Core Insights - Elevance Health, Inc. is restructuring its Medicare strategy by exiting underperforming Medicare Advantage markets and the standalone Part D segment to protect profitability and enhance competitiveness [1][8] - The company is focusing resources on Medicare Advantage HMO and dual-special needs plans (D-SNPs), which yield stronger margins and consistent enrollment growth [2][8] - The exit will affect approximately 150,000 of Elevance's 2.3 million Medicare Advantage members, reflecting a broader industry trend of insurers recalibrating to safeguard margins amid rising medical costs [3][5] Financial Outlook - Elevance has revised its 2025 adjusted EPS forecast to about $30, down from a previous range of $34.15–$34.85, in response to increasing medical costs [4][8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Elevance's 2025 earnings is projected at $29.88 per share, indicating a 9.6% decline from the previous year [11] - The company's trailing 12-month return on capital is 10.4%, significantly above the industry average of 7.4%, suggesting it can navigate challenges effectively [2] Market Position - Elevance's exit from the standalone Part D segment will reduce choices for beneficiaries, as it ranks as the sixth-largest provider in this space [5] - Other major players like UnitedHealth Group and Molina Healthcare have also adjusted their forecasts for 2025, indicating a trend across the industry [4] - Elevance's stock has declined by 14.6% year-to-date, compared to a 2.9% decline in the industry [7] Valuation Metrics - Elevance trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 10.06, lower than the industry average of 14.90, and currently holds a Value Score of A [10]

Group 1 - CVS Health Corporation and UnitedHealth Group Incorporated are two of the largest health insurance providers in the U.S., with CVS serving approximately 37 million people through various insurance plans [1] - The article highlights the importance of staying updated on stocks within the biotech, pharma, and healthcare industries, emphasizing key trends and catalysts that drive valuations [1] - The investing group Haggerston BioHealth provides insights for both novice and experienced biotech investors, including product sales forecasts and market analysis for major pharmaceutical companies [1] Group 2 - The article is authored by a biotech consultant with over five years of experience in covering the biotech, healthcare, and pharma sectors, having prepared detailed reports on more than 1,000 companies [1]

Key Points The S&P 500 gained just about 2% in August, but some stocks absolutely crushed the index. Two top-performing stocks surged after big stakes, one from Warren Buffett and another from the U.S. government. 10 stocks we like better than UnitedHealth Group › The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) index, a leading benchmark of the U.S. stock market, rose about 1.9% in August. However, at least 20 stocks in the S&P 500 index rallied over 10% in the month, with the top three rallying over 20% each. Here' ...

Core Insights - Rising health insurance costs are projected to increase by 6.5% on average in 2026, marking the largest increase in 15 years [5][4][3] - The increase in health insurance costs is attributed to higher healthcare prices, increased utilization of services, and inflation [2][8] - Younger populations are experiencing health issues traditionally associated with older age groups, contributing to rising healthcare costs [1][6] Group 1: Cost Trends - Health benefit costs are rising due to two main factors: healthcare price increases and higher utilization rates [2] - A survey indicated that health benefits per employee could rise by 6.5% next year, with a potential 9% increase if employers do not implement cost-cutting measures [5][4] - The Business Group on Health reported a 7.6% increase in costs after cost-cutting, while Aon predicted a 9.5% increase [4] Group 2: Utilization and Health Issues - There is a noted increase in the utilization of obesity medications, which could rise by another 15% [7] - The prevalence of serious health conditions, such as cancer and heart issues, is increasing among younger individuals [1][6] - Virtual healthcare services are contributing to higher utilization rates by removing geographic barriers [2] Group 3: Financial Impact on Consumers - Nearly half of U.S. adults find it difficult to afford healthcare, with 36% postponing necessary treatments due to costs [9] - The anticipated increase in health insurance costs will likely lead to higher paycheck deductions for employees, estimated at 6% to 7% in 2026 [3][5] - Employers are responding to rising costs by increasing deductibles and cost-sharing provisions, resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses for employees [3]

Group 1 - CVS Health has made significant leadership changes in its care delivery businesses, with Jon Thiboutot appointed as president of retail health and Paymon Farazi leaving his role as president of Signify Health [8] - Farazi joined Signify in 2022, the year before CVS acquired the company for $8 billion, and his successor Marcus Lanznar has taken over immediately [3][8] - Dr. Creagh Milford, who previously held dual roles, will now focus exclusively on Oak Street Health, CVS' chain of value-based medical clinics for seniors [4][8] Group 2 - CVS operates various healthcare businesses, including insurer Aetna, pharmacy benefit manager Caremark, and retail pharmacies [5] - After facing challenges with increased medical costs in its insurance segment last year, CVS has seen improved performance in 2025, raising its adjusted earnings outlook following second-quarter earnings reported in July [5] - However, the adjusted operating income in CVS' health services unit, which includes Caremark and health delivery assets, decreased by 18% year over year, attributed to a higher medical loss ratio at Oak Street [6]

