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UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest private health insurers, providing medical benefits to about 51 million members globally, including 1 million outside the us as of December 2024. As a leader in employer-sponsored, self-directed, and government-backed insurance plans, UnitedHealth has obtained massive scale in managed care. Along with its insurance assets, UnitedHealth's continued investments in its Optum franchises have created a healthcare services colossus that spans everything from medical and pharmaceutical benefits to providing outpatient care and analytics to both affiliated and third-party customers.

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Mercados de EE.UU. bajan, con Apple, Tesla, Biomerica, Rivian y UnitedHealth destacando por movimientos clave en sus acciones.

Apple, Rivian, UnitedHealth, Biomerica, Tesla: 5 valores que están en el radar de los inversores

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Aquí tienes cinco acciones estadounidenses que podrían llamar la atención de los inversores este jueves: BAC, SNV, MS, TSM y UNH.

5 acciones en el foco este jueves: BAC, SNV, MS, TSM y UNH

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Luigi Mangione was<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/02/43887520/luigi-mangione-back-in-court-friday-supporters-donate-500k-to-suspected-killer"> back in court</a> Friday for an update on the state charges against him in connection with the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
What Happened: Friday marked Mangione's first court date since December, when he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42655562/luigi-mangione-suspected-ceo-assassin-pleads-not-guilty-in-new-york-court">pleaded not guilty</a> to state charges. The suspected killer also faces federal charges, with the potential of the death penalty if convicted. 
Mangione's lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo called out several parties who appeared in a recent HBO true crime documentary on the Mangione case. Agnificlo said New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny appeared on the documentary. HBO is a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBD#NASDAQ">WBD</a>).
"My shock that the chief of detectives of the NYPD along with the NYC mayor had time to sit down with HBO and put hair and makeup and….talk about their theories of the case," Agnifilo said, as reported by <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/luigi-mangione-court-live-updates-suspect-face-murder-terror-charges-2034323#live-blog-46395">Newsweek</a>.
Mangione's lawyer said that his "right to a fair trial is continuously being impacted." His lawyer cited the Pennsylvania arrest at a McDonald's and said his client&#8217;s constitutional rights were violated there as well.
"I think there's a very serious search issue in this matter."
While discussing evidence in the case, Agnifilo said the defense team has not received the bulk of the discovery including police records, phone records or he so-called manifesto found on Mangione at the time of his arrest.
Items like DNA and forensic testing, policy body cam footage, witness statements and the autopsy report were turned over Friday, according to the report.
Judge Gregory Carro also said Mangione was to remain handcuffed during Friday's trial for his safety, something his lawyer took exception with and wanted on the record.
<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">Luigi Mangione just now arriving at the New York Supreme Criminal Court for his first court appearance of the year. <a href="https://t.co/p2bfevDMbs">pic.twitter.com/p2bfevDMbs</a>
&mdash; The Luigi Case (@LuigiCaseFiles) <a href="https://twitter.com/LuigiCaseFiles/status/1893019502985564577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
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: The judge did not provide an update on the trial timeline in the case Friday. Mangione did not speak during Friday's hearing.
Mangione also faces federal charges that could include a death penalty sentence upon conviction. The accused killer has not yet entered a plea for the federal charges. Mangione's next court hearing on the federal charges is scheduled for March 19, according to the report.
A large group of supporters of the suspected killer were spotted outside the courtroom and inside the public gallery during Friday's trial. Some supporters had signs that read "patients before profits" and "Free Luigi."
A legal defense fund for Mangione has raised over $514,000 in donations through Friday, as reported by the New York Post. The funds are said to help pay Mangione's legal fees as he recently beefed up his legal team.
The online fundraiser reached its previous target and now has its sights set on raising $1 million.
Mangione thanked people for his support in his first statement from prison last week. 
"I am overwhelmed by – and grateful for – everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support," Mangione's statement said.
UnitedHealthcare, which is owned by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), is the largest individual player in Medicare Advantage with 7.8 million members, the company's latest earnings report revealed. The company also has 4.3 million members enrolled in Medicare supplement plans through UnitedHealthcare. It also has 3 million people enrolled in standalone Part D coverage.
The company is now the subject of a Department of Justice investigation over its Medicare billing practices, which was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43879859/doj-investigates-unitedhealth-probe-accuses-of-inflating-medicare-diagnoses">announced Friday morning</a>.
UNH Price Action: UnitedHealth stock is down 7.3% to $465.60 on Friday versus a 52-week trading range of $436.38 to $630.73. The stock is down 11% over the last year.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42544499/luigi-mangione-documentaries-in-the-works-from-award-winning-creators-and-possibly-rapper-50-cent">Luigi Mangione Documentaries In The Works From Award-Winning Creators — And Possibly Rapper 50 Cent</a></li>
</ul>
Luigi Mangione, who is charged in connection with the murder of UnitedHealthcare&#8217;s CEO. Photo via the Pennsylvania State Police.

