UnitedHealth Group Option Alert: Jan, 2027 $520 Calls at the Ask: 1238 vs 1123 OI; Earnings 4/15 Before Open [est] 

UnitedHealth Group Option Alert: Jan, 2027 $520 Calls at the Ask: 1238 @ $80.75 vs 1123 OI; Earnings 4/15 Before Open [est] Ref=$498.9775

UnitedHealth Group 株価情報 (NYSE: UNH)

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) 株価情報

UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC

UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest private health insurers and provides 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 medical insurance. Along with its insurance assets, UnitedHealth's Optum franchises help create a healthcare services colossus that spans everything from pharmaceutical benefits to providing outpatient care and analytics to both affiliated and third-party customers.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated Common Stock (DE)

UnitedHealth Group Inc

EC Healthcare

United Hampshire US REIT

On CNBC's &#8220;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/03/28/final-trades-paypal-meta-abbvie-and-snowflake.html">Halftime Report Final Trades</a>,&#8221; Joshua Brown of Ritholtz Wealth Management said Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KNSL#NYSE">KNSL</a>) continues to move toward record high levels and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KNSL/analyst-ratings">stock looks &#8220;great.&#8221;</a>
Supporting his view, Truist Securities analyst Mark Hughes, on Feb. 18, maintained Kinsale Cap Group with a Buy rating and raised the price target from $480 to $525.
Jim Lebenthal of Cerity Partners picked PG&amp;E Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PCG#NYSE">PCG</a>), a North California utility.
On the earnings front, PG&amp;E will hold a conference call on Thursday, April 24, to discuss its first quarter 2025 results. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly earnings at 40 cents per share, up from 37 cents per share in the year-ago period. PG&amp;E projects quarterly revenue of $6.23 billion, compared to $5.86 billion a year earlier.
Don't forget to check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/">premarket coverage here</a>
Stephanie Link of Hightower Advisors named UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) as her final trade.
UnitedHealth Group will release its first quarter financial results before the opening bell on Thursday, April 17. Analysts expect the healthcare company to report quarterly earnings at $7.31 per share, up from $6.91 per share in the year-ago period. UnitedHealth projects quarterly revenue of $111.6 billion, compared to $99.8 billion a year earlier.
Price Action:
<ul>
<li>Kinsale Capital gained 0.3% to close at $488.15 on Tuesday.</li>
<li>PG&amp;E Corporation shares rose 0.5% to close at $17.27 during Tuesday's session.</li>
<li>UnitedHealth Group shares slipped 0.1% to settle at $523.12 on Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
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Photo: Shutterstock

News

Markets

Media

Trading Ideas

KNSL

UnitedHealth Group, PG&E And A Financial Stock On CNBC's 'Final Trades'

Attorney General Pam Bondi <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-pamela-bondi-directs-prosecutors-seek-death-penalty-luigi-mangione">announced</a> today that federal prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of murdering a UnitedHealthcare Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) executive in what authorities call a <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-pamela-bondi-directs-prosecutors-seek-death-penalty-luigi-mangione">politically motivated assassination</a>.
What To Know: Bondi described the Dec. 4, 2024, killing of Brian Thompson as a "premeditated, cold-blooded assassination" and reaffirmed her commitment to <a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1388561/dl?inline=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">restoring</a> the federal death penalty. 
"Mangione's actions shocked America," Bondi stated, emphasizing that the move aligns with President Trump's agenda to combat violent crime.
Mangione, who grew up in a wealthy Baltimore real estate family, allegedly targeted Thompson as part of a broader statement against the healthcare industry. Authorities <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42512814/luigi-mangione-lived-a-privileged-life-of-real-estate-wealth-before-arrest-in-ceo-case">found a manifesto</a> detailing his grievances, along with a 3D-printed gun and silencer at the time of his arrest.
Federal charges against Mangione were filed on Dec. 19. Bondi has now instructed Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky to pursue the death penalty.
The case has meanwhile sparked public debate, with some supporters criticizing the healthcare sector and <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/02/43887520/luigi-mangione-back-in-court-friday-supporters-donate-500k-to-suspected-killer">donating over $514,000</a> to Mangione's legal defense fund.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44591525/wall-street-inches-up-ahead-of-tariff-day-whats-driving-markets-tuesday">Wall Street Inches Up Ahead Of Tariff Day: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Tuesday?</a>
What Else: The US Attorney General&#8217;s office on Feb. 5 announced the <a href="https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1388561/dl?inline=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery">revival</a> of the federal death penalty, immediately lifting the moratorium on federal executions.
According to the memo, federal prosecutors are now directed to actively seek the death penalty in cases involving offenses such as the murder of law enforcement officers and capital crimes committed by undocumented individuals. &nbsp;
This policy shift also includes a review of past decisions where the death penalty was not pursued, indicating a firm stance on capital punishment. The federal government will also assist states in implementing death sentences.
As Mangione's trial continues, Bondi's strong support for capital punishment will likely remain a key focus, highlighting the administration's tough-on-crime policies.
Read Also
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44584000/veteran-investor-warns-of-rising-stagflation-risk-as-tariffs-loom-anticipates-squeezed-profit-margins-for-us-businesses">Veteran Investor Warns Of Rising Stagflation Risk As Tariffs Loom, Anticipates &#8216;Squeezed Profit Margins&#8217; For US Businesses</a></li>
</ul>

