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UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest private health insurers, providing medical benefits to about 50 million members globally, including 1 million outside the us as June 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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Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Sarah James reiterates UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $591 price target.

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Cantor Fitzgerald Reiterates Overweight on UnitedHealth Group, Maintains $591 Price Target

CVS Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) is reportedly considering a major restructuring that could involve separating its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CVS" rel="noreferrer noopener">retail and insurance businesses</a>.
The move comes as the healthcare services company faces investor pressure and seeks to recover from a challenging financial period.
CVS Health is trading at an EBITDA multiple of 7x, which is significantly lower than key competitors like UnitedHealth Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) and Cigna Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), which trade at multiples of 14x and 9x, respectively.
This valuation gap underscores CVS's pressure to find a viable path forward amid growing competition and investor concerns.
These talks with financial advisers explore how a potential breakup would work, although no final decisions have been made yet.
Reuters report says the discussions, which remain confidential, include the possibility of unwinding CVS Health's $70 billion acquisition of Aetna in 2017, a deal that significantly expanded the company's insurance capabilities.
Now facing mounting difficulties in its retail and insurance sectors, CVS Health is assessing various strategies, including the potential split of its business units.
If the separation occurs, CVS Health could create two publicly traded companies, but the decision is pending approval from its board of directors.
Another point of debate is whether CVS Health's pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) should remain part of the retail division or be integrated into the insurance segment.
The final structure of any split will depend on internal deliberations, Although the Reuters report adds that CVS Health could still pursue a different approach.
As per a recent WSJ report, CVS Health is set to face renewed pressure as hedge fund&nbsp;Glenview Capital Management, led by founder&nbsp;Larry Robbins, plans to meet top executives, including CEO&nbsp;Karen Lynch, to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/41091446/cvs-health-in-focus-as-activist-investor-prepares-for-high-level-talks" rel="noreferrer noopener">discuss operational improvements</a>.
The meeting with Glenview comes as part of Robbins' broader strategy to push for change.
In the second quarter, the pharmacy chain reported adjusted EPS of&nbsp;$1.83&nbsp;decreased from&nbsp;$2.21&nbsp;in the prior year, beating the consensus of $1.73.
The fall is primarily due to a decline in the Health Care Benefits segment's operating results, which reflect continued utilization pressure and the unfavorable impact of the company's Medicare Advantage star ratings for the 2024 payment year within&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40220306/cvs-health-reports-mixed-q2-earnings-lowers-2024-outlook-reshuffles-segment-management" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Medicare product line</a>.
CVS Health revised its adjusted EPS guidance to $6.40-$6.65&nbsp;from at least&nbsp;$7.00 versus the consensus of $6.98, reflecting continued pressure in the Health Care Benefits segment.
CVS Health decided to make leadership changes based on the current performance and outlook for the Health Care Benefits segment.&nbsp;
Brian Kane&nbsp;quit, and Karen Lynch,&nbsp;the CEO, assumed direct leadership of the Health Care Benefits segment.
Karen and Tom Cowhey, CVS Health's CFO, oversee the business's day-to-day management.
Price Action: At last check Tuesday, CVS stock was up 2.21% at $64.27 during the premarket session.
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CVS Health Mulls Split Of Retail And Insurance Divisions To Address Financial Challenges: Report

CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) is set to face renewed pressure as hedge fund Glenview Capital Management, led by founder Larry Robbins, plans to meet top executives, including CEO Karen Lynch, to discuss operational improvements.
The meeting with Glenview comes as part of Robbins&#8217; broader strategy to push for change, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/08/40437498/pharmacy-chains-like-cvs-health-walgreens-boots-alliance-confront-shifting-consumer-habits-and-pro" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pharmacy Chains Like CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance Confront Shifting Consumer Habits And Profit Pressures</a>.
Robbins, who has built a substantial $700 million position in CVS, sees potential for the company to revitalize its struggling business without resorting to a breakup.
Robbins is expected to propose cost-cutting and restructuring strategies but will not push for a breakup of CVS. Another hedge fund has also built a notable position in the company, hinting at further pressure from investors.
CVS, one of the largest healthcare companies in the U.S., has seen its stock tumble 24% year-to-date amid multiple earnings downgrades.
In the second quarter, the pharmacy chain reported adjusted EPS of&nbsp;$1.83&nbsp;decreased from&nbsp;$2.21&nbsp;in the prior year, beating the consensus of $1.73. The fall is primarily due to a decline in the Health Care Benefits segment&#8217;s operating results, which reflect continued utilization pressure and the unfavorable impact of the company&#8217;s Medicare Advantage star ratings for the 2024 payment year within <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40220306/cvs-health-reports-mixed-q2-earnings-lowers-2024-outlook-reshuffles-segment-management" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Medicare product line</a>.
CVS Health revised its adjusted EPS guidance to $6.40-$6.65&nbsp;from at least&nbsp;$7.00 versus the consensus of $6.98, reflecting continued pressure in the Health Care Benefits segment.
The Wall Street report <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/glenview-capital-plans-push-for-changes-at-cvs-5df8aa8a?mod=latest_headlines" rel="noreferrer noopener">adds</a> that CVS had heavily invested in attracting seniors to its Aetna Medicare plans, but the move backfired, squeezing margins. The company is now revising its Medicare approach for 2025 to address these issues.
CVS Health decided to make leadership changes based on the current performance and outlook for the Health Care Benefits segment.&nbsp;
Brian Kane&nbsp;quit, and Karen Lynch,&nbsp;the CEO, assumed direct leadership of the Health Care Benefits segment.
Karen and Tom Cowhey, CVS Health&#8217;s CFO, oversee the business&#8217;s day-to-day management.
Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a formal complaint against three major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—CVS Health&#8217;s Caremark,&nbsp;Cigna Corp&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) Express Scripts, and&nbsp;UnitedHealth Group Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) Optum—for allegedly engaging in unfair and anti-competitive practices that have inflated the list&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40964870/us-federal-trade-commission-sues-cvs-health-cigna-unitedhealths-pharmacy-benefit-managers-for-infl" rel="noreferrer noopener">price of insulin medications</a>.
The FTC has also highlighted significant concerns regarding consolidating pharmacies and health insurance companies, focusing on the influence of a few dominant PBMs <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/07/39695378/ftc-investigation-uncovers-anti-competitive-practices-by-handful-of-pharmacy-benefit-managers-includ" rel="noreferrer noopener">on prescription drug prices</a>.
Price Action: CVS stock is up 3.27% at $63.39 during the premarket session at last check on Monday.
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Photo: Around the World Photos via Shutterstock