Legal

Movers

Media

Luigi Mangione Lawyer Says 'Right To A Fair Trial' Compromised, Supporters Show Up To Court

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://thearorareport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-21_08h00_31.png" alt="" /></figure>
To gain an edge, this is what you need to know today.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">King Nvidia Earnings Ahead</h4>
Please <a href="https://thearorareport.com/chart-analysis-stock-market-money-flow-chinese-stocks-nvidia-earnings-ahead-baba-mc-02212025">click here</a> for an enlarged chart of Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Ltd &#8211; ADR (BABA).
Note the following:
<ul>
<li>This article is about the big picture, not an individual stock.&nbsp; The chart of BABA stock is being used to illustrate the point.</li>
<li>The chart shows the rise in BABA stock over the last several weeks. The rise is due to money flowing into Chinese stocks, especially BABA.</li>
<li>The chart shows when an Arora buy signal was triggered.</li>
<li>The chart shows the jump up in BABA stock yesterday on earnings.</li>
<li>The chart shows the jump up was on heavy volume, indicating conviction.</li>
<li>The chart shows the Arora signals to take partial profits during the rise and on yesterday's jump up.</li>
<li>RSI on the chart shows BABA stock is overbought.&nbsp; Overbought stocks are susceptible to a pullback.</li>
<li>Part of the buying in BABA is coming from the meme crowd after a report that Ryan Cohen, founder of Chewy Inc (CHWY), has bought almost $1B worth of BABA stock.  Previously, Ryan Cohen triggered a meme crowd buying frenzy in GameStop Corp (GME).</li>
<li>Money is flowing in aggressively in all Chinese stocks, especially tech stocks.&nbsp; Overnight, stocks in Hong Kong jumped 4%.</li>
<li>Recently, the momo crowd's favorite stocks took a hit.  In the early trade, the momo crowd is aggressively buying the dip in its favorite stocks, including Palantir Technologies Inc (PLTR), MicroStrategy Inc (MSTR), Robinhood Markets Inc (HOOD), Applovin Corp ( APP), Hims &amp; Hers Health Inc (HIMS), Oklo Inc (OKLO), IONQ Inc (IONQ), and Rigetti Computing Inc (RGTI).</li>
<li>Crypto company Coinbase Global Inc (COIN) is seeing aggressive buying after the SEC dropped a long running case against Coinbase.</li>
<li>The drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is due to only one stock, UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>).  UNH stock is falling 11.6% as of this writing in the premarket. UNH stock is falling this morning on the news that the Department of Justice has launched an investigation.  The news is bringing down other stocks such as CVS Health Corp (CVS), Humana Inc (HUM), and Cigna Group (CI).</li>
<li>The main event ahead for the stock market is NVIDIA Corp (NVDA) earnings.  Investors will be looking for insights on the impact of DeepSeek on Nvidia.  As full disclosure, when NVDA stock fell on DeepSeek panic, The Arora Report gave a buy signal for a trade around position in ZYX Buy.  In The Arora Report analysis, Nvidia earnings will impact the entire stock market.  </li>
<li>University of Michigan consumer sentiment was released at 10am ET.  At The Arora Report, we will be very carefully scrutinizing this data after the lower guidance from Walmart Inc (WMT).  The data may be market moving.</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent Seven Money Flows</h4>
In the early trade, money flows are positive in Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Alphabet Inc Class C (GOOG), Meta Platforms Inc (META), Microsoft Corp (MSFT), NVDA, and Tesla Inc (TSLA).
In the early trade, money flows are neutral in Apple Inc (AAPL).
In the early trade, money flows are neutral in SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) and Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (QQQ).
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Momo Crowd And Smart Money In Stocks</h4>
Investors can gain an edge by knowing money flows in SPY and QQQ.  Investors can get a bigger edge by knowing when smart money is buying stocks, gold, and oil.  The most popular ETF for gold is SPDR Gold Trust (GLD).  The most popular ETF for silver is iShares Silver Trust (SLV).  The most popular ETF for oil is United States Oil ETF (USO).
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin</h4>
Bitcoin is seeing buying on SEC withdrawing its long running case against COIN.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Protection Band And What To Do Now</h4>
It is important for investors to look ahead and not in the rearview mirror.&nbsp; The proprietary protection band from The Arora Report is very popular.&nbsp; The protection band puts all of the data, all of the indicators, all of the news, all of the crosscurrents, all of the models, and all of the analysis in an analytical framework that is easily actionable by investors.
Consider continuing to hold good, very long term, existing positions. Based on individual risk preference, consider a protection band consisting of cash or Treasury bills or short-term tactical trades as well as short to medium term hedges and short term hedges. This is a good way to protect yourself and participate in the upside at the same time.
You can determine your protection bands by adding cash to hedges.&nbsp; The high band of the protection is appropriate for those who are older or conservative. The low band of the protection is appropriate for those who are younger or aggressive.&nbsp; If you do not hedge, the total cash level should be more than stated above but significantly less than cash plus hedges.
A protection band of 0% would be very bullish and would indicate full investment with 0% in cash.&nbsp; A protection band of 100% would be very bearish and would indicate a need for aggressive protection with cash and hedges or aggressive short selling.
It is worth reminding that you cannot take advantage of new upcoming opportunities if you are not holding enough cash.&nbsp; When adjusting hedge levels, consider adjusting partial stop quantities for stock positions (non ETF); consider using wider stops on remaining quantities and also allowing more room for high beta stocks.&nbsp; High beta stocks are the ones that move more than the market.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Traditional 60/40 Portfolio</h4>
Probability based risk reward adjusted for inflation does not favor long duration strategic bond allocation at this time.
Those who want to stick to traditional 60% allocation to stocks and 40% to bonds may consider focusing on only high quality bonds and bonds of five year duration or less.&nbsp; Those willing to bring sophistication to their investing may consider using bond ETFs as tactical positions and not strategic positions at this time.
The Arora Report is known for its accurate calls. The Arora Report correctly called the big artificial intelligence rally before anyone else, the new bull market of 2023, the bear market of 2022, new stock market highs right after the virus low in 2020, the virus drop in 2020, the DJIA rally to 30,000 when it was trading at 16,000, the start of a mega bull market in 2009, and the financial crash of 2008. Please click here to sign up for a free forever <a href="https://thearorareport.com/generate-wealth-newsletter-benzinga">Generate Wealth Newsletter</a>.