Politics

AG Pam Bondi Seeks Death Penalty For UnitedHealthcare Exec's Murder

UnitedHealth Group's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) short percent of float has risen 17.89% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 10.25 million shares sold short, which is 1.12% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.26 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>UnitedHealth Group Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743527727_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for UnitedHealth Group has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing UnitedHealth Group's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, UnitedHealth Group's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.17%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Peering Into UnitedHealth Group's Recent Short Interest

CNBC Halftime Report Final Trades: UnitedHealth Group, Kinsale Capital, Pacific Gas & Electric

Knowing which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44376666/high-yield-dividend-investor-making-12900-per-year-names-10-favorite-stocks-took-me-almost-3-years-to-get-to-this-point">stocks</a> to hold for the long term and which to sell before they drag down your portfolio is a challenge every investor faces at least once in their journey.
Some swear by the &#8220;buy and hold&#8221; strategy, while others advocate for constant rebalancing of a portfolio to mitigate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44476778/author-says-dave-ramsey-is-completely-ignorant-of-sequence-of-returns-risk-questions-whether-1-million-is-really-enough-for-retirement">risk</a>. The issue becomes even more pronounced when a portfolio is heavily condensed in high-growth but volatile sectors like technology.
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One such investor recently took to Reddit to seek advice on his $14,228 portfolio, which includes tech giants like Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)​, Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>, GOOG)), and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), alongside ETFs like Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), and even some crypto-linked stocks like Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) and MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>).
The poster is considering adding Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>) to his portfolio but is unsure if now is the right time. He&#8217;s also wondering whether to keep high-risk stocks like TSLA, COIN, and MSTR or shift to more stable assets and how to diversify his portfolio further.
Trending: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.
The Reddit community has come forward with plenty of advice in the comments; let&#8217;s see what they say.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hold or Sell? Investor With $14,000 Tech-Heavy Portfolio Ponders Diversification–Reddit Advises Him</h2>
Diversify into Other Sectors or Broader ETFs
Many Redditors indicated that the investor&#8217;s portfolio is way too concentrated in tech, which increases risk. Instead, they suggested reducing individual stock holdings and adding ETFs to gain exposure to other sectors.
&#8220;I am sure you know this, but VOO/QQQ includes all of the individual companies that you have the majority of your portfolio invested in,&#8221; a comment says.
Advising the poster to diversify his portfolio, one Redditor suggested choosing either VOO or QQQ, but not both.
&#8220;You own good companies! Personally, I would choose one of the two VOO/QQQ not both, but that&#8217;s just me and is not really a big deal&#8230; Other than that, I like everything else; I think I own all of them, except COIN. Look into buying other sectors, you are too heavily concentrated on tech.&#8221;
A commenter advised the poster to add a broad-market ETF to reduce complexity and risk.
&#8220;Too complex for this volume, many duplicates and missing diversification. Just do VOO or an [MSCI (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/msci#NYSE">MSCI</a>)] world index and that's it,&#8221; he wrote.
&#8220;VOO and QQQ are redundant and lend even more weight to the Mag 7. COIN, MSTR, TSLA, and NVDA are no-go long-term, I think. Try to add something more stable like [Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rtx#NYSE">RTX</a>)], [UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/unh#NYSE">UNH</a>)], or [The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ko#NYSE">KO</a>)],&#8221; a user suggested.
A Redditor recommended the investor add a mix of ETFs and stable dividend-paying stocks to improve the portfolio&#8217;s resilience.
&#8220;Continue with VOO, [Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/qqqm#NASDAQ">QQQM</a>)] only, and get some solid plays added from now on, diversify a bit. Can stick with ETFs or index, defense, utilities, energy, health care, precious metals, [Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A, BRK.B)], with the trade war, you need stuff that can survive. Look for some balance now with solid legacy names with dividends,&#8221; he wrote.
See Also: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
Sell TSLA, COIN, and MSTR
The poster&#8217;s most controversial holdings were TSLA, COIN, and MSTR, and some commenters argued that he should get rid of them since they&#8217;re too risky for a 10-year hold.
&#8220;Sell the TSLA and take the win; it's overvalued dramatically,&#8221; a comment reads.
&#8220;I'd scrub TSLA and MSTR and put it in VOO or QQQ. Tesla's valuation is and has been insane forever, even after the sell-off. The fundamentals are just awful for its valuation. And that's not even dipping into political stuff. Plus, it's already a decent weight in VOO anyway. And MSTR is straight-up junk,&#8221; a Redditor said.
This user also suggested selling the three stocks, saying, &#8220;I would personally remove MSTR, COIN, and TSLA and buy more of QQQ/VOO.&#8221;
&#8220;Get rid of TSLA before it wrecks your portfolio!&#8221; another comment reads.
One Redditor shared he would never hold MSTR for the long term, and suggested HOOD instead of COIN.
&#8220;No way I would hold MSTR for 10 years. You are playing crypto with COIN; in my opinion, HOOD is the better bet now that they are getting into the higher-margin gambling business. If you want Bitcoin exposure, buy [iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ibit#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>)].
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Personal Finance