Group 1 - UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is involved in providing health benefit plans, Medicaid and Medicare services, and coverage for underserved populations [2] - The company also offers care management, health technology, consulting, and pharmacy benefit services [2] - Recent commentary suggests that despite concerns regarding government investigations, the stock has been performing well, indicating potential investor confidence [1] Group 2 - There is a belief that certain AI stocks may present greater upside potential and carry less downside risk compared to UNH [3] - The article hints at the potential for undervalued AI stocks to benefit from current economic trends, suggesting a shift in investment focus [3]

Group 1: Market Performance - Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) shares surged 29%, becoming the top gainer on the S&P 500, following reports of a potential takeover bid from Paramount Skydance [4] - The S&P 500 index rose 0.9%, marking a third consecutive record close, while the Dow Jones increased by approximately 1.4%, surpassing the 46,000-point milestone for the first time [3] - Synopsys (SNPS) shares increased by 13% after a significant drop of 36% in the previous session due to missed sales and profit estimates [5] Group 2: Company-Specific Developments - Centene (CNC) shares rose by 9% after the health insurer reaffirmed its annual profit guidance and provided positive updates on its Medicare Advantage plans [6] - Oracle (ORCL) shares fell by 6.2%, reversing a portion of the previous day's 36% surge, despite strong guidance and increasing backlog [7] - Netflix (NFLX) shares declined by 3.5% following the announcement of the departure of its chief product officer, Eunice Kim [9] Group 3: Industry Trends - The news of a possible buyout in the media and entertainment sector contributed to the rise in shares of Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance [2][8] - Inflationary pressures were discussed by Boeing's CEO, who indicated plans to increase production of the 737 MAX despite challenges [10]

Core Insights - Elevance Health Inc. is recognized as one of the best inexpensive stocks to buy according to hedge funds [1] - The company is reducing its Medicare footprint to enhance profitability, particularly in its Medicare Advantage and standalone Medicare Part D plans [1][2] Group 1: Strategic Decisions - Elevance's CFO announced at the Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference that the company will exit certain Medicare Advantage plans with unsustainable long-term economics, impacting approximately 150,000 of its 2.3 million MA members [2][3] - The company is fully exiting the standalone Medicare Part D plan market, where it is the sixth-largest provider with 400,000 members, to focus on higher-margin Medicare Advantage and dual special needs plans [3] Group 2: Market Position - Elevance is the fourth-largest Medicare Advantage payer in the US and is prioritizing plans with narrower networks, such as Health Maintenance Organizations, to help members manage costs [3]

Company Highlights - Centene (CNC) shares increased after the company reaffirmed its guidance, which was above analysts' estimates [2][4] - Micron Technology (MU) saw its shares rise following Citi's price target increase from $150 to $175, driven by rising demand for DRAM chips and AI products [2] - Opendoor Technologies (OPEN) shares surged after announcing a new CEO, reinstating co-founders on the board, and securing a $40 million investment [2] - Oxford Industries (OXM) shares advanced as the parent company of Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, and Johnny Was exceeded earnings estimates and expressed optimism about current-quarter sales despite new U.S. tariffs [3] - Netflix (NFLX) shares declined following the resignation of Chief Product Officer Eunice Kim, who played a key role in combating password sharing [4] - Oracle (ORCL) shares experienced a sell-off after a significant 36% increase the previous day, making it the worst-performing stock in the S&P 500 [3][4] Market Overview - U.S. equities showed gains at midday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching record highs, supported by positive inflation and unemployment reports that bolstered confidence in a potential Federal Reserve interest rate cut [1][4] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by more than 1% [1]

This live blog is refreshed periodically throughout the day with the latest updates from the market. To find the latest Stock Market Today threads, click here. Happy Thursday. This is TheStreet's Stock Market Today for Sept. 11, 2025. You can follow the latest updates on the market here with our daily live blog. Update: 10:36 a.m. ET Equities Rally: Indexes Setting All-Time Highs The Dow (+1.27%), S&P 500 (+0.71%), and Nasdaq Composite (+0.56%) just notched fresh intraday highs, continuing to add to gain ...