Market Summary

Money Flowing Into Chinese Stocks, Especially Alibaba; The Main Event Ahead Is Nvidia Earnings

All three major U.S. stock indices are down Friday as traders reacted to several sets of fresh data that raised concerns about<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43877634/us-stocks-fluctuate-in-preopen-volatility-doesnt-equal-financial-loss-unless-you-sell-says-expert"> the economic outlook.&nbsp;</a>
The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index fell to 64.7 in January, a decline of 10% and a steeper drop than expected. The 5-year inflation outlook in the survey is the highest since 1995 at 3.5% 
Existing home sales sank by 4.9% to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.08 million in January, the sharpest decline in seven months, according to Trading Economics.&nbsp;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/43884153/us-services-drop-sharply-darkening-picture-of-high-prices-uncertainty-economist-says">US Services Drop Sharply: &#8216;Darkening Picture&#8217; Of High Prices, Uncertainty, Economist Says</a>
February's flash S&amp;P Global PMIs released <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/43884153/us-services-drop-sharply-darkening-picture-of-high-prices-uncertainty-economist-says">Friday morning </a>revealed a sharp, unexpected drop in services and raised concerns about the health of the private sector.&nbsp;
"The upbeat mood seen among US businesses at the start of the year has evaporated, replaced with a darkening picture of heightened uncertainty, stalling business activity and rising prices," said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence.&nbsp;
Natural gas futures rose another 4.5% Friday to $4.3/MMBtu, hitting a 25-month high as cold weather increased heating demand and disrupted production. The United States Natural Gas Fund LP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNG#NYSE">UNG</a>), tracking the daily price movements of natural gas futures contracts, climbed 3.2%.&nbsp;
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) was volatile as crypto markets reacted to a $1.4 billion Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) hack targeting Bybit&#8217;s cold wallet, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43886224/bybit-founder-confirms-1-4-billion-ethereum-hack-blames-masked-transaction">one of the largest</a> security breaches in recent history.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday's Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1 day % chg.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>19,753.44</td>
<td>-1.05%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>6,069.73</td>
<td>-0.78%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>43,739.57</td>
<td>-0.99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,231.48</td>
<td>-1.34%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday's Stock Movers:&nbsp;</h2>
Shares of UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) slumped nearly 9% after the Wall Street Journal reported the Department of Justice launched an investigation into the company&#8217;s Medicare billing practices.
Stocks reacting to company earnings reports included:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Solaris Energy Infrastructure, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SEI#NYSE">SEI</a>) </li>
<li>Iamgold Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IAG#NYSE">IAG</a>) </li>
<li>Celsius Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CELH#NASDAQ">CELH</a>) </li>
<li>Glaukos Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GKOS#NYSE">GKOS</a>) </li>
<li>MercadoLibre, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MELI#NASDAQ">MELI</a>) </li>
<li>The RealReal, Inc. (NASADQ:REAL) </li>
<li>Nu Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NU#NYSE">NU</a>)</li>
<li>Globant S.A. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLOB#NYSE">GLOB</a>) </li>
<li>Block, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XYZ#NYSE">XYZ</a>) </li>
<li>Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) </li>
</ul>
Companies reporting on Monday included:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Domino&#8217;s Pizza Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DPZ#NASDAQ">DPZ</a>) </li>
<li>Zoom Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZM#NASDAQ">ZM</a>) </li>
<li>Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FANG#NASDAQ">FANG</a>) </li>
<li>Kosmos Energy Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KOS#NYSE">KOS</a>) </li>
<li>Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMMT#NASDAQ">SMMT</a>) </li>
<li>Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOV#NYSE">HOV</a>) </li>
</ul>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43836832/trump-administration-orders-sweeping-pentagon-cuts-defense-sector-stocks-on-watch"> Trump Administration Orders Sweeping Pentagon Cuts: Palantir, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics Among Stocks On Watch</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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Consumer Sentiment Drops 10%, UnitedHealth Under Investigation: What's Driving Markets Friday?