Movers

CVS Health in Focus as Activist Investor Prepares for High-Level Talks

With the stock markets trading near highs again and the start of a lower interest rates cycle, the backdrop for mergers, spin-offs, and acquisitions continues to improve. Elevated stock prices are just as good as currency when trying to acquire another company. The Sept. 24, 2024, announcement that Smartsheet Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/smar#NYSE">SMAR</a>) will be acquired by Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners for $56.50 per share or $8.4 billion is a prime example of the improving backdrop.
Prior to the news, plenty of speculation and rumors were swirling around about the work collaboration software provider. Investors looking for another potential and logical buyout candidate in the healthcare sector can take a close look at Surgery Partners Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sgry#NASDAQ">SGRY</a>).
<h2>The Acute Care Boom Is Real, and Health Insurers Are Scrambling</h2>
The acute care boom has been a growth driver for Surgery Partners, which owns and operates surgical hospitals, centers and ambulatory facilities, providing high-quality care at lower prices than general hospitals. The acute care surge that started in the fall of 2023 shocked health insurers like Humana Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hum#NYSE">HUM</a>), causing them to lower their earnings forecasts for the next two years. There was a significant rise in inpatient utilization from their Medicare Advantage members.
Due to the significantly lower prices, patients and insurance carriers prefer non-emergency procedures to be often handled at these specialized facilities rather than acute care hospitals. Their specialized facilities have lower overhead, more efficiency and less complexity.
Procedures performed at surgical centers can cost 50% less than at a traditional hospital. Many of these facilities have already negotiated rates with the major insurers, resulting in lower out-of-pocket expenses for the patients as well. Due to the lower costs, health insurance companies prefer outpatient surgical centers and ambulatory facilities over hospitals.
<h2>Surgery Partners Raises 2024 Revenue Forecast</h2>
Surgery Partners reported their second-quarter 2024 EPS of 21 cents, beating analyst expectations by a penny. Revenues rose 14.2% YoY to $762.1 million, beating consensus estimates of $735.94 million. The key metrics were strong as same-facility revenues grew 10% YoY, and same-facility cases rose 3.9% YoY. The company raised its full-year 2024 revenue forecast to at least $3.075 billion, beating consensus estimates of $3.06 billion.
<h2>Takeover Speculation Makes Sense for Integrated Health Care Transformation</h2>
Insurance carriers love Surgery Partners so much that there is speculation that UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unh#NYSE">UNH</a>) may be interested in acquiring them. Private equity firms are also very interested in the nation&#39;s third-largest ambulatory surgical center (ABC) operator. As more insurers evolve into integrated healthcare companies like Kaiser Permanente and as CVS Health Co. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cvs#NYSE">CVS</a>) did with its acquisition of Aetna Health Insurance, interest in Surgery Partners will continue to grow. Bain Capital is Surgery Partners&#39; largest shareholder, with a 39% stake.
<h2>SGRY Is Forming an Ascending Triangle Breakout </h2>
An ascending triangle pattern is comprised of a flat-top horizontal upper trendline resistance converging with an ascending (rising) lower trendline support to meet at the apex point. The breakout occurs when the stock surges through the upper trendline, and a breakdown occurs when the stock falls below the rising trendline.
<img alt="Surgery Partners SGRY stock chart" class="aligncenter" src="https://www.marketbeat.com/logos/articles/med_20240924103837_chartq-sgry.jpg" style="height:785px; width:915px" />
SGRY formed the flat-top upper trendline resistance at $33.95 after it deflected two breakout attempts. This pushed shares to the rising lower trendline and indicated growing demand as buyers raised their bids. The anchored daily VWAP support is at $29.15. SGRY continues to move closer to the apex point, where it can break out through the $33.95 upper trendline or fall below the $31.75 lower trendline.
The daily relative strength index (RSI) is stalled at the 58-band. Fibonacci (Fib) pullback support levels are at $31.08, $29.95, $28.35, and $25.78.
Surgery Partners&#39; average consensus price target is $39.86, and its highest analyst price target is $50.00. &nbsp;
The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stock-ideas/heres-why-surgery-partners-could-be-the-next-hot-takeover/">Here&#39;s Why Surgery Partners Could Be the Next Hot Takeover</a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

