UnitedHealth Group (UNH) Shares Crater Again on WSJ Report of DOJ Criminal Investigation; Securities Class Action Pending

Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group is facing significant challenges, including a sharp decline in share price due to a criminal investigation for possible Medicare fraud and a securities class action lawsuit, alongside the abrupt resignation of its CEO and withdrawal of financial guidance for 2025 [1][3][4]. Group 1: Criminal Investigation - The Justice Department is investigating UnitedHealth Group for potential criminal Medicare fraud, focusing on the company's Medicare Advantage business practices [3]. - The investigation has reportedly been active since at least the summer of 2024, raising concerns about the company's operational integrity [3]. Group 2: CEO Resignation and Financial Guidance - CEO Andrew Witty stepped down and was replaced by Stephen Hemsley, the current chairman and former CEO of UnitedHealth [3]. - The company retracted its previously issued financial guidance for 2025, which had been revised just a month prior, indicating instability in its financial outlook [1][3]. Group 3: Securities Class Action Lawsuit - A securities class action lawsuit has been filed against UnitedHealth in the Southern District of New York, alleging that the company misled investors regarding its earnings projections [4][5]. - The lawsuit claims that UnitedHealth's initial earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $28.15 to $28.65 was significantly revised down to $24.65 to $25.15, resulting in a market value decline of approximately $170 billion and a 22% drop in share price on the day of the announcement [5]. Group 4: Allegations of Corporate Strategy - The lawsuit alleges a corporate strategy aimed at denying health coverage to inflate profits, which has drawn increased scrutiny from regulators and public discontent [6]. - The complaint suggests that this strategy contributed to the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, highlighting the intense public reaction to the company's practices [6]. Group 5: Investor Impact - The lawsuit seeks to represent investors who purchased UnitedHealth stock between December 3, 2024, and May 13, 2025, alleging violations of federal securities laws [9]. - Following the abrupt guidance revision, analysts suggested that increased scrutiny may have led to higher care utilization, impacting the company's financial performance [8].