Analyst Ratings

UBER

CNBC Halftime Report Final Trades: Uber Technologies, MP Materials, ConAgra Brands, UnitedHealth Group

Luigi Mangione, the suspect charged with killing a UnitedHealthcare executive, is set to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42541669/luigi-mangione-faces-murder-first-degree-life-in-prison-in-ceo-death-a-senseless-act-of-violence">appear in court Friday</a>. 
What Happened: After<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42655562/luigi-mangione-suspected-ceo-assassin-pleads-not-guilty-in-new-york-court"> pleading not guilty </a>to state charges in December over the alleged killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Mangione is set to appear in court again Friday to face murder and terrorism charges.
Judge Gregory Carro will set pretrial paperwork deadlines for the prosecution and defense, reported by <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/21/us/mangione-court-charges-united-ceo-killing/index.html">CNN</a>. Carro could also set a trial date for the closely followed court case.
State charges include a punishment of up to life in prison without parole if convicted.
Mangione also faces federal charges, which could include <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42541669/luigi-mangione-indicted-on-first-degree-murder-charges-in-unitedhealthcare-ceos-death-senseless-act-of-violence">the death penalty</a>. The alleged killer has not entered into a plea for the federal charges yet.
Friday's court hearing is set for a 2:15 p.m. ET start.
Mangione's next court hearing for the federal charges is scheduled for March 19, according to the report.
Read Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43506109/bill-ackman-sends-unitedhealth-stock-lower-with-deleted-tweet-heres-what-he-said"> Bill Ackman Sends UnitedHealth Stock Lower With Deleted Tweet: Here&#8217;s What He Said</a>
Why It's Important: Mangione's case captured worldwide attention. The 26-year-old allegedly targeted Thompson and the American healthcare sector over companies focusing on profits over people.
Notes found on Mangione when he was arrested included commentary on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42605759/luigi-mangione-faces-death-penalty-details-show-attack-planned-for-months-the-target-is-insuranceit-checks-every-box">the healthcare system.</a>
UnitedHealthcare is a unit of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States.
Mangione has received support from members of the public who also view the health insurance sector negatively. Some supporters have protested the sector and featured signs with the words "Free Luigi" outside his court appearances.
An in-person crowd during an episode of "Saturday Night Live" applauded at Mangione's name being mentioned. Podcaster Joe Rogan <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42473433/joe-rogan-on-public-sympathy-for-unitedhealthcare-ceo-murder-suspect-health-insurance-a-dirty-dirty-business">also voiced support</a> for Mangione and the public support saying the health insurance business is "dirty."
Public support for Mangione has turned into a windfall of donations that are set to help his defense fund in the case.
A legal defense fund for Mangione has raised over $514,000 in donations through Friday, as <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/02/21/us-news/luigi-mangiones-defense-fund-tops-500k-in-donations/">reported </a>by the New York Post. The funds are said to help pay Mangione's legal fees as he recently beefed up his legal team.
The online fundraiser reached its previous target and now has its sights set on raising $1 million.
Mangione thanks people for his support in his first statement from prison last week. Enter your email to subscribe to the CNN Five Things Newsletter.
"I am overwhelmed by — and grateful for — everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support," Mangione's statement said.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest individual player in Medicare Advantage with 7.8 million members, the company's latest earnings report revealed. The company also has 4.3 million members enrolled in Medicare supplement plans through UnitedHealthcare. It also has 3 million people enrolled in standalone Part D coverage.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43879859/doj-investigates-unitedhealth-probe-accuses-of-inflating-medicare-diagnoses">Department of Justice is investigating</a> the company over its Medicare billing practices.
Price Action: UnitedHealth stock is down 8.8% to $458.26 on Friday versus a 52-week trading range of $436.38 to $630.73. The stock is down 12% over the last year.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42544499/luigi-mangione-documentaries-in-the-works-from-award-winning-creators-and-possibly-rapper-50-cent">Luigi Mangione Documentaries In The Works From Award-Winning Creators — And Possibly Rapper 50 Cent</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Luigi Mangione Back In Court Friday, Supporters Donate $500K To Suspected Killer