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Here's Why Surgery Partners Could Be the Next Hot Takeover

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 7.15% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 21.46%. Currently, UnitedHealth Group has a market capitalization of $530.13 billion. 
Buying $100 In UNH: If an investor had bought $100 of UNH stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $264.17 today based on a price of $574.10 for UNH at the time of writing.
<h3>UnitedHealth Group's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727375411_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$100 Invested In This Stock 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth $300 Today

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in UNH usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 24 extraordinary options activities for UnitedHealth Group. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 20% leaning bullish and 66% bearish. Among these notable options, 17 are puts, totaling $927,651, and 7 are calls, amounting to $479,810.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $300.0 to $660.0 for UnitedHealth Group during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of UnitedHealth Group stands at 133.33, with a total volume reaching 2,271.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in UnitedHealth Group, situated within the strike price corridor from $300.0 to $660.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>UnitedHealth Group Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727200858_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$2.9</td>
<td>$2.89</td>
<td>$2.9</td>
<td>$620.00</td>
<td>$218.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">673</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">736</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$165.15</td>
<td>$162.9</td>
<td>$162.9</td>
<td>$430.00</td>
<td>$81.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">32</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$31.35</td>
<td>$29.75</td>
<td>$30.06</td>
<td>$580.00</td>
<td>$74.9K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">349</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">150</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$30.15</td>
<td>$29.7</td>
<td>$29.89</td>
<td>$580.00</td>
<td>$74.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">349</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">125</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$29.65</td>
<td>$28.9</td>
<td>$29.27</td>
<td>$580.00</td>
<td>$67.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">349</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">221</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About UnitedHealth Group</h3>
UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest private health insurers, providing medical benefits to about 50 million members globally, including 1 million outside the us as June 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.
Having examined the options trading patterns of UnitedHealth Group, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Current Position of UnitedHealth Group</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 1,384,480, with UNH's price down by -0.14%, positioned at $572.63.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 21 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About UnitedHealth Group</h3>
Over the past month, 3 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $591.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald lowers its rating to Overweight with a new price target of $591. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald lowers its rating to Overweight with a new price target of $591. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald downgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $591. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest UnitedHealth Group options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Spotlight on UnitedHealth Group: Analyzing the Surge in Options Activity

With the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) taking a scalpel to the pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) of UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) and Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), investors are left wondering which health giant can best <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care">weather the storm</a>.
The FTC's lawsuit, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/20/ftc-sues-drug-middlemen-for-allegedly-inflating-insulin-prices.html">targeting</a> these companies for allegedly inflating insulin prices, could have a major ripple effect across the healthcare industry—and that means stock volatility. 
So, which stock looks healthier?
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">UnitedHealth Group: Big &amp; Bold, But Under The Microscope</h1>
UnitedHealth Group&#8217;s OptumRx unit is at the heart of the FTC's lawsuit, and while UNH's sheer scale as a global leader in healthcare gives it plenty of muscle, it also makes it a big target. 
Analysts predict a modest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/report/UNH">2.75% price movement</a> over the next 12 months, with a price target range of $591 to $680. UnitedHealth&#8217;s size could either serve as a shield or an anchor, depending on how the FTC&#8217;s hammer falls. 
For now, it's the heavyweight champ, but will its bulk keep it from dodging regulatory punches?
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/09/40820758/unitedhealth-follows-competitors-replaces-humira-with-lower-cost-biosimilars">UnitedHealth Follows Competitors, Replaces Humira with Lower-Cost Biosimilars</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">CVS Health: Retail Resilience Or Regulation Roadblock?</h1>
CVS Health, known for its 9,000-plus pharmacy locations and its PBM business Caremark, finds itself in the crosshairs, too.
Its integration with Aetna and recent Oak Street acquisition might help it spread risk, but the complexity of its operations also means more regulatory scrutiny. 
Analysts are predicting a price movement of around 6.36%, with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/report/CVS">12-month target of $63</a>. CVS is a diversified player, but being a jack-of-all-trades could make navigating the regulatory maze even trickier.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Cigna: Niche Focus, Bigger Moves?</h1>
Cigna, meanwhile, might just be the underdog to keep an eye on. Its PBM arm, Express Scripts, is a major player, but Cigna's more focused approach with self-funded plans and key government contracts could help it pivot more easily than its larger rivals. 
Analysts expect a more significant <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/report/CI">14.22% price movement</a> for Cigna, with a target range of $400 to $438. Cigna's smaller footprint in the broader health insurance landscape could allow it to sidestep the worst of the regulatory fallout and come out swinging.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Who's Got The Edge?</h1>
In this health stock showdown, the winner depends on how well these companies can adapt to the FTC's increasing scrutiny. 
UnitedHealth's size gives it strength but might make it a bigger target. CVS has a diversified portfolio but faces risks from its complexity. Cigna, while smaller, seems poised for the most price movement and could be the nimblest in dealing with the regulatory headwinds. 
Investors should keep a close eye on how this legal saga unfolds — there's more drama to come!
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40957261/wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts-weigh-in-on-3-health-care-stocks-with-over-3-dividend-yields">Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts Weigh In On 3 Health Care Stocks With Over 3% Dividend Yields</a></li>
</ul>
Photos: Shutterstock

