-year impact of changes to the company&#8217;s individual exchange business risk adjustment estimates.
Medical membership, at 26.7 million as of June 30, 2025, decreased by 358,000 members compared with March 31, 2025, reflecting the previously announced membership declines in the individual exchange product line.
Health Services segment (offering pharmacy benefit management) sales increased 10.2% to $46.42 billion, primarily driven by pharmacy drug mix and brand inflation, partially offset by continued pharmacy client price improvements.
The Pharmacy &amp; Consumer Wellness segment&#8217;s sales increased 12.5% to $33.58 billion, driven by a favorable pharmacy drug mix and higher prescription and front-store volume, partially offset by continued pressure on pharmacy reimbursement.
Prescriptions filled increased by 4.2% to 438.1 million, driven by increased utilization.
&#8220;We are encouraged by a second consecutive quarter of solid 2025 results, while we continue to navigate a dynamic environment,&#8221; said Brian Newman, CFO of CVS Health.
Guidance: CVS Health raises its fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/05/45140567/cvs-health-partners-with-wegovy-maker-novo-nordisk-hikes-2025-guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">from&nbsp;$6.00-$6.20&nbsp;per share</a> to&nbsp;$6.30-$6.40&nbsp;compared to the consensus of&nbsp;$6.13.
Price Action:&nbsp;CVS stock is up 5.38% at $65.56 at the last check on Thursday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46748893/mark-zuckerberg-says-not-wearing-meta-ray-ban-like-ai-glasses-will-be-similar-to-having-poor-vision-without-corrective-contact-lenses" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg Says Not Wearing Meta Ray-Ban Like AI Glasses Will Be Similar To Having Poor Vision Without Corrective Contact Lenses</a></li>
</ul>
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Earnings

Guidance

Movers

CVS Health Will Invest $20 Billion To Simplify US Health System, Delivers Strong Q2 Despite Legal Setbacks

CVS Health shares are trading higher after the company reported better-than-expected Q2 adjusted EPS and sales.

CVS Health Lowers FY2025 GAAP EPS Guidance from $4.23-$4.43 to $3.84-$3.94 vs $4.33 Est

2025 Full-Year Guidance
<ul>
<li>Revised GAAP diluted EPS guidance range to $3.84 to $3.94 from $4.23 to $4.43</li>
<li>Raised Adjusted EPS guidance range to $6.30 to $6.40 from $6.00 to $6.20</li>
<li>Raised cash flow from operations guidance to at least $7.5 billion from approximately $7.0 billion</li>
</ul>

CVS Health Raises FY2025 Adj EPS Guidance from $6.00-$6.20 to $6.30-$6.40 vs $6.13 Est

CVS Health Q2 2025 Adj. EPS $1.81 Beats $1.46 Estimate, Sales $98.900B Beat $94.849B Estimate

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Earnings Scheduled For July 31, 2025

CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) will release earnings results for the second quarter before the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CVS/earnings">opening bell on Thursday, July 31.</a>
Analysts expect the Woonsocket, Rhode Island-based company to report quarterly earnings at $1.46 per share, down from $1.83 per share in the year-ago period. CVS Health is projected to report quarterly revenue of $94.59 billion, compared to $91.23 billion a year earlier, according to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
On July 23, CVS Health announced the opening of its new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center (WITC) in Columbus.
CVS Health shares gained 3.8% to close at $62.30 on Wednesday.
Benzinga readers can access the latest analyst ratings on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Readers can sort by stock ticker, company name, analyst firm, rating change or other variables.
Let's have a look at how Benzinga's most-accurate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/cvs/analyst-ratings">analysts have rated the company</a> in the recent period.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>UBS analyst Kevin Caliendo maintained a Neutral rating and cut the price target from $71 to $67 on July 22, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 70%.</li>
<li>Jefferies analyst Brian Tanquilut maintained a Buy rating and raised the price target from $74 to $80 on June 30, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 64%.</li>
<li>Mizuho analyst Ann Hynes maintained an Outperform rating and increased the price target from $70 to $76 on April 9, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 85%.</li>
<li>Leerink Partners analyst Michael Cherny upgraded the stock from Market Perform to Outperform and raised the price target from $55 to $75 on Feb. 13, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 79%.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying CVS stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think:
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/cvs/analyst-ratings"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="600" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/31033317/image-498-1024x600.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1008523" style="width:626px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/31033317/image-498-1024x600.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/31033317/image-498-300x176.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/31033317/image-498-768x450.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/31033317/image-498.png 1096w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
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Pre-Market Outlook