Live On CNBC, Steve Weiss Announces Bought More UnitedHealth Group

Macro Economic Events

Benzinga Market Summary: UnitedHealth Falls On Report Of DOJ Investigation, Feb. Consumer Sentiment Falls, S&P Moves Lower

UnitedHealth Group Says Co Is Not Aware Of 'Launch' Of Any 'New' Activity On Medicare Advantage

<ul>
<li>CELH</li>
<li>PLTR</li>
<li>NVDA</li>
<li>LUNR</li>
<li>RIVN</li>
<li>TSLA</li>
<li>HIMS</li>
<li>UNH</li>
<li>SMCI</li>
<li>BABA</li>
</ul>
Data from <a href="https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment">https://swaggystocks.com/dashboard/wallstreetbets/ticker-sentiment</a>
&nbsp;

BABA

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

LUNR

PLTR

SMCI

Top 10 Trending Stocks On WallStreetBets As Of February 21, 2025 (Via Swaggy Stocks)

The Justice Department has reportedly launched a civil fraud investigation into UnitedHealth Group Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) Medicare billing practices.
The probe began in recent months and will examine UnitedHealth&#8217;s Medicare Advantage plans and physician groups following reports that the company received billions in federal payments for questionable diagnoses.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43065141/analysts-maintain-optimism-for-unitedhealth-despite-mixed-q4-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">UnitedHealth&#8217;s Strong Member Loyalty Powers Analyst Growth Forecasts</a>
The insurance giant is already under scrutiny. In January, the Federal Trade Commission released a second interim staff report detailing significant price markups on specialty generic drugs by&nbsp;UnitedHealth&#8217;s pharmacy benefit management unit along with&nbsp;CVS Health Corp.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) CVS Caremark and&nbsp;Cigna Corp.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43010888/ftc-says-unitedhealth-cvs-cigna-make-billions-via-pbms-on-specialty-drugs" rel="noreferrer noopener">Express Scripts</a>.
The Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/unitedhealth-medicare-doj-diagnosis-investigation-66b9f1db?mod=latest_headlines" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> that Medicare paid UnitedHealth substantial sums based on diagnoses added to patients&#8217; records, some of which doctors said were irrelevant or undocumented.
The WSJ report&#8217;s analysis of Medicare data from 2019 to 2021 found that UnitedHealth-employed doctors significantly increased the number of lucrative diagnoses for patients in the company&#8217;s Medicare Advantage plans.
Additionally, some diagnoses were added without physician treatment, including through in-home nurse visits, leading to an extra $8.7 billion in federal payments in 2021.
Each visit by UnitedHealth-employed nurses was valued at an average of $2,735 in additional government reimbursements.
The WSJ report added that UnitedHealth has defended its Medicare billing practices, arguing that they lead to more accurate diagnoses, improve patient care, and reduce healthcare costs. The company has previously stated that it performs well in Medicare audits and has disputed the Journal&#8217;s findings.
UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurers in the U.S. with over 50 million members, has faced ongoing criticism over its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42365853/unitedhealthcare-faces-tough-questions-following-insurance-business-ceos-tragic-death" rel="noreferrer noopener">claim denial practices</a>.
A Senate investigation earlier this year concluded that Medicare Advantage providers, including UnitedHealthcare, intentionally denied claims to increase profits.
As per a recent media report, UnitedHealthcare, the insurance arm of&nbsp;UnitedHealth, is reportedly offering some employees in its benefits operations unit a chance to take a buyout if they <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43829064/unitedhealthcare-offers-voluntary-buyouts-possible-layoffs-if-targets-not-met-cnbc" rel="noreferrer noopener">resign by March 3</a>.
In a social media <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/BillAckman/status/1892912458840547554" rel="noreferrer noopener">post</a>, investor Bill Ackman said,&#8221; When a company, in this case United Healthcare, attacks its critics, the probability that it has committed fraud or is guilty of a crime increases substantially.&#8221;
&#8220;My psychological short here is paying off and I would avoid this stock,&#8221; Ackman added.
Price Action: UNH stock was down 10.2% at $451.36&nbsp;during the premarket session at the last check on Friday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43851537/centerpoint-energy-stays-on-track-eps-rises-25-grid-upgrade-planned-and-more" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CenterPoint Energy Stays On Track: EPS Rises 25%, Grid Upgrade Planned And More</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock.com