AMZN

COIN

GOOGL

HOOD

IBIT

MSCI

MSTR

NVDA

QQQM

TSLA

$14K Investor In TSLA, NVDA, And QQQ Faces Dilemma – 'Looking To Hold For At Least 10 Years' But Is That A Recipe For Disaster? Reddit Debates

If you&#8217;re analyzing contrarian opportunities in 2025, this list is worth studying. It highlights names that, despite widespread skepticism, have been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">outperforming more popular picks.</a>
In a year when Wall Street&#8217;s darlings have stumbled, some of the most unloved names in the S&amp;P 500 are quietly delivering gains that put high-conviction buys to shame—and the data may challenge how investors think about analyst ratings.
In a newsletter sent Tuesday, DataTrek Research spotlighted what it called "a truly remarkable list": the 10 S&amp;P 500 companies with the highest share of &#8216;Sell&#8217; ratings from analysts. 
&#8220;History and year-to-date returns suggest it is a good place to look for longs,&#8221; analysts suggested.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Contrarian Play: Most-Hated, Yet Outperforming</h3>
&#8220;Wall Street analysts don&#8217;t put &#8216;Sell&#8217; on many stocks,&#8221; Datatrek wrote.
FactSet data shows that of the 12,320 ratings issued on S&amp;P 500 stocks, 55.7% are Buys, 38.7% are Holds, and only 5.6% are Sells.
&#8220;The percentage of Buy ratings is above its 5-year (month-end) average of 55.0%. The percentage Hold ratings is below its 5-year (month-end) average of 39.1%. The percentage of Sell ratings is also below its 5-year (month-end) average of 5.9%,&#8221; FactSet said.
Here are the 10 S&amp;P 500 stocks with the highest percentage of Sell ratings:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Company</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>Sell</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BEN#NYSE">BEN</a>)</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>60%</td>
<td>40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VeriSign, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRSN#NASDAQ">VRSN</a>)</td>
<td>40%</td>
<td>20%</td>
<td>40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Expeditors Intl. of Washington, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXPD#NYSE">EXPD</a>)</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>61%</td>
<td>39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T. Rowe Price Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TROW#NASDAQ">TROW</a>)</td>
<td>6%</td>
<td>59%</td>
<td>35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paramount Global Class B (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NASDAQ">PARA</a>)</td>
<td>13%</td>
<td>52%</td>
<td>35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDS#NYSE">FDS</a>)</td>
<td>17%</td>
<td>50%</td>
<td>33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lennox International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LII#NYSE">LII</a>)</td>
<td>24%</td>
<td>43%</td>
<td>33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Garmin Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GRMN#NYSE">GRMN</a>)</td>
<td>10%</td>
<td>60%</td>
<td>30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ED#NYSE">ED</a>)</td>
<td>6%</td>
<td>65%</td>
<td>29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>)</td>
<td>20%</td>
<td>52%</td>
<td>28%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
As counterintuitive as it may seem, an equal-weighted portfolio of these &#8220;Sell-rated&#8221; stocks would have returned 3.89% year-to-date through March 25, 2025.
Here&#8217;s how the individual &#8220;Sell&#8221; stocks performed:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Name</td>
<td>Total Return (YTD)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Consolidated Edison, Inc.</td>
<td>19.35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VeriSign, Inc.</td>
<td>18.78%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paramount Global</td>
<td>11.45%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.</td>
<td>6.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Garmin Ltd.</td>
<td>6.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Southwest Airlines Co.</td>
<td>3.72%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Franklin Resources, Inc.</td>
<td>-1.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lennox International Inc.</td>
<td>-3.62%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FactSet Research Systems Inc.</td>
<td>-8.25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.</td>
<td>-14.42%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<tfoot>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>3.89%</td>
</tr>
</tfoot>
</table>
</figure>
That performance handily beats the -2.36% decline of the S&amp;P 500, as tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), and it's miles ahead of the -10% drop in the Magnificent Seven cohort, tracked by the Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAGS#NYSE">MAGS</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The "Buy" Darlings Didn't Deliver</h3>
Now, contrast that with the 10 most-loved stocks in the S&amp;P 500 — the ones with the highest percentage of Buy ratings.
