Yahoo Finance·2025-12-18 23:39Core Insights - UnitedHealth Group and Eli Lilly are two leading healthcare companies, with UnitedHealth providing insurance and care services, while Eli Lilly is a major pharmaceutical player valued at $1 trillion [1] UnitedHealth Group - UnitedHealth Group has experienced a significant decline of nearly 35% since January 2025, primarily due to the removal of its insurance CEO and subsequent investigations into fraud and misconduct related to billing practices [2][4] - The company is facing unexpectedly high costs in its Medicare programs, which have negatively impacted earnings this year [4] - Management is responding by raising premiums and potentially withdrawing from certain markets, anticipating a loss of up to 1 million members from its Medicare Advantage plans, but expects these changes to enhance profitability in the long run [5] Eli Lilly - Eli Lilly's stock has surged nearly 35% in 2025, driven by its strong position in the growing market for anti-obesity drugs, with sales projected to increase from $15 billion last year to $150 billion over the next decade [2][6] - The company has achieved impressive revenue growth, reporting a 54% year-over-year increase in the third quarter [7] - Eli Lilly's pipeline includes promising anti-obesity drugs currently in phase 3 clinical trials, which could contribute to substantial growth over the next five to ten years [7]