Large Cap

Health Care

DOJ Investigates UnitedHealth, Probe Accuses Of Inflating Medicare Diagnoses

WIIM

UnitedHealth shares are trading lower after the Wall Street Journal reported the DOJ launched an investigation into the company's Medicare billing practices.

<a href="https://x.com/BillAckman/status/1892912458840547554" title="https://x.com/BillAckman/status/1892912458840547554">https://x.com/BillAckman/status/1892912458840547554</a>

Hedge Funds

Investor Bill Ackman, In Response To Wall Street Journal Report Of DoJ Investigation Into United Health's Medicare Billing Practices, Posted on X He Would Avoid The Stock

UNH: -8% &#x7C; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43878094">Wall Street Journal Reported DOJ Launches Investigation Into UnitedHealth Group's Medicare Billing Practices, Citing Sources</a>
&nbsp;
CELH: 40% &#x7C; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43867833">Celsius Holdings shares are trading higher after the company announced it will acquire Alani Nu for $1.65 billion.</a>
&nbsp;
NAAS: 105% &#x7C; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43877006">NaaS Technology Announces $10 Million Share Repurchase Program Effective February 21, 2025, To Last Through February 2026</a>

NAAS

Market-Moving News for February 21st

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/unitedhealth-medicare-doj-diagnosis-investigation-66b9f1db" title="https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/unitedhealth-medicare-doj-diagnosis-investigation-66b9f1db">https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/unitedhealth-medicare-doj-diagnosis-investigation-66b9f1db</a>

Wall Street Journal Reported DOJ Launches Investigation Into UnitedHealth Group's Medicare Billing Practices, Citing Sources

Live On CNBC, Stephanie Link Announces Bought More UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealthcare, the insurance arm of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), is reportedly offering some employees in its benefits operations unit a chance to take a buyout if they resign by March 3.
In January, UnitedHealth announced that Tim Noel will be CEO of the UnitedHealthcare after the segment's former chief executive was murdered&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43195956/unitedhealth-announces-replacement-for-murdered-executive-heres-who-will-lead-insurance-unit" rel="noreferrer noopener">in New York last month.</a>
Previous CEO&nbsp;Brian Thompson&#8217;s death and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42605759/luigi-mangione-faces-death-penalty-details-show-attack-planned-for-months-the-target-is-insuranceit-checks-every-box" rel="noreferrer noopener">the possible motive&nbsp;</a>behind his killing have drawn scrutiny to the health insurance sector, including reports of high claim denial rates by companies like UnitedHealth Group.
Workers were told about the buyouts in a brief 10-minute meeting on Monday.
Employees who don't accept the offer will stay in their current role or move to a similar position. However, if not enough workers take the buyout, layoffs will follow, the sources <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/19/unitedhealthcare-offers-buyouts-could-pursue-layoffs.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> CNBC, citing an internal company site.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43173248/us-health-agency-cms-to-appeal-medicare-star-ratings-recalculation-ruling" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Health Agency CMS To Appeal Medicare Star Ratings Recalculation Ruling</a>
The company did not disclose how many employees were offered buyouts under the Voluntary Resignation Separation Program. The CNBC report said that the benefits operations unit handles customer service, claims, enrollment, and insurance benefits.
"This voluntary option is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure our team is best positioned to meet the evolving needs of the people and customers we are honored to serve," a UnitedHealth spokesperson told CNBC. "We continue to grow our workforce with more than 3,200 positions currently available on UnitedHealth Group's careers site."
The company expects employees&#8217; last day to be no earlier than May 1, according to an internal memo seen by CNBC. Some who take buyouts may need to stay longer, but no one will be required to work past Nov. 13.
Severance packages will be based on years of service and salary level and will take effect on the termination date. The memo also noted that if there are future layoffs, the benefits may not be as generous as those in the buyout program.
UnitedHealthcare reported Q4 revenue of $74.1 billion, up from $70.8 billion a year ago. The number of consumers served with domestic commercial benefits grew by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43065141/analysts-maintain-optimism-for-unitedhealth-despite-mixed-q4-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">2.4 million in 2024</a>.
Price Action: UNH stock is up 0.25% at $501.99&nbsp;at last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43820335/appian-q4-earnings-surges-on-strong-growth-ai-driven-efficiency-boosts-revenue-2025-outlook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Appian Q4 Earnings: AI-Driven Efficiency Boosts Revenue, Subscription Growth, Issues Strong Outlook</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Rumors