This basket includes mega-cap giants like Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), all ranked in the top tier for analyst sentiment.
But the returns tell a different story. An equal-weighted portfolio of these "Buy-rated" favorites would have lost 4.44% so far in 2025.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Buy</th>
<th>Hold</th>
<th>Sell</th>
<th>YTD Return</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>)</td>
<td>97%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>3%</td>
<td>+1.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Delta Air Lines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>)</td>
<td>96%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>4%</td>
<td>-19.34%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VICI Properties (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VICI#NYSE">VICI</a>)</td>
<td>96%</td>
<td>4%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>+9.77%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microsoft Corp. </td>
<td>95%</td>
<td>5%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>-6.08%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amazon.com Inc.</td>
<td>95%</td>
<td>5%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>-6.22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nvidia Corp.</td>
<td>93%</td>
<td>7%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>-10.14%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>)</td>
<td>92%</td>
<td>4%</td>
<td>4%</td>
<td>-18.75%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRMB#NASDAQ">TRMB</a>)</td>
<td>92%</td>
<td>8%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>-0.27%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Synopsys Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</a>)</td>
<td>91%</td>
<td>9%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>-5.79%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Teledyne Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDY#NYSE">TDY</a>)</td>
<td>91%</td>
<td>9%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>+10.41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>—</td>
<td>—</td>
<td>—</td>
<td>-4.44%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Bottom line, the trend offers a striking insight: being unloved by analysts doesn't necessarily doom a stock to underperformance. 
In fact, in a year marked by pullbacks in big tech and sector rotations, contrarian plays are quietly thriving.
For those willing to swim against the tide, Wall Street's least-favored stocks may hold the key to outperformance this year.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44473410/trumps-tariff-rates-could-be-double-what-market-participants-expect-goldman-sachs-warns">Trump&#8217;s Tariff Rates Could Be &#8216;Double What Market Participants Expect,&#8217; Goldman Sachs Warns</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Analyst Color

Equities

Large Cap

Sector ETFs

Analyst Ratings

Tech

ETFs

EXPD

GRMN

MAGS

MSFT

PARA

SNPS

TRMB

TROW

VICI

VRSN

Want To Buy Stocks In 2025? There's One Conflicting Place To Find Winners, Analyst Says

Health Care

General

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

Bloomberg: 'A Senate panel backed Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sending his nomination to the full chamber for a final vote.'

On CNBC's &#8220;Halftime Report Final Trades,&#8221; Joshua Brown of Ritholtz Wealth Management named Chevron Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43685595/chevron-announces-about-20-workforce-reduction-in-cost-saving-initiative-responsible-leadership-requires-taking-these-steps">his final trade</a>.
On Feb. 12, Chevron announced plans to slash its workforce by up to 20% and intends to commence major layoffs this year, aiming to complete the majority by the end of 2026. The move is part of a broader cost-cutting plan, with the company targeting a reduction of $2 billion to $3 billion by the end of 2026, reported CNBC
Jason Snipe of Odyssey Capital Advisors said he likes Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FI#NYSE">FI</a>). On March 19, Fiserv announced that it had acquired CCV, a payment solutions provider in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, to drive growth in the European market.
Don't forget to check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/">premarket coverage here</a>
Jim Lebenthal of Cerity Partners picked UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) as his final trade.
On Thursday, UnitedHealth Group's Optum Rx will align payment models more closely to the costs pharmacies may face due to manufacturer pricing actions. The company plans a full implementation by January 2028.
Price Action:
<ul>
<li>Chevron shares gained 0.4% to close at $164.77 on Thursday.</li>
<li>Fiserv rose 0.7% to settle at $221.79 during Thursday's session.</li>
<li>UnitedHealth Group shares gained 1.6% to close at $511.30 on Thursday.</li>
</ul>
Check This Out: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/03/44414749/top-2-defensive-stocks-that-may-keep-you-up-at-night-in-march">Top 2 Defensive Stocks That May Keep You Up At Night In March</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Chevron, Fiserv And A Health Care Stock On CNBC's 'Final Trades'