Government

Long Ideas

Regulations

UnitedHealth Vs. CVS Vs. Cigna: Which Health Stock Will Beat The FTC's Regulatory Heat?

On Friday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a formal complaint against three major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—CVS Health Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) Caremark, Cigna Corp&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) Express Scripts, and UnitedHealth Group Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) Optum—for allegedly engaging in unfair and anti-competitive practices that have inflated the list <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/07/39695378/ftc-investigation-uncovers-anti-competitive-practices-by-handful-of-pharmacy-benefit-managers-includ" rel="noreferrer noopener">price of insulin medications</a>.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/09/ftc-sues-prescription-drug-middlemen-artificially-inflating-insulin-drug-prices" rel="noreferrer noopener">complaint</a> accuses the PBMs of creating a system that benefits them financially by prioritizing drug rebates, forcing patients to pay higher costs for life-saving insulin. These PBMs, referred to as the Big Three, administer around 80% of prescriptions in the U.S.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/05/38564498/federal-trade-commission-targets-junk-patent-listings-for-diabetes-weight-loss-asthma-drugs-from-" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal Trade Commission Targets &#8216;Junk Patent Listings&#8217; For Diabetes, Weight Loss, Asthma Drugs From Companies Like Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca</a>.
The FTC claims that the PBMs abused their market power to inflate insulin prices by promoting a rebate system with drug manufacturers.
This system led to the exclusion of lower-priced insulin from formularies, further driving up the cost for vulnerable patients.
The result is higher out-of-pocket expenses for those needing essential diabetes medication.
For example, the list price of Eli Lilly And Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) Humalog rose dramatically from $21 in 1999 to over $274 in 2017.
Despite the availability of lower-priced alternatives, PBMs favored higher-priced drugs due to the lucrative rebates they provided.
The FTC is also examining the role of drug manufacturers, including Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), and Sanofi SA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNY#NASDAQ">SNY</a>), in driving up insulin prices, signaling potential further action against these companies.
The rebate-driven system excluded lower-priced insulins and allowed the Big Three PBMs to keep significant revenue in the form of rebates and fees, a strategy that hurt patients while benefiting the PBMs financially.
Vulnerable patients, such as those with high deductibles or coinsurance, bore the brunt of these inflated costs, paying more for their insulin than the overall net cost to insurers.
Price Action: At last check Friday, CVS stock was down 1.61% at $57.49, UNH stock was down 0.29% at $575.39, and CI stock was up 0.07% at $357.52.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40961594/mullen-automotive-gears-up-210m-ev-deal-in-dubai-delivers-first-units-to-volt-mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mullen Automotive Gears Up $210M EV Deal In Dubai – Delivers First Units To Volt Mobility</a>.</li>
</ul>
Photo by towfiqu barbhuiya via unsplash

Legal

US Federal Trade Commission Sues CVS Health, Cigna, UnitedHealth's Pharmacy Benefit Managers For Inflating Insulin Prices

In today's fast-paced and highly competitive business world, it is crucial for investors and industry followers to conduct comprehensive company evaluations. In this article, we will delve into an extensive industry comparison, evaluating UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) in relation to its major competitors in the Health Care Providers &amp; Services industry. By closely examining key financial metrics, market standing, and growth prospects, our objective is to provide valuable insights and highlight company's performance in the industry.
<h3>UnitedHealth Group Background</h3>
UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest private health insurers, providing medical benefits to about 50 million members globally, including 1 million outside the us as June 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.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UnitedHealth Group Inc</td>
<td>38.25</td>
<td>5.97</td>
<td>1.41</td>
<td>4.79%</td>
<td>$7.67</td>
<td>$21.06</td>
<td>6.61%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Centene Corp</td>
<td>14.20</td>
<td>1.45</td>
<td>0.26</td>
<td>4.22%</td>
<td>$2.0</td>
<td>$4.43</td>
<td>5.92%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Molina Healthcare Inc</td>
<td>19.37</td>
<td>4.27</td>
<td>0.55</td>
<td>6.45%</td>
<td>$0.48</td>
<td>$1.21</td>
<td>18.65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HealthEquity Inc</td>
<td>65.67</td>
<td>3.19</td>
<td>6.31</td>
<td>1.68%</td>
<td>$0.11</td>
<td>$0.2</td>
<td>23.15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Progyny Inc</td>
<td>39.40</td>
<td>4.91</td>
<td>2.20</td>
<td>3.21%</td>
<td>$0.02</td>
<td>$0.07</td>
<td>8.85%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>34.66</td>
<td>3.46</td>
<td>2.33</td>
<td>3.89%</td>
<td>$0.65</td>
<td>$1.48</td>
<td>14.14%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<style>
 table {
 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