Top Wall Street Forecasters Revamp CVS Health Expectations Ahead Of Q2 Earnings

CVS Health Corporation Says That Aetna Unveiled AI-Powered Care Paths in Health App, Giving Nurses 90 Extra Minutes Daily and Members Personalized, Simpler Access to Care

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/medicare-part-d-drug-plan-premiums-set-to-rise-16ef919c">https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/medicare-part-d-drug-plan-premiums-set-to-rise-16ef919c</a>

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' Medicare Part D Drug Plan Premiums Set to Rise'- WSJ

Benzinga examined the prospects for <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.
Wall Street rallied as a wave of new trade deals — including agreements with Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines — fueled optimism, pushing the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq to fresh record highs. President Donald Trump escalated pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell during an in-person visit, demanding lower rates in light of trade easing.
Investor sentiment remained upbeat despite rising political friction. Treasury yields increased modestly on speculation about compromised Fed independence, amid calls from influential voices like Mohamed El‑Erian suggesting Powell resign to preserve central bank autonomy.
Looking ahead, markets are watching progress in U.S.–EU trade negotiations — including a meeting between Trump and Ursula von der Leyen — and upcoming economic data. Investor focus is also on whether pressure on the Fed may influence its rate path or institutional reputation.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.

The Bulls
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/25/07/46607168/google-stock-roars-as-analysts-race-to-raise-price-targets">"Google stock roars as analysts race to raise price targets"</a>, by Chris Katje, reports that Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) delivered its tenth straight quarter of earnings beats — including $96.43 billion in Q2 revenue and $2.31 EPS — prompting firms to raise their price targets on strength in AI‑driven growth across Cloud, Search, and Ads.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46587855/t-mobile-stock-climbs-after-q2-results-crushed-growth-records">"T‑Mobile stock climbs after Q2 results ‘crushed' growth records"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that T‑Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) beat Q2 estimates with $2.84 EPS and $21.13 billion in revenue, added a record 1.7 million postpaid customers — driving upwardly revised FY2025 guidance — and sent shares higher.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46590824/lendingtree-stock-climbs-as-company-signals-stronger-growth-ahead">"LendingTree stock climbs as company signals stronger growth ahead"</a>, by Akanksha Bakshi, reports that LendingTree Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TREE#NASDAQ">TREE</a>) shares rose after the company highlighted improving lead quality and customer acquisition metrics — citing momentum in core marketplaces and new verticals as drivers of expected stronger growth ahead.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46559708/capital-one-stock-climbs-on-strong-q2-eps-despite-revenue-miss">Capital One Stock Climbs On Strong Q2 EPS, Despite Revenue Miss</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46618339/coursera-stock-rockets-20-higher-after-q2-earnings-report-heres-why">Coursera Stock Rockets 20% Higher After Q2 Earnings Report: Here's Why</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46588567/quantumscape-announces-better-than-expected-q2-results-expands-collaboration-with-powerco">QuantumScape Announces Better-Than-Expected Q2 Results, Expands Collaboration With PowerCo</a>

The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46612958/molina-healthcare-stumbles-cigna-cvs-humana">"Centene, Cigna, Others Drop As Molina's Results Rattle Sector"</a>, by Vandana Singh, reports that Molina Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOH#NYSE">MOH</a>) missed Q2 earnings expectations — posting $5.48 EPS vs. $6.21 consensus — even as revenue topped estimates, and slashed its 2025 EPS guidance to just over $19 (from $21.50-$22.50), sending shares of Centene Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNC#NYSE">CNC</a>), The Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), Humana Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>), and others sharply lower on concerns about medical cost trends and sector-wide risk.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/fda/25/07/46544331/fda-rejects-replimunes-blood-cancer-drug-stock-sinks">"FDA rejects Replimune's blood cancer drug, stock sinks"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that Replimune Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REPL#NASDAQ">REPL</a>) shares plunged after the FDA rejected the company's investigational oncolytic virus therapy for blood cancers, citing deficiencies in clinical data and risk-benefit analysis — prompting investor concern about future development timelines and capital needs.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46589727/viking-therapeutics-stock-slides-after-company-misses-q2-earnings-estimates">"Viking Therapeutics stock slides after company misses Q2 earnings estimates"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Viking Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>) shares tumbled after reporting a Q2 loss of $0.58 per share — wider than the expected $0.46 loss — while R&amp;D expenses surged to $60.2 million and the company ended the quarter with $808 million in cash.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46606784/c3-ai-stock-is-tumbling-thursday-whats-going-on">C3 AI Stock Is Tumbling Thursday: What's Going On?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46641084/wall-street-stock-bubble-2025">Is A Stock Market Crash Imminent? Bubble Warnings Grow Louder</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46569958/mara-holdings-stock-is-moving-lower-wednesday-heres-why">MARA Holdings Stock Is Moving Lower Wednesday: Here's Why</a>

Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.
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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: T-Mobile, LendingTree, Molina Healthcare — And Trade Deal Optimism Boosts Markets

Molina Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOH#NYSE">MOH</a>) missed Wall Street expectations in its second-quarter earnings report Wednesday, triggering a selloff across the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/guidance/25/07/46273556/molina-healthcare-says-higher-medical-cost-trends-bite-cuts-profit-guidance">healthcare insurance sector</a>. 
Shares of Alignment Healthcare, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALHC#NASDAQ">ALHC</a>), The Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), Centene Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNC#NYSE">CNC</a>), CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>), Humana Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>), and Tenet Healthcare Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THC#NYSE">THC</a>) all traded lower Thursday as investors reacted to Molina's earnings miss and lowered 2025 guidance, citing rising medical costs and utilization trends.
What Happened: On Wednesday after close, Molina reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of $5.48 per share, missing the consensus of $6.21 and the preliminary expectation of approximately $5.50 per share.
The insurance company reported sales&nbsp;of $11.43 billion, beating the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $10.93 billion</a>.
Molina&#8217;s second quarter results reflect a &#8220;challenging medical cost trend environment," said Joseph Zubretsky, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The current earnings pressure we are experiencing results from what we believe to be a temporary dislocation between premium rates and medical cost trend which has recently accelerated.&#8221;
Molina is still performing near its long-term target ranges, and the long-term outlook remains the same, he added.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The consolidated Medical Care Ratio (MCR) for the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/07/b46586998/molina-healthcare-reports-second-quarter-2025-financial-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">second quarter of 2025 was 90.4%</a>.</li>
<li>The Medicaid MCR was 91.3%. The company experienced medical cost pressure due to continued utilization of behavioral health, pharmacy, and inpatient and outpatient services.</li>
<li>The Medicare MCR was 90.0%, reflecting higher utilization among high-acuity members, particularly for long-term services, supports, and pharmacy.</li>
<li>The Marketplace MCR was 85.4%. Approximately 300 basis points were due to prior-year member reconciliations and a higher "new store" MCR related to the ConnectiCare acquisition.</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/health-care/25/07/46396470/elevance-steps-in-as-unitedhealth-delays-will-it-set-the-tone-for-insurers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elevance Steps In As UnitedHealth Delays — Will It Set The Tone For Insurers?</a>
On Wednesday, Molina further revised its 2025 earnings guidance from $21.50-$22.50 to over $19 per share.
Notably, Centene withdrew its 2025 GAAP and adjusted diluted EPS guidance. This stems from its initial review of 2025 industry data from Wakely, an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46222916/centenes-guidance-withdrawal-spooks-sector-oscar-health-stock-falls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">independent actuarial firm</a>.
Molina Healthcare forecasts fiscal 2025 sales&nbsp;of $44 billion compared to the consensus of $44.19 billion.
It forecasts a 2025 consolidated MCR of 90.2%, with Medicaid MCR of 90.9%, Medicare MCR of 90% and Marketplace MCR of 85.1%.
Readers should also note that the largest insurance company, UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), is also trading lower on Thursday. In an SEC filing on Thursday, the company said it has now begun complying with the Department's formal criminal and civil requests. UnitedHealth says it has full confidence in its practices and is committed to working cooperatively with the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/07/46605691/unitedhealth-under-federal-scrutiny-reaffirms-integrity-of-its-medicare-operations" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department throughout this process</a>.
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ALHC

streetTRACKS Dow Jones U.S. Large Cap Value Index Fund

Centene, Cigna, Others Drop As Molina's Results Rattle Sector

Shares of health insurers are trading lower in sympathy with Molina Healthcare, which issued soft guidance. The sector may also be under pressure after UnitedHealth said  it has now begun complying with the DOJ's formal criminal and civil requests.