CNBC Halftime Report Final Trades: Chevron, Fiserv, 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 5.16% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 15.88%. Currently, UnitedHealth Group has a market capitalization of $465.40 billion. 
Buying $1000 In UNH: If an investor had bought $1000 of UNH stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $4,307.40 today based on a price of $508.79 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/2025/1742484611_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.

$1000 Invested In This Stock 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

On Thursday, UnitedHealth Group Inc&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) Optum Rx will align payment models more closely to the costs pharmacies may face due to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manufacturer pricing actions</a>.
The company plans a full implementation by January 2028.
In February, President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;signed an executive order to strengthen price transparency regulations&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43988275/healthcare-stocks-decline-after-trump-signs-executive-order-on-price-transparency" rel="noreferrer noopener">in the industry.</a>
The order directs federal agencies, including the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services, to enforce and expand a 2019 rule requiring hospitals and insurers to publicly disclose the actual costs of medical services.
This change will positively impact Optum Rx&#8217;s non-affiliated network pharmacies, including the more than 24,000 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/b44413134/optum-rx-to-modernize-pharmacy-payment-models" rel="noreferrer noopener">independent community pharmacies</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/03/44198209/vertex-newly-approved-pain-treatment-lands-higher-cost-tier-3-placement-in-unitedhealths-optum-rx-formularies" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vertex Newly Approved Pain Treatment Lands Higher Cost Tier 3 Placement In UnitedHealth&#8217;s Optum Rx Formularies</a>
&#8220;Pharmacies and pharmacists provide important care to patients, and we recognize that increasing drug prices make it hard for them to afford needed medicines, especially independent and community pharmacies,&#8221; said Patrick Conway, CEO of Optum Rx. &#8220;This move will help correct imbalances in how pharmacies are paid for brand and generic drugs and will ensure greater access to medicines for patients across the country.&#8221;
Optum Rx will similarly transition client arrangements—such as employer and health plan customers—to ensure transparency and greater alignment with drug costs.
Optum Rx has been working to ensure pharmacies are paid fairly and offering solutions to improve operational efficiency and reduce administrative burden. Some of these efforts include:
<ul>
<li>Reimbursing pharmacists for connecting their underserved patients to services that address basic needs such as food, nutrition, transportation, housing, and baby supplies. Key areas of focus include maternal wellness and meeting health care needs in urban and rural communities with few pharmacies.</li>
<li>Supporting independent pharmacists by paying them for services such as counseling and medication management.</li>
<li>Enhancing pharmacy digital capabilities to easily access claims and payment data, ease administrative burdens, and manage revenue.</li>
<li>Removing retroactive recoupment (clawbacks) for pharmacies.</li>
<li>Offering predictive analytics and other tools.</li>
</ul>
On Wednesday, Optum Rx announced that it would eliminate up to 25% of reauthorizations, equal to more than 10% of overall pharmacy prior authorizations, to&nbsp;make prescription drugs more affordable and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/b44394094/optum-rx-further-simplifies-consumer-access-to-prescription-drugs" rel="noreferrer noopener">pharmacy experience simpler</a>.
The initiative focuses first on approximately 80 drugs, and Optum Rx will work with physicians and pharmacists to expand the list over time.
Optum Rx said that some reauthorizations are necessary for drugs with safety concerns, which need ongoing monitoring for dose adjustments, require additional tests, or may have alternative therapy considerations.
For example, new drugs developed for Alzheimer&#8217;s disease carry risks for the brain, and long-term effectiveness is not clear.
For these treatments, ongoing review is important for patients, payers and physicians. In contrast, once a genetic condition like cystic fibrosis is confirmed through testing, there is minimal additional value in reauthorizing an effective, lifelong treatment.
Price Action: UNH stock is up 0.36% at $505 during the premarket session at the last check Thursday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44415152/microsoft-to-launch-malaysias-first-cloud-region-with-three-data-centers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft To Launch Malaysia&#8217;s First Cloud Region With Three Data Centers</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

