Group 1 - Morgan Stanley analyst Erin Wright raised the price target on CVS Health (CVS) to $89 from $82, maintaining an Overweight rating on the shares [1] - Last week's Stars results were described as "encouraging" for the sector, indicating a positive sentiment shift [1] - Managed Care Organization sentiment has "improved slightly," but there remains a need for further validation as focus shifts to utilization and early insights on 2026 [1]

Market Overview - U.S. equities showed upward momentum in Q3, with the S&P 500 Index increasing by 8.1% and the Russell Midcap Growth Index rising by 2.8% [2] - Investor optimism was driven by favorable tariff outcomes, the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, anticipated interest rate cuts, and strong corporate earnings [2] Strategy Performance - The ClearBridge Growth Strategy outperformed its benchmark for the second consecutive quarter, supported by diversified growth contributors [3] - Key themes driving performance included artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency, with significant gains from holdings like Broadcom, AppLovin, Palantir, and Robinhood [3][4] Sector Contributions - Strong stock selection and strategic sector positioning were pivotal, with Broadcom's announcement of a new customer for its AI-focused XPU chips highlighting its market leadership [4] - L3Harris benefited from increased demand in defense spending, while TKO secured a lucrative deal with Paramount for UFC rights, showcasing the value of premium content [5] Portfolio Positioning - The strategy maintained a disciplined approach by trimming winners and reallocating capital into new opportunities, adding four new positions during the quarter [8] - Notable additions included On Holding, a premium footwear designer, and Roblox, a leading user-generated gaming platform, both expected to drive strong revenue growth [9][10] Individual Stock Performance - Leading contributors to performance included AppLovin, TE Connectivity, Broadcom, Robinhood, and L3Harris, while detractors were Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Chipotle, and HubSpot [20] - The strategy closed positions in Paylocity and Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, reflecting a focus on evolving investment theses [20] Outlook - The strategy aims to maintain a balanced portfolio to capture upside in strong markets while providing downside protection during volatility [16] - The focus remains on monitoring stock-specific and sector allocations, reallocating capital to opportunities with attractive risk-reward profiles [17]

Market Overview - U.S. stocks maintained momentum in Q3, with S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching new records due to improved confidence from tariffs, legislative actions, and a Federal Reserve rate cut [3] - Strong earnings from major companies in communication services, information technology, and consumer discretionary sectors contributed to the market rally [3] Sector Performance - Information Technology sector outperformed, particularly semiconductor companies like Broadcom, Intel, and Taiwan Semiconductor, driven by increased spending on artificial intelligence [4] - Health care stocks faced regulatory pressures, but companies like UnitedHealth and Thermo Fisher Scientific showed resilience, offsetting weaknesses in others like Novo Nordisk [5] - Utilities sector, led by Sempra, saw double-digit gains as it regained investor confidence and strengthened its financial position [6] - Communication services faced challenges, with Alphabet performing well but Comcast struggling with market share losses [7] - Financials experienced slight underperformance, with a shift from U.S. Bancorp to PNC due to better execution confidence [8] - Materials sector faced demand softness, particularly in China and Europe, impacting companies like Air Products and Deere [9] Portfolio Positioning - The strategy has been adjusted to address underperformance, focusing on high-quality companies and reducing exposure to high-volatility stocks [10][11] - A tighter risk framework has been implemented, monitoring key performance indicators to enhance decision-making [11] Outlook - The market outlook remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing high-quality companies with durable business models amid rising inflation and interest rates [13] - The investment landscape is shifting, with opportunities in overlooked, high-quality businesses as capital flows away from high-growth stocks [13] Portfolio Highlights - The ClearBridge Large Cap Value Strategy outperformed its benchmark, with positive contributions from IT, health care, and utilities sectors [14] - Stock selection and sector allocation were key drivers of outperformance, particularly in IT and health care [15] - Top contributors included Sempra, Broadcom, and Taiwan Semiconductor, while detractors included Deere and Novo Nordisk [16]

Heartland Advisors, an investment management company, released its “Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund” third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The portfolio increased 1.63% in the quarter, lagging behind the Russell Midcap® Value Index’s 6.18% gain. Stock selection was the primary contributor to the underperformance. The market witnessed the trends from Q2 accelerate, with optimism about the AI boom and rising electricity demand pushing large- and mid-cap growth stocks to ...