UnitedHealthcare Offers Voluntary Buyouts, Possible Layoffs If Targets Not Met: CNBC

Tiger Global Management LLC is taking bold risks. Chase Coleman's hedge fund made <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/hedge-funds">aggressive fourth-quarter 2024 bets</a> on high-growth names while shedding some underperformers, signaling a clear preference for tech and digital dominance.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Big Buys: Betting On Disruption</h2>
Tiger Global&#8217;s latest 13F <a href="https://13f.info/13f/000091957425001475-tiger-global-management-llc-q4-2024#google_vignette">filing </a>shows that as of Dec. 31, 2024, it increased its stakes in several growth stocks, with Spotify Technology SA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPOT#NYSE">SPOT</a>) leading the charge—a 2.13% increase in its portfolio weighting.
The fund also jumped on Reddit Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>) ahead of its much-anticipated public momentum, boosting its position by 1.11%. 
Cybersecurity leader Zscaler Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZS#NASDAQ">ZS</a>) and e-commerce giant PDD Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PDD#NASDAQ">PDD</a>) also saw meaningful increases, reinforcing Tiger's focus on digital transformation.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/02/43811538/5-top-tech-stocks-hedge-funds-have-been-bullish-on-in-q4-hint-its-not-nvidia">5 Top Tech Stocks Hedge Funds Have Been Bullish On In Q4 (Hint: It&#8217;s Not Nvidia)</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Major Exits: A Health Check On UnitedHealth</h2>
The biggest surprise? Tiger Global slashed its UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) stake by 5.06%, moving away from the insurance titan amid regulatory uncertainties.
Also on the chopping block were Nu Holdings Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NU#NYSE">NU</a>), ZoomInfo Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZI#NASDAQ">ZI</a>) and Toast Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TOST#NYSE">TOST</a>) &#8211; all seeing reductions, albeit on a smaller scale.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Core Holdings: Meta Still Reigns Supreme</h2>
Despite the shake-ups, Tiger's core conviction remains clear: Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) still dominates its portfolio, making up 16.52% of its holdings. 
Other tech titans like Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) and Apollo Global Management (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APO#NYSE">APO</a>) round out the top positions, showcasing a clear tilt toward AI, cloud computing, and digital media.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Takeaway: Tiger's Tech-Forward Playbook</h2>
Tiger Global's fourth-quarter strategy signals a full-speed-ahead approach to tech, AI, and digital consumer trends while dialing back on legacy finance and healthcare.
With AI-driven companies and disruptive digital platforms leading the portfolio, Coleman&#8217;s fund continues to invest heavily in technology&#8217;s future &#8211; systematically removing exposure to declining sectors.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/02/43816112/hedge-fund-shake-up-tiger-appaloosa-soros-outperform-buffett-icahn-ackman">Hedge Fund Shake-Up: Tiger, Appaloosa, Soros Outperform Buffett, Icahn, Ackman</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Tech

RDDT

SPOT

TOST

Meta Remains Tiger Global's Top Holding as Fund Makes Aggressive Tech Bets

<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/19/unitedhealthcare-offers-buyouts-could-pursue-layoffs.html">https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/19/unitedhealthcare-offers-buyouts-could-pursue-layoffs.html</a>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>UnitedHealthcare is offering certain employees in its benefits operations unit the option to accept buyouts if they quit by March 3, following a tumultuous year for the insurance giant, CNBC has learned.</li>
<li>If the company does not meet a resignation quota through buyouts, it will lay employees off, two people familiar with the matter said, citing an internal resource site.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The buyout offers come after a tumultuous last year for UnitedHealth Group, which grappled with the fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, a historically costly cyberattack and rising medical costs.</li>
</ul>

'UnitedHealthcare is offering buyouts to employees in benefits unit, could pursue layoffs, sources say' - CNBC