UnitedHealth To Overhaul Payment Model To Support Independent Pharmacies

UnitedHealth's Optum Rx Plans To Align Payment Models More Closely To The Costs Pharmacies May Face Due To Manufacturer Pricing Actions

UnitedHealth's Optum Rx Says It Is Eliminating Up To 25% Of Reauthorizations, Which Is Equal To More Than 10% Of Overall Pharmacy Prior Authorizations, The Initiative Focuses First On Approximately 80 Drugs, And Optum Rx Will Work With Physicians And Pharmacists To Expand The List Over Time

CNBC Halftime Report Final Trades: Apollo Global Management, KKR & Co., 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 4.8% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 14.91%. Currently, UnitedHealth Group has a market capitalization of $440.45 billion. 
Buying $1000 In UNH: If an investor had bought $1000 of UNH stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $4,094.56 today based on a price of $481.52 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/2025/1741905016_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.

$1000 Invested In UnitedHealth Group 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

UnitedHealth Group's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) short percent of float has risen 10.47% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 8.69 million shares sold short, which is 0.95% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.14 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>UnitedHealth Group Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1741804233_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for UnitedHealth Group has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing UnitedHealth Group's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, UnitedHealth Group's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.11%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$43.0K</td>
<td>680</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LLY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/14/25</td>
<td>$815.00</td>
<td>$26.5K</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>268</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BMY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$62.50</td>
<td>$125.9K</td>
<td>90</td>
<td>253</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SYK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>$119.2K</td>
<td>472</td>
<td>203</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/11/25</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$95.5K</td>
<td>290</td>
<td>193</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IQV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$200.2K</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>111</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$490.00</td>
<td>$99.7K</td>
<td>92</td>
<td>77</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JNJ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$26.6K</td>
<td>6.1K</td>
<td>56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CI</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$330.00</td>
<td>$80.8K</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TMO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$101.9K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• For VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 37 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 426 contract(s) at a $35.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $43.0K, with a price of $101.0 per contract. There were 680 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1750 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For LLY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 3 day(s) on March 14, 2025. This event was a transfer of 20 contract(s) at a $815.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.5K, with a price of $1325.0 per contract. There were 38 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 268 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BMY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 192 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 221 contract(s) at a $62.50 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 13 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $125.9K, with a price of $570.0 per contract. There were 90 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 253 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SYK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYK#NYSE">SYK</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 10 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $360.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $119.2K, with a price of $596.0 per contract. There were 472 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 203 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ABBV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 31 day(s) on April 11, 2025. This event was a transfer of 193 contract(s) at a $210.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 16 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $95.5K, with a price of $495.0 per contract. There were 290 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 193 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding IQV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IQV#NYSE">IQV</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 283 day(s) on December 19, 2025. Parties traded 110 contract(s) at a $180.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 24 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $200.2K, with a price of $1820.0 per contract. There were 31 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 111 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 192 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 23 contract(s) at a $490.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $99.7K, with a price of $4335.0 per contract. There were 92 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 77 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding JNJ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 101 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 35 contract(s) at a $165.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.6K, with a price of $760.0 per contract. There were 6139 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 56 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 192 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 26 contract(s) at a $330.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $80.8K, with a price of $3110.0 per contract. There were 14 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 29 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding TMO (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMO#NYSE">TMO</a>), we observe a put option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 464 day(s) on June 18, 2026. Parties traded 10 contract(s) at a $600.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $101.9K, with a price of $10193.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