Core Insights - Oakmark Fund underperformed the S&P 500 Index in Q3 2025 but has outperformed since inception [1] - Financials and energy sectors were the largest contributors to performance, while health care and consumer staples detracted [1] Company Analysis: Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) - Centene Corporation is a healthcare enterprise focused on services for under-insured and uninsured families and commercial organizations [2] - The stock experienced a one-month return of 12.92% but has lost 48.16% over the past 52 weeks, closing at $37.83 with a market cap of $18.432 billion on October 9, 2025 [2] - Centene was the top detractor for Oakmark Fund in Q3 2025 due to a significant decline in stock price after withdrawing and then lowering its 2025 earnings per share guidance, attributed to cost pressures in Medicaid and Marketplace businesses [3] - The current valuation of Centene suggests structural headwinds, but the company is expected to see a meaningful earnings recovery in the coming years [3] Hedge Fund Interest - Centene Corporation is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 59 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q2 2025, down from 64 in the previous quarter [4] - While Centene has potential as an investment, certain AI stocks are viewed as offering greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

, /PRNewswire/ -- WellCare of North Carolina (WellCare), an NC Medicaid health plan and subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is supporting health-related resources for communities across North Carolina through over $1.6M of investments in local nonprofit organizations. This funding, which began in 2024 and will continue throughout 2025, will help support critical healthcare needs such as assisting with food and nutrition, clothing, utilities, housing, and interpersonal safety for North Carolina' ...

Saint Louis, Missouri-based Centene Corporation (CNC) operates as a healthcare enterprise, providing programs and services to under-insured and uninsured families, commercial organizations, and military families. With a market cap of $18.5 billion, Centene operates through Medicaid, Medicare, Commercial, and Other segments. The healthcare giant is set to release its third-quarter results before the markets open on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Ahead of the event, analysts expect CNC to deliver a non-GAAP loss of $0 ...

Key Takeaways UNH climbed 12% in the past month, narrowing its YTD loss to 29.1% and outperforming the industry.Earnings outlook is weak: 2025 EPS projected to drop 41.4% YoY; Q3 EPS expected to be down 59.9% YoY.Despite challenges, UNH maintains scale, diversification and strong cash flow: $6.3B generated in H1 2025.UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has staged a sharp comeback, with shares climbing 12% over the past month, trimming its year-to-date loss to 29.1%. The move marks an outperformance versus ...

Core Insights - Deep-pocketed investors are showing a bullish sentiment towards Centene (NYSE:CNC), indicating potential significant developments ahead [1] - Recent options activity reveals a split sentiment among investors, with 46% bullish and 46% bearish [2] - The target price for Centene is projected to range from $17.5 to $50.0 based on trading activity over the past three months [3] Options Activity - In the last 30 days, there has been unusual options activity for Centene, with a notable volume and open interest in both calls and puts [4][5] - The largest options trades include bullish call options with significant total trade prices, indicating investor confidence [9] Company Overview - Centene is a managed care organization focusing on government-sponsored healthcare plans, serving 22 million medical members as of December 2024, with a majority in Medicaid [10] - The company has a military contract and provides Medicare Part D pharmaceutical plans, diversifying its revenue streams [10] Market Analysis - Recent analyst ratings suggest an average target price of $37.0, with one analyst maintaining an Equal-Weight rating and another a Buy rating with a target of $39 [12][13] - Current trading volume stands at 3,118,567, with the stock price at $38.75, reflecting a slight increase [15]

ClearBridge Investments, an investment management company, released its “ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Strategy” third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Equities continued their upward journey in the third quarter with the S&P 500 Index surging 8.1% and tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rising 11.2% to record highs. Investor optimism was driven by favorable tariff results, the One Big Beautiful Bill in July, expected interest rate cuts, and strong corporate earnings, partic ...