Providing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish, 8 analysts have published ratings on CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) in the last three months.
In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $78.5, along with a high estimate of $84.00 and a low estimate of $67.00. Witnessing a positive shift, the current average has risen by 4.83% from the previous average price target of $74.88.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1753192879_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study</h2>
The perception of CVS Health by financial experts is analyzed through recent analyst actions. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Caliendo</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$67.00</td>
<td>$71.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Tanquilut</td>
<td>Jefferies</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$74.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Mok</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$79.00</td>
<td>$82.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Macdonald</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$84.00</td>
<td>$82.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Baxter</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$84.00</td>
<td>$76.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ben Hendrix</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$81.00</td>
<td>$74.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Caliendo</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$71.00</td>
<td>$67.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Mok</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$82.00</td>
<td>$73.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to CVS Health. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of CVS Health compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts predict movements in price targets, offering estimates for CVS Health's future value. Examining the current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into CVS Health's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CVS/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on CVS Health analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Unveiling the Story Behind CVS Health</h2>
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 27 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 existing business lines.
<h3>CVS Health's Economic Impact: An Analysis</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Above industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization emphasizes a noteworthy size, indicative of a strong market presence.
Revenue Growth: CVS Health's remarkable performance in 3M is evident. As of 31 March, 2025, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 6.96%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Health Care sector.
Net Margin: CVS Health's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 1.88%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): CVS Health's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 2.33%, the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): CVS Health's ROA is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.7%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Debt Management: CVS Health's debt-to-equity ratio is notably higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 1.06, the company relies more heavily on borrowed funds, indicating a higher level of financial risk.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Analysts are specialists within banking and financial systems that typically report for specific stocks or within defined sectors. These people research company financial statements, sit in conference calls and meetings, and speak with relevant insiders to determine what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts will rate each stock once a quarter. 
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Assessing CVS Health: Insights From 8 Financial Analysts

UBS analyst Kevin Caliendo maintains CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $71 to $67.

UBS Maintains Neutral on CVS Health, Lowers Price Target to $67

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">Pfizer Inc. &nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>)</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Dividend Yield: 7.03%</li>
<li>Guggenheim analyst Vamil Divan reiterated a Buy rating on March 18, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 75%.</li>
<li>Citigroup analyst Andrew Baum maintained a Neutral rating and slashed the price target from $30 to $29 on Jan. 28, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 69%.</li>
<li>Recent News: The Bristol Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>) and Pfizer alliance announced a new direct-to-patient option for purchasing Eliquis (apixaban) via the alliance's patient resource, Eliquis 360 Support, on July 17.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s real-time newsfeed alerted to latest PFE <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0721">news</a>. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0721"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="907" height="825" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21074324/image-272.png" alt="" class="wp-image-993503" style="width:605px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21074324/image-272.png 907w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21074324/image-272-300x273.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21074324/image-272-768x699.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 907px) 100vw, 907px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>)</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Dividend Yield: 4.29%</li>
<li>Truist Securities analyst David Macdonald maintained a Buy rating and raised the price target from $82 to $84 on May 12, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 63%.</li>
<li>UBS analyst Kevin Caliendo maintained a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $67 to $71 on May 2, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 71%.</li>
<li>Recent News: CVS Health will hold a conference call on Thursday, July 31, to discuss second quarter financial results.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro's real-time newsfeed alerted to latest CVS <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0721">news </a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0721"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="922" height="838" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21074355/image-273.png" alt="" class="wp-image-993506" style="width:572px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21074355/image-273.png 922w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21074355/image-273-300x273.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21074355/image-273-768x698.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 922px) 100vw, 922px" /></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 class="wp-block-list">
<li>Dividend Yield: 3.47%</li>
<li>Citigroup analyst Geoff Meacham downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral and cut the price target from $210 to $205 on May 14, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 63%.</li>
<li>Guggenheim analyst Vamil Divan maintained a Buy rating and increased the price target from $214 to $216 on April 29, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 75%.</li>
<li>Recent News: GI Therapeutics SA, a wholly owned subsidiary of New York-based Ichnos Glenmark Innovation Inc., and AbbVie, on July 10, announced an exclusive licensing agreement for IGI's lead investigational asset, ISB 2001, developed using IGI's proprietary BEAT protein platform, for oncology and autoimmune diseases.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s real-time newsfeed alerted to latest ABBV <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0721">news </a></li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0721"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="910" height="828" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21074437/image-274.png" alt="" class="wp-image-993508" style="width:576px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21074437/image-274.png 910w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21074437/image-274-300x273.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21074437/image-274-768x699.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 910px) 100vw, 910px" /></a></figure>
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Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts Spotlight On 3 Health Care Stocks Delivering High-Dividend Yields

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