ABBV

VKTX

10 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

In January, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRTX#NASDAQ">VRTX</a>) Journavx, a non-opioid oral pain signal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inhibitor for acute pain</a>.
This marked the first approval of a new class of pain medication in more than 20 years, offering an alternative to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/01/43404756/fda-approves-first-non-opioid-pain-pill-as-medical-marijuana-remains-a-proven-alternative-for-relief" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional opioid treatments</a>.
According to the Formulary Update released in February, Journavx has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.optum.com/content/dam/noindex-resources/consumers/pdfs/forms/PharmacyPassages_Direct%20and%20UMR_February_2025.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">placed</a> on Tier 3 of Optum Rx Premium and Select Formularies and is being further evaluated by the Optum Rx National Pharmacy &amp; Therapeutics Committee for clinical value and safety. Many Tier 3 drugs have lower-cost options in Tier 1 or 2.
Optum Rx, is the pharmacy benefit manager owned by UnitedHealth Group Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>)
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/43038618/hhs-challenges-vertex-over-fertility-services-program-tied-to-casgevy-gene-therapy" rel="noreferrer noopener">HHS Challenges Vertex Over Fertility Services Program Tied To Casgevy Gene Therapy, Says Company Is &#8216;Grasping at Straws&#8217;</a>
According to Bloomberg, the interim decision ensures the drug will be covered, but patients may pay more since it&#8217;s not in the lower-cost tiers, which usually include generics or preferred brand drugs. This applies to Optum Rx&#8217;s Premium and Select formularies for commercial plans.
&#8220;With the growing concern over opioid use disorder, new non-opioid alternatives such as Journavx provide additional options for treatment,&#8221; the document says.
Citing a BMO Capital Markets analyst, the Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-06/vertex-non-opioid-pain-drug-gets-some-unitedhealth-coverage?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> notes that a less favorable formulary placement will likely make it harder for some patients to access the medication. The report also notes a challenge Vertex will face: convincing insurers to cover its drug, which costs much more than opioids. The wholesale price is $15.50 per 50 mg tablet taken twice daily.
Concurrently, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) <a href="https://investors.vrtx.com/news-releases/news-release-details/vertex-announces-uk-mhra-approval-alyftrekr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approved</a> Vertex&#8217;s Alyftrek (deutivacaftor/tezacaftor/vanzacaftor), a once-daily next-in-class triple combination therapy for cystic fibrosis patients ages 6 years and older who have at least one F508del mutation or another responsive mutation in the CFTR gene.
In February, Vertex Pharmaceuticals reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of $3.50, missing the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $3.57</a>.
Sales reached $2.91 billion, up 16% year over year, beating the consensus of $2.78 billion. Annual sales <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/b43607732/vertex-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-financial-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">reached $11.20 billion</a>.
Vertex expects 2025 sales of $11.75 billion-$12 billion versus a consensus of $11.84 billion.
Price Action: VRTX stock is up 0.32% at $487.26 at the last check Friday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/03/44194539/eli-lillys-single-monthly-maintenance-shot-of-eczema-drug-shows-completely-clear-skin-at-3-years-in-50-of-trial-patients" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eli Lilly&#8217;s Eczema Drug Shows Completely Clear Skin At 3 Years In 50% Of Trial Patients</a></li>
</ul>

Biotech

VRTX

Vertex Newly Approved Pain Treatment Lands Higher Cost Tier 3 Placement In UnitedHealth's Optum Rx Formularies

A Special Master has recommended granting UnitedHealth Group Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NASDAQ">UNH</a>) motion for summary judgment in a False Claims Act (FCA) case, concluding that the government lacks evidence <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" rel="noreferrer noopener">to support its allegations</a>.
In February, the Justice Department launched a civil fraud investigation into&nbsp;UnitedHealth&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43879859/doj-investigates-unitedhealth-probe-accuses-of-inflating-medicare-diagnoses" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medicare billing practices</a>.
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/general/health-care/25/02/43953008/myriad-genetics-faces-cost-restructuring-as-unitedhealthcare-ends-genesight-coverage-appoints-new-ceo" rel="noreferrer noopener">Myriad Genetics Faces Cost Restructuring As UnitedHealthcare Ends GeneSight Coverage, Appoints New CEO</a>
Soon after Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, sent a <a href="https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-pushes-for-answers-on-unitedhealth-groups-medicare-advantage-billing-practices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">letter</a> to UnitedHealth&#8217;s CEO Andrew Witty demanding detailed information on the company&#8217;s Medicare billing practices.
James Swoben filed the &#8220;whistleblower&#8221; lawsuit. In 2017, the United States intervened and <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/us-intervenes-whistleblower-case-alleging-unitedhealth-group-mischarged-medicare" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">filed</a> a lawsuit against UnitedHealth, alleging the company obtained inflated risk adjustment payments based on untruthful and inaccurate information about the health status of beneficiaries enrolled in its largest Medicare Advantage Plan, UHC of California.
The recommendation also advises denying the government&#8217;s motion for partial summary adjudication.
On August 6, 2024, UnitedHealth filed a motion for summary judgment while the U.S. government sought partial summary judgment on whether materiality is an element of the FCA&#8217;s reverse false claims provision. Both parties submitted a joint brief and supplemental memoranda in response to the court&#8217;s directive for briefing procedures.
Scribd published a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scribd.com/document/835418858/gov-uscourts-cacd-663638-631-0-1?secret_password=zfN0Zvzp4mLvNTQy9y5D" rel="noreferrer noopener">copy</a> of the lawsuit online Tuesday.
The relator did not file a separate brief but participated in oral arguments.
The Special Master reviewed the submitted briefs, exhibits and arguments presented at a hearing on January 15, 2025.
The government&#8217;s case hinged on claims that UnitedHealth failed to return federal funds to which it allegedly was not entitled.
However, the Special Master concluded that the government lacked evidence for two essential elements of its FCA and related common law claims.
The motion notes the government&#8217;s claims that United improperly kept money paid to provide healthcare for Medicare Advantage (MA) members. However, after years of litigation, the government has not reviewed any medical records &#8211; the only real evidence that could confirm whether United was overpaid. This failure weakens its case.
As a result, the Special Master recommended that the court grant UnitedHealth&#8217;s motion for summary judgment and deny the government&#8217;s motion.
Under Rule 53(f)(2), parties have 14 days from the report&#8217;s issuance to file motions to adopt, modify or object to the recommendations.
The court&#8217;s prior order from May 5, 2020, also clarifies that new evidence or arguments not presented to the Special Master will not be considered.
The recommendation, if adopted by the court, would mark a significant legal victory for UnitedHealth, potentially ending the government&#8217;s case against the company.
Price Action: UNH stock is up 0.25% at $475.80 during the premarket session at the last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44137694/nebius-announces-300-mw-data-center-in-new-jersey-adds-ai-capacity-in-kansas-city-and-iceland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nebius Announces 300 MW Data Center In New Jersey, Adds AI Capacity In Kansas City And Iceland</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Legal

