While the current broad market sell-off dominates headlines, there's still value in looking at specific laggards from the major indexes. Among the blue-chip-laden Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI -1.30%), the two worst-performing stocks in the month of February were UnitedHealth Group (UNH 0.09%) and Salesforce (CRM -4.51%). They declined 12.5% and 12.8% last month, respectively, versus the Dow's much more modest dip of 1.6%. UnitedHealth's woes started early in February following hedge fund manager Bill ...

Core Insights - A significant majority of Americans (72%) rate the US healthcare system with a grade of C or lower, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the current system [2] - Nearly half (46%) of respondents have faced the dilemma of choosing between paying medical bills and basic necessities over the past decade, highlighting financial strain related to healthcare [2] - A majority of Americans express willingness to reconsider key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to make healthcare coverage more affordable [2] - There is strong support (66%) among Americans for banning direct advertisements from pharmaceutical companies, reflecting a consensus across political lines [2] - The survey indicates that 83% of respondents believe they should have the option to select health plans that exclude benefits they do not intend to use, if it results in cost savings [6] - Additionally, 56% of respondents feel that individuals with unhealthy lifestyles should incur higher health insurance costs [6] Research Methodology - The findings are based on a survey conducted in February 2025, involving over 1,000 respondents from the general US population [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights two Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks, Johnson & Johnson and UnitedHealth Group, as strong investment opportunities, while Boeing is identified as a stock to avoid due to ongoing challenges and self-inflicted issues. Group 1: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson is characterized as a low-volatility stock, with shares being less than half as volatile as the S&P 500 [3] - The company has a consistent demand for its healthcare products, leading to predictable cash flow, regardless of economic conditions [4] - A strategic shift towards brand-name drug development has resulted in innovative medicine accounting for nearly two-thirds of net sales [5] - Johnson & Johnson has achieved 35 consecutive years of adjusted operating earnings growth prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing its sustainable growth [6] - The company has had only 10 CEOs in its 139-year history, contributing to stability in leadership and growth initiatives [7] - Johnson & Johnson's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is below 15, and it has increased its quarterly dividend for 62 consecutive years, resulting in a 3% yield [8] Group 2: UnitedHealth Group - UnitedHealth Group is another healthcare stock recommended for purchase, despite a 24% decline from its all-time high [9] - The decline is attributed to a Department of Justice investigation, the death of a key executive, and a cybersecurity attack affecting millions [9] - The company has denied allegations regarding its Medicare Advantage insurance operations, indicating strong premium pricing power in the healthcare insurance sector [10] - UnitedHealth's Optum subsidiary is a significant growth driver, providing various healthcare services and growing sales faster than the traditional insurance segment [11] - The demand for healthcare services remains consistent, making UnitedHealth's business model resilient to economic fluctuations [12] - The company's shares are trading at a forward P/E multiple of 14, representing a 28% discount to its five-year average [13] Group 3: Boeing - Boeing is identified as a stock to avoid due to significant challenges, including a 60% decline from its all-time high and ongoing production issues [14][15] - The company has reported net losses totaling $35.7 billion over six consecutive years, primarily due to self-inflicted mechanical and delivery issues [16] - Boeing's balance sheet is concerning, having issued $18.2 billion in common stock to strengthen its financial position amid production challenges [17] - The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's GDPNow forecast predicts a 2.8% contraction in U.S. GDP, historically correlating with poor performance for Boeing during recessions [18] - Investors are advised to adopt a wait-and-see approach regarding Boeing's recovery from its production issues and balance sheet concerns [19]

About this content About Josh Lamb After graduating from the University of Kent in the summer of 2022 with a degree in History, Josh joined Proactive later that year as a journalist in the UK editorial team. Josh has reported on a range of areas whilst at Proactive, including energy companies during a time of global crisis, aviation and airlines as the sector recovers from the pandemic, as well as covering economic, social and governance issues. Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and ...

Group 1: Pfizer - Pfizer's shares have declined approximately 57% from their peak in late 2021, primarily due to faster-than-expected declines in COVID-19 product sales and upcoming patent cliffs for top-selling products [3][4] - Despite the stock price drop, Pfizer has maintained its dividend payout, raising it for the 16th consecutive year, resulting in a substantial 6.6% dividend yield at recent prices [3][7] - In 2024, sales of the blood thinner Eliquis grew by 9% to $7.4 billion, accounting for 11.6% of total revenue, but generic versions are expected to launch in 2028, which may significantly impact revenue [4][7] - Pfizer's total revenue rose by 7% last year, and excluding declining COVID-19 product sales, total sales surged by 12% year over year [7] - The FDA approved nine new drugs from Pfizer's pipeline in 2023, with more than a dozen approvals granted in 2024, indicating a strong development pipeline to offset future losses [6][7] Group 2: UnitedHealth Group - UnitedHealth Group's shares have decreased by about 25% from their peak in November 2022, driven by unexpectedly high healthcare utilization rates that negatively impacted profits [8] - Medical costs rose by 9% in 2024, while total revenue only increased by 6%, leading to a significant 35% decline in net income to $15.51 per share [8] - The company has the ability to raise premiums to maintain profitability, as options in the insurance industry have become limited due to consolidation [9] - UnitedHealth Group employs 90,000 physicians through its Optum Health division, which represents roughly 10% of the total physician workforce in the U.S., allowing for better control over medical expenses [10][11] - Despite the stock price decline, UnitedHealth Group has increased its dividend payout by 94% over the past five years, although the current yield is only 0.4% [12]