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 often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<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>AZN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$77.50</td>
<td>$27.5K</td>
<td>206</td>
<td>6.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EYPT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$5.00</td>
<td>$49.7K</td>
<td>431</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TMDX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$37.1K</td>
<td>475</td>
<td>384</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GILD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/07/25</td>
<td>$108.00</td>
<td>$38.3K</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>339</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$162.5K</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
<td>222</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$110.4K</td>
<td>5.0K</td>
<td>183</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$28.4K</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>136</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WGS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$257.3K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>134</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DHR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$106.5K</td>
<td>203</td>
<td>95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$550.00</td>
<td>$171.4K</td>
<td>710</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding AZN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 213 day(s) on September 19, 2025. Parties traded 62 contract(s) at a $77.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.5K, with a price of $445.0 per contract. There were 206 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 6063 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For EYPT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EYPT#NASDAQ">EYPT</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 332 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 500 contract(s) at a $5.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 18 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $49.7K, with a price of $95.0 per contract. There were 431 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1002 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TMDX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMDX#NASDAQ">TMDX</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 304 day(s) on December 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 24 contract(s) at a $100.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.1K, with a price of $1553.0 per contract. There were 475 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 384 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For GILD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 17 day(s) on March 7, 2025. This event was a transfer of 276 contract(s) at a $108.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $38.3K, with a price of $139.0 per contract. There were 45 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 339 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TEM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEM#NASDAQ">TEM</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 332 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $162.5K, with a price of $3250.0 per contract. There were 3527 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 222 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 call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 332 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 96 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $110.4K, with a price of $1150.0 per contract. There were 5079 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 183 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding WST (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WST#NYSE">WST</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 213 day(s) on September 19, 2025. Parties traded 16 contract(s) at a $240.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.4K, with a price of $1780.0 per contract. There were 5 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 136 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding WGS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WGS#NASDAQ">WGS</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 3 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 83 contract(s) at a $75.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $257.3K, with a price of $3100.0 per contract. There were 1316 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 134 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding DHR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DHR#NYSE">DHR</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 213 day(s) on September 19, 2025. Parties traded 82 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 26 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $106.5K, with a price of $1300.0 per contract. There were 203 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 95 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 3 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 40 contract(s) at a $550.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $171.4K, with a price of $4285.0 per contract. There were 710 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 66 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 news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

EYPT

GILD

TMDX

10 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been sworn in as Secretart oy Health and Human Services (HHS), a move that could shake up the healthcare sector—including health insurance stocks and the ETFs that hold them. ETFs like iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHF#NYSE">IHF</a>) and SPDR Select Sector Fund &#8211; Health Care (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLV#NYSE">XLV</a>), which carry <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43703014/robert-f-kennedy-confirmed-as-trump-secretary-of-health">major insurers</a> such as UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) and Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>), could be particularly impacted by regulatory shifts under Kennedy&#8217;s tutelage.
Investors tracking the health insurance sector should watch ETFs that have exposure to UnitedHealth and Elevance Health. We will come to the reason in a while, but first, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">here are some ETFs</a> that hold the stocks:
iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF– This ETF focuses on healthcare providers and insurers, with the topmost weightings in UnitedHealth and Elevance Health. It provides targeted exposure to managed care companies, hospitals, and specialized healthcare services, making it particularly sensitive to regulatory changes affecting health insurers. 
SPDR Select Sector Fund &#8211; Health Care– A broad-based healthcare ETF that includes not only major health insurers but also pharmaceutical and biotech companies. UnitedHealth is one of its largest holdings, meaning any regulatory action against insurers could impact its performance. Additionally, the fund&#8217;s significant exposure to vaccine makers like Pfizer (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) and Moderna (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) adds another layer to the concerns under Kennedy's leadership.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/02/43708331/robert-f-kennedys-confirmation-cannabis-advocates-question-his-new-vow-to-follow-the-science-on-marijuanas-harms">Robert F. Kennedy&#8217;s Confirmation: Cannabis Advocates Question His New Vow To &#8216;Follow The Science&#8217; On Marijuana&#8217;s Harms</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What's At Stake For Health Insurance Stocks?</h3>
On Feb. 13, the Senate voted 52 to 48 to confirm Kennedy as the overseer of key agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
During his Senate hearings in January, Kennedy denounced what he called the "rapacious behavior by insurance companies." He has suggested that he would support efforts to rein in abusive industry practices, including denying care and overcharging the government. 
Two major players in the space that could be affected by potential policy shifts include UnitedHealth, who is the largest Medicare Advantage insurer in the U.S., and Elevance Health, a major Medicaid managed care provider.
Naturally, stricter policies on claim approvals and government reimbursements could create headwinds for the aforementioned funds&#8217; major holdings.
Additionally, Kennedy&#8217;s appointment comes at a time when healthcare costs are soaring, and the spread of bird flu among wild birds and poultry farms is raising pandemic concerns. He has been a longtime vaccine skeptic, a stance that could have ramifications for pharmaceutical companies producing vaccines. Notably, he has questioned the safety and efficacy of bird flu vaccines, which can be bad news for vaccine-makers like Pfizer and Moderna. 
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