 th, td {
 padding: 8px;
 text-align: left;
 }

 th {
 background-color: #293a5a;
 color: #fff;
 text-align: left;
 }

 tr:nth-child(even) {
 background-color: #f2f4f8;
 }

 tr:hover {
 background-color: #e1e4ea;
 }

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
 text-align: left;
 }

 .dividend-amount {
 font-weight: bold;
 color: #0d6efd;
 }

 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
 color: #6c757d;
 }
 </style>Through a thorough examination of UnitedHealth Group, we can discern the following trends: 
<ul>
<li>
The current Price to Earnings ratio of 38.25 is 1.1x higher than the industry average, indicating the stock is priced at a premium level according to the market sentiment.
</li>
<li>
It could be trading at a premium in relation to its book value, as indicated by its Price to Book ratio of 5.97 which exceeds the industry average by 1.73x.
</li>
<li>
With a relatively low Price to Sales ratio of 1.41, which is 0.61x the industry average, the stock might be considered undervalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
The company has a higher Return on Equity (ROE) of 4.79%, which is 0.9% above the industry average. This suggests efficient use of equity to generate profits and demonstrates profitability and growth potential.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $7.67 Billion, which is 11.8x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has higher gross profit of $21.06 Billion, which indicates 14.23x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
</li>
<li>
The company's revenue growth of 6.61% is significantly below the industry average of 14.14%. This suggests a potential struggle in generating increased sales volume.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726671624_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio is an important measure to assess the financial structure and risk profile of a company.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
In light of the Debt-to-Equity ratio, a comparison between UnitedHealth Group and its top 4 peers reveals the following information:
<ul>
<li>
Among its top 4 peers, UnitedHealth Group has a higher debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84.
</li>
<li>
This suggests a greater reliance on debt financing, which can expose the company to increased financial risk and potential volatility.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For UnitedHealth Group, the PE ratio is high compared to peers, indicating potential overvaluation. The PB ratio is also high, suggesting investors are paying a premium for its assets. However, the PS ratio is low, which may indicate a potential undervaluation based on revenue. In terms of profitability metrics, UnitedHealth Group shows high ROE, EBITDA, and gross profit margins compared to industry peers, despite lower revenue growth rates.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Comparing UnitedHealth Group With Industry Competitors In Health Care Providers &amp; Services Industry

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in UNH usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 34 extraordinary options activities for UnitedHealth Group. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 38% leaning bullish and 44% bearish. Among these notable options, 10 are puts, totaling $1,172,743, and 24 are calls, amounting to $1,541,432.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $350.0 to $640.0 for UnitedHealth Group over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for UnitedHealth Group's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of UnitedHealth Group's whale activity within a strike price range from $350.0 to $640.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>UnitedHealth Group Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726514134_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$22.6</td>
<td>$22.15</td>
<td>$22.45</td>
<td>$590.00</td>
<td>$785.7K</td>
<td>338</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">353</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>11/01/24</td>
<td>$47.4</td>
<td>$45.45</td>
<td>$46.4</td>
<td>$555.00</td>
<td>$232.0K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$93.65</td>
<td>$91.8</td>
<td>$91.8</td>
<td>$520.00</td>
<td>$229.5K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/01/24</td>
<td>$35.1</td>
<td>$34.25</td>
<td>$35.1</td>
<td>$570.00</td>
<td>$175.5K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$3.35</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$3.35</td>
<td>$640.00</td>
<td>$141.2K</td>
<td>174</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">418</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About UnitedHealth Group</h3>
UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest private health insurers, providing medical benefits to about 50 million members globally, including 1 million outside the us as June 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.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with UnitedHealth Group, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of UnitedHealth Group</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,271,110, the price of UNH is down -0.48% at $589.39. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 29 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About UnitedHealth Group</h3>
A total of 3 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $591.0.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald has revised its rating downward to Overweight, adjusting the price target to $591. </li>
<li>An analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald downgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $591. </li>
<li>In a cautious move, an analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald downgraded its rating to Overweight, setting a price target of $591. </li>
</ul>
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for UnitedHealth Group with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

What the Options Market Tells Us About UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 10.3% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 21.08%. Currently, UnitedHealth Group has a market capitalization of $543.84 billion. 
Buying $100 In UNH: If an investor had bought $100 of UNH stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $675.69 today based on a price of $588.94 for UNH at the time of writing.
<h3>UnitedHealth Group's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726164177_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