False Claims Act Case Against UnitedHealth Faces Dismissal Recommendation

In a recent analysis by Morningstar, it was revealed that despite their impressive performance over the past decade, three of the biggest wealth-creating stocks are still considered undervalued.
What Happened: Morningstar portfolio strategist Amy Arnott identified the top stocks that have generated the most value for investors over the past decade. 
The list includes big names like NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), and Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), all of which have created over $1 trillion in shareholder value, reports <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-picks-biggest-wealth-creators-decade-cheap-morningstar-2025-3">the</a> Insider. 
Despite their significant value creation, Arnott found that three of these stocks &#8211; Microsoft Corp., Alphabet Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) &#8211; are currently trading at a discount to their fair value estimates, making them potentially attractive buys for long-term investors.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43756824/market-instability-looms-in-trumps-second-term-warns-paul-tudor-jones-theres-no-room-for-mistakes">Market Instability Looms in Trump&#8217;s Second Term, Warns Paul Tudor Jones: &#8216;There&#8217;s No Room for Mistakes&#8217;</a>
Microsoft, known for its AI innovation and cloud computing platform Azure, is expected to continue its profitability and efficient capital expenditure. Alphabet, another major player in the cloud computing space, is anticipated to see revenue growth from its AI-driven search engine and YouTube business. 
UnitedHealth Group, despite recent controversies, is believed to be undervalued based on its operating profits.
Why It Matters: Arnott&#8217;s analysis suggests that these stocks, with their wide economic moats and potential for long-term benefits, could be good starting points for investors seeking long-term investments. 
The undervaluation of these stocks, despite their significant value creation, presents a potential opportunity for investors to buy into these companies at a discount. 
This could lead to significant returns in the long run, especially considering the strong market positions and innovative technologies that these companies possess.
Read Next
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Stock Split

AAPL

AVGO

GOOG

$21 Trillion Wealth-Creating Stocks Are Still Undervalued — Three Big Bargains To Buy Now

Press Releases

AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated and Its Subsidiaries

Rosen Law Firm Announces Investigation of Breaches of Fiduciary Duties by the Directors and Officers of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated - UNH

UnitedHealth Group Announcement: UNH Investors Are Encouraged to Contact The Rosen Law Firm About Ongoing Investigation of Breaches of Fiduciary Duties by the Directors and Officers – UNH

Optum Rx Further Simplifies Consumer Access to Prescription Drugs

Optum Rx to Modernize Pharmacy Payment Models

UnitedHealth Group Announces Earnings Release Date

UNH Announcement: UnitedHealth Group Investors Are Encouraged to Contact The Rosen Law Firm About Ongoing Investigation of Breaches of Fiduciary Duties by the Directors and Officers – UNH

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