Alignment Healthcare, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALHC) Q4 2024 Results Conference Call February 27, 2025 5:00 PM ET Company Participants John Kao - Founder & Chief Executive Officer Thomas Freeman - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Scott Fidel - Stephens Adam Ron - Bank of America Michael Ha - Baird Matthew Gillmor - KeyBanc Capital Markets Jessica Tassan - Piper Sandler Operator Good afternoon, and welcome to Alignment Healthcare's Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast. [Operator I ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, Clover Health achieved adjusted EBITDA profitability, marking a significant milestone for the company [4][19] - Insurance revenue grew by 9% in both Q4 and full year 2024, reaching $331 million and $1.345 billion respectively [15] - The insurance benefit expense ratio improved to 82.8% in Q4 2024 from 87.4% in Q4 2023, while the medical care ratio (MCR) improved to 73.5% from 82.4% year-over-year [15][16] - For the full year 2024, the benefit expense ratio (BER) was 81.2% and MCR was 75.1%, both showing improvements of over 500 basis points year-over-year [16][22] - Adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2024 was over $70 million, a $112 million improvement compared to 2023 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Clover Health surpassed 100,000 Medicare Advantage members in 2024, achieving a 27% year-over-year growth and a 95% retention rate during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) [5][18] - The launch of Counterpart Health, a software business, has begun to show promise with a growing pipeline of external partners [6][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong membership growth primarily from switchers from other Medicare Advantage plans, indicating a competitive advantage in capturing market share [24] - The Medicare Advantage membership is expected to average between 210,000 members in 2025, reflecting a 30% year-over-year growth [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Clover Health aims to maintain adjusted EBITDA profitability while investing in new member growth, Clover Assistant technology, and expanding home care services [12][24] - The company is focused on a technology-first care model that enhances care management and reduces costs, positioning itself favorably against traditional models [8][9] - Counterpart Health is seen as a strategic initiative to expand Clover's reach and improve value-based performance [11][29] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to achieve profitable growth and improve clinical outcomes through technology-driven care management [7][8] - The company anticipates strong membership growth in the upcoming AEP season and expects to benefit from a four-star payment year in 2026 [30][31] - Management highlighted the importance of proactive care management in controlling total costs and improving member health outcomes [33] Other Important Information - Clover Health's SG&A expenses increased by 7% year-over-year in Q4 2024, driven by strategic investments for the AEP season [18] - The company ended Q4 2024 with cash and investments totaling $438 million, indicating a strong balance sheet position [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: When can revenue metrics from Counterpart Health be expected in financials? - Management is excited about Counterpart Health but has not provided a timeline for when revenue will be incorporated into financial results, focusing instead on expanding reach and partnerships [35][38] Question: How much of the SG&A increase is related to AEP growth, and what are the expectations for future SG&A? - The growth in SG&A is significantly tied to growth-related expenses, but management expects a 200 basis point improvement in SG&A as a percentage of revenue for 2025 [40][41] Question: Expectations for Q2 growth of the home care arm? - Management emphasized the importance of home care in their strategy and plans to invest more in this area, although specific guidance was not provided [43][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - eHealth reported a record high revenue of $315.2 million for Q4 2024, representing a 27% increase year-over-year, and a 33% increase when excluding net adjustment revenue [43] - GAAP net income for Q4 2024 increased by 87% to $97.5 million, up from $52.2 million [43] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 grew 74% to $121.3 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 38% [44][50] - Full year 2024 revenue reached $532.4 million, an 18% increase, with adjusted EBITDA of $69.3 million, up from $14.1 million in 2023 [51][52] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Medicare segment revenue grew 31% to $305.8 million in Q4 2024, with total Medicare submissions increasing by 38% [44][45] - The Agency fulfillment model saw submissions rise by 49%, reflecting consumer preference for platforms with broad plan offerings [45] - The E&I segment revenue decreased by 33% to $9.4 million in Q4, with a gross profit of $4 million [47] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Medicare Advantage lifetime value (LTV) increased by 2% to $1,174, with an LTV to customer acquisition cost (CAC) ratio of 2x, exceeding the target of 1.7x [46] - The company observed unprecedented disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, leading to increased consumer demand and a record high switching rate of 23% during the annual enrollment period [11][74] Company Strategy and Development Direction - eHealth aims to expand brand recognition beyond core Medicare products and enhance retention strategies [36][80] - The company plans to invest in AI and digital technology to improve service delivery and operational efficiency [25][37] - Strategic priorities include optimizing telesales operations and diversifying revenue streams through targeted investments in Medicare Supplement and ancillary products [35][61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the fluid Medicare market and anticipates continued consumer demand [29][30] - The regulatory environment is expected to improve over the next four years, which could positively impact the Medicare Advantage sector [30] - Guidance for 2025 indicates a range of $510 million to $550 million in revenue, with expectations for adjusted EBITDA to decline relative to 2024 due to a more measured approach [57][63] Other Important Information - The company successfully navigated the Medicare sector disruption, taking market share and scaling its business at attractive economics [28] - eHealth ended 2024 with $82.2 million in cash and equivalents, with expectations for a significant increase in cash balance by the end of Q1 2025 [53][55] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for 2025 in light of regulatory changes and competitive landscape - Management characterized the outlook as pragmatic, noting the rapid changes in administration and potential impacts on Medicare Advantage [70][72] Question: Impact of D-SNP rules on enrollment and marketing strategy - Management acknowledged the anticipated shift in D-SNP opportunities to Q4 and the need to adjust marketing strategies accordingly [84] Question: Future of the Amplify platform and its growth potential - Management remains optimistic about Amplify's evolution and its ability to scale and improve margins as it matures [88][94] Question: Changes in commission payments by carriers and their impact - Management indicated that while commission suppression was more pronounced, eHealth's broad carrier portfolio allowed it to navigate these challenges effectively [117][120]