If You Invested $100 In This Stock 10 Years Ago, You Would Have $700 Today

UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) reportedly announced on Tuesday that it will remove AbbVie Inc.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) blockbuster drug Humira from some of its preferred reimbursement lists starting January 1, 2025. The company will recommend lower-cost biosimilar versions instead.
This move is part of a larger trend in the U.S. pharmaceutical market, as health plans seek to cut costs by promoting alternatives to high-priced drugs.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/07/39695378/ftc-investigation-uncovers-anti-competitive-practices-by-handful-of-pharmacy-benefit-managers-includ" rel="noreferrer noopener">FTC Investigation Uncovers Anti-Competitive Practices By Handful Of Pharmacy Benefit Managers, Including CVS Health, UnitedHealth</a>.
Reuters highlights that Amgen Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) Amjevita, managed by its pharmacy benefits unit, Optum Rx, is among the biosimilars covered under UnitedHealth&#8217;s lists for commercial health plans.
With this decision, Optum becomes the last of the three largest U.S. pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to exclude Humira.
Cigna Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) announced last month that it would remove Humira from some of its lists in 2025, following a similar decision by CVS Health Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) Caremark unit in April.
CVS&#8217;s action led to a swift shift, with more patients transitioning to Sandoz Group AG&#8217;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SDZNY#OTC">SDZNY</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SDZXF#OTC">SDZXF</a>) biosimilar version of Humira in just three weeks than in the previous 15 months combined.
Cigna plans to cover biosimilars like Boehringer Ingelheim&#8217;s Cyltezo, Simlandi from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEVA#NYSE">TEVA</a>), and Alvotech&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALVO#NASDAQ">ALVO</a>) products, including an unbranded version of Sandoz&#8217;s Hyrimoz, as replacements for Humira.
UnitedHealth noted that patients would still have access to Humira until the FDA designates the preferred biosimilars as interchangeable with the original drug, per the report. The FDA is expected to make this designation in 2025.
Despite the growing competition, AbbVie has managed to retain a dominant share of the U.S. Humira market throughout 2023. This has been achieved through favorable negotiations with PBMs, even as biosimilar alternatives from companies like Pfizer Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) entered the market.
As per a Reuters report, Humira has still managed to retain over 80% of its patients even after facing lower-priced rivals in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/04/38468317/arthritis-patients-cignas-evernorth-to-offer-humira-biosimilar-at-no-out-of-pocket-cost" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. over the past year</a>.
Following their launch last year, pharmacy benefit managers largely influenced patient access, with minimal incentive for doctors to switch to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/06/39228916/abbvies-arthritis-drug-humira-retains-market-dominance-despite-biosimilar-competition-challenges-" rel="noreferrer noopener">these alternatives</a>.
In May, Cantor Fitzgerald said AbbVie had positioned itself to absorb Humira biosimilar erosion and achieve modest <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38899905/abbvie-is-successfully-positioned-to-absorb-humira-biosimilar-erosion-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">operational revenue growth</a>.
Price Action: UNH stock is down 2% at $587.07 at last check Wednesday.
Photo via Shutterstock
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/09/40817991/gsk-halts-herpes-simplex-virus-vaccine-development-clears-path-for-other-contenders-like-moderna-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GSK Halts Herpes Simplex Virus Vaccine Development, Clears Path For Other Contenders Like Moderna, BioNTech</a>.</li>
</ul>

Biotech

Equities

ABBV

ALVO

AMGN

SDZNY

SDZXF

TEVA

UnitedHealth Follows Competitors, Replaces Humira with Lower-Cost Biosimilars

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on UnitedHealth Group. Our analysis of options history for UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) revealed 44 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 40% of traders were bullish, while 43% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 27 were puts, with a value of $3,065,429, and 17 were calls, valued at $1,024,188.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $440.0 and $700.0 for UnitedHealth Group, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for UnitedHealth Group's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of UnitedHealth Group's whale activity within a strike price range from $440.0 to $700.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>UnitedHealth Group Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726074118_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$27.0</td>
<td>$26.55</td>
<td>$27.15</td>
<td>$580.00</td>
<td>$950.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">256</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$11.65</td>
<td>$10.6</td>
<td>$10.6</td>
<td>$560.00</td>
<td>$371.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">489</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">394</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/13/24</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$590.00</td>
<td>$261.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">465</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">379</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$8.25</td>
<td>$7.55</td>
<td>$8.25</td>
<td>$575.00</td>
<td>$206.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">170</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$8.7</td>
<td>$8.77</td>
<td>$510.00</td>
<td>$148.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">229</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">424</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About UnitedHealth Group</h3>
UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest private health insurers, providing medical benefits to about 50 million members globally, including 1 million outside the us as June 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.
In light of the recent options history for UnitedHealth Group, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of UnitedHealth Group</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,373,638, the price of UNH is down by -1.72%, reaching $588.72.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 30 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on UnitedHealth Group</h3>
A total of 2 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $591.0.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald downgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $591. </li>
<li>Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald lowers its rating to Overweight with a new price target of $591.</li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for UnitedHealth Group, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

WIIM

Shares of health insurance companies and providers are trading lower following the Trump-Harris debate.

During the last three months, 15 analysts shared their evaluations of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), revealing diverse outlooks from bullish to bearish.
The table below summarizes their recent ratings, showcasing the evolving sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">7</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have recently evaluated UnitedHealth Group and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $615.13, accompanied by a high estimate of $680.00 and a low estimate of $591.00. This current average has increased by 6.99% from the previous average price target of $574.93. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725987608_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look</h2>
A clear picture of UnitedHealth Group's perception among financial experts is painted with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines 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>Sarah James</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$591.00</td>
<td>$591.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sarah James</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$591.00</td>
<td>$591.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sarah James</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$591.00</td>
<td>$591.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kevin Caliendo</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$680.00</td>
<td>$640.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Toung</td>
<td>Argus Research</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$570.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gary Taylor</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$601.00</td>
<td>$546.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Mok</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$604.00</td>
<td>$560.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sarah James</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$591.00</td>
<td>$591.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Baxter</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$630.00</td>
<td>$525.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Macdonald</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$640.00</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ben Hendrix</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$615.00</td>
<td>$555.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Windley</td>
<td>Jefferies</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$647.00</td>
<td>$481.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Ha</td>
<td>Baird</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$640.00</td>
<td>$597.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ricky Goldwasser</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$615.00</td>
<td>$595.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sarah James</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$591.00</td>
<td>$591.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to UnitedHealth Group. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Offering insights into predictions, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of UnitedHealth Group compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of UnitedHealth Group's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Analyzing these analyst evaluations alongside relevant financial metrics can provide a comprehensive view of UnitedHealth Group's market position. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UNH/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on UnitedHealth Group analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Get to Know UnitedHealth Group Better</h2>
UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest private health insurers, providing medical benefits to about 50 million members globally, including 1 million outside the us as June 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.
<h3>Key Indicators: UnitedHealth Group's Financial Health</h3>
Market Capitalization: Exceeding industry standards, the company's market capitalization places it above industry average in size relative to peers. This emphasizes its significant scale and robust market position.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining UnitedHealth Group's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 6.61% as of 30 June, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in 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: UnitedHealth Group's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 4.31%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 4.79%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): UnitedHealth Group's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 1.48%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: The company faces challenges in debt management with a debt-to-equity ratio higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 0.84, caution is advised due to increased financial risk.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
In addition to their assessments, some analysts extend their insights by offering predictions for key metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates. This supplementary information provides further guidance for traders. It is crucial to recognize that, despite their specialization, analysts are human and can only provide forecasts based on their beliefs.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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As the global population ages, the demand for healthcare services surges, making the sector a promising avenue for long-term growth. Investors looking to capitalize on this trend might consider adding healthcare giants like Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), UnitedHealth Group (UNH), and Merck & Co. (MRK) to their watchlist. Read more… The growing number of elderly people worldwide is fueling a surge in demand for healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, and insurance, giving the healthcare sector a significant tailwind. Additionally, with technological advancements and innovative treatments on the rise, the future of the industry looks brighter than ever.
Amid this backdrop, investors looking to invest in the healthcare sector could keep an eye on fundamentally strong companies like Eli Lilly and Company (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/LLY/">LLY</a>), UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UNH/">UNH</a>), and Merck &amp; Co., Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MRK/">MRK</a>), which are well-positioned to capitalize on this demographic shift.
According to a report, one in five Americans will be 65 or older by 2040, reaching a <a href="https://www.urban.org/policy-centers/cross-center-initiatives/program-retirement-policy/projects/data-warehouse/what-future-holds/us-population-aging">total of 80 million</a>. As the global population ages, the need for biopharma products and modern, effective drugs to manage long-term diseases is poised to increase more than ever. The pharmaceuticals market is forecasted to generate $1.45 trillion in revenue by 2029, <a href="https://www.statista.com/outlook/hmo/pharmaceuticals/worldwide">exhibiting a CAGR of 4.7%</a>.
Additionally, the health insurance sector, particularly those offering Medicare-related products and services, is poised to capitalize on this trend. As per Precedence Research, the global health insurance market is anticipated to hit $5.12 trillion by 2034, growing at a <a href="https://precedenceresearch.com/health-insurance-market">CAGR of 7.4%</a>.
Considering these conducive trends, let's look at the fundamentals of the above-mentioned stocks in detail:
Eli Lilly and Company (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/LLY/">LLY</a>)
LLY is a medicine company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers medicines for diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, depressive disorder, and others, in addition to oncology products.
On September 24, LLY announced that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan approved Kisunla for treating adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD), which includes people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and those with mild dementia stage of AD. This treatment will help reduce the infusion burden for eligible patients.  
On September 13, LLY received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for EBGLYSS (lebrikizumab-lbkz), a targeted IL-13 inhibitor. This biologic treatment is intended for adults and children aged 12 years and above with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis that is not well controlled with topical therapies. It aims to provide long-lasting efficacy to patients with a maintenance dose administered once a month for a year.
For the second quarter (ended June 30, 2024), LLY reported revenue of $11.30 billion, representing a 36% growth from the prior-year quarter. It reported a non-GAAP gross profit of $9.27 billion, indicating a 39.8% growth from the prior year quarter with a margin of 80.8% (up 250 bps year-over-year).
In addition, its operating income increased 74.8% year-over-year to $3.71 billion. The company's non-GAAP <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/netincome.asp">net income</a> came in at $3.54 billion and $3.92 per share, up 85.9% and 85.8% year-over-year, respectively.
The company has updated its fiscal year 2024 guidance, increasing its revenue projection by $3 billion to a range of $45.40 billion to $46.60 billion. LLY's EPS is anticipated to fall between $15.10 and $15.60. On a consolidated adjusted basis, its non-GAAP EPS is expected to range from $16.10 to $16.60.
Street expects LLY's revenue for the fiscal third quarter (ending September 2024) to increase 26.5% year-over-year to $12.01 billion. Its EPS for the current quarter is expected to improve substantially from the year-ago value to $4.50. Moreover, it beat the EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, which is promising.
Shares of LLY have surged 65.3% over the past year and 59.3% over the past nine months to close the last trading session at $909.32.
LLY's <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect this robust outlook. The stock has an overall rating of B, which equates to Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
LLY has an A grade for Sentiment and a B for Growth. It is ranked #37 out of 157 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/pharmaceuticals/">Medical - Pharmaceuticals</a> industry. <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/LLY/">Click here</a> to see the additional ratings for LLY (Value, Momentum, Stability, and Quality).
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UNH/">UNH</a>)
UNH operates as a diversified health care company. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare; Optum Health; Optum Insight; and Optum Rx.
On September 17, the UNH Community Plan of New Mexico announced a collaboration with the school-based healthcare provider Goodside Health to provide and expand integrated physical and behavioral healthcare services to 50 New Mexico schools, with an investment of $250,000. This collaboration will help school children gain healthier access to primary care as well as mental health care.
On August 29, UNH announced a three-year strategic partnership with Goodwill Industries International, involving a $4.5 million investment, to increase access to education and training, support health-related social needs, and create workforce development opportunities. This partnership aims to help people overcome barriers that prevent them from obtaining employment and to create opportunities for job seekers.
In the fiscal second quarter that ended on June 30, 2024, UNH's total revenue increased 6.4% year-over-year to $98.86 billion. The company's adjusted net earnings came in at $6.31 billion, up 9.3% year-over-year, while its adjusted EPS grew 10.7% from the year-ago value to $6.80.
According to the financial guidance for fiscal year 2024, the company's adjusted earnings per share is anticipated to range from $27.50 to $28.
The consensus revenue estimate of $99.28 billion for the fiscal third quarter (ending September 2024) represents a 7.5% increase year-over-year. The consensus EPS estimate of $7.06 for the same quarter indicates a 7.6% improvement year-over-year. The company has an impressive surprise history; it surpassed the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
The stock has surged 18.8% over the past three months to close the last trading session at $574.81.
UNH's mixed fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has a B grade for Stability and Sentiment. It is ranked #5 out of 10 stocks in the A-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/health-insurance/">Medical - Health Insurance</a> industry.
Beyond what is stated above, we've also rated UNH for Growth, Value, Momentum, and Quality. Get all UNH's ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UNH/">here</a>.
Merck &amp; Co., Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MRK/">MRK</a>)
MRK is a global health care company offering health solutions through its prescription medicines, including biological therapies, vaccines, and animal health products. It operates through two segments: Pharmaceutical and Animal Health.
On September 25, MRK received new approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) for KEYTRUDA's significant role as a combination therapy and as a monotherapy for certain patients with urothelial carcinoma.
On September 18, MRK announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved KEYTRUDA in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy as a first-line treatment option for adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
MRK's sales for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, increased 7.2% year-over-year to $16.11 billion, while its KEYTRUDA product sales improved by 15.9% from the year-ago value to $7.27 billion. The company's non-GAAP net income stood at $5.81 billion compared to the prior-year quarter's loss of $5.22 billion, while its non-GAAP EPS came in at $2.28 versus a loss of $2.06 per share last year.
According to the full-year 2024 guidance, MRK forecasts worldwide sales to range from $63.40 billion to $64.40 billion, an increase from the previous guidance of $63.10 billion to $64.30 billion. The company also expects non-GAAP EPS to be between $7.94 and $8.04.
Analysts expect MRK's revenue for the fourth quarter (ending December 2024) to increase 7.1% year-over-year to $15.67 billion, while its EPS for the same period is expected to grow significantly from the prior year to $1.91. Moreover, the company topped the consensus revenue estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
Over the past year, the stock has gained 7.3%, closing the last trading session at $113.09.
MRK's bright prospects are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of A, which translates to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It also has an A grade for Quality and a B for Value and Stability. Within the Medical - Pharmaceuticals industry, it is ranked #7 out of 157 stocks. <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MRK/">Click here</a> to see MRK's ratings for Growth, Momentum, and Sentiment.
What To Do Next?
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<hr />
LLY shares were trading at $884.11 per share on Friday morning, down $25.21 (-2.77%). Year-to-date, LLY has gained 52.41%, versus a 21.84% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Shweta Kumari</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Shweta-Kumari_Image-2.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Shweta's profound interest in financial research and quantitative analysis led her to pursue a career as an investment analyst. She uses her knowledge to help retail investors make educated investment decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=shweta-kumari">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/lly-unh-mrk-3-healthcare-stocks-to-watch-as-the-aging-population-drives/>3 Healthcare Stocks to Watch as the Aging Population Drives Demand</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

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