Back to Market on Close. I'm Marley Kaden alongside Sam Bodis in New York. Healthc care stocks the worst performers in the S&P 500.Today for more on the sector and why we're seeing so much downward pressure. Joining us now, David Tongue, the senior analyst in healthcare at Argust Research. David, thank you so much for being with us.You know, we've got this announcement on the new proposed rate for Medicare Advantage. Following that, we saw about $90 billion in market cap get wiped from the healthcare insura ...

Core Insights - The health insurance industry in America is experiencing unexpected volatility, with healthcare expenses outpacing insurers' monthly premiums [1] - UnitedHealth Group has notably struggled with rising utilization rates, leading to a significant drop in its stock price and the suspension of its 2025 earnings outlook [3][4] Group 1: Company Performance - UnitedHealth Group's stock fell 59% from its peak six months prior, reflecting investor uncertainty about the severity of rising utilization rates [3] - The company adjusted its 2025 earnings outlook from $28.15-$28.65 per share to $24.65-$25.25 per share, indicating a significant downward revision [3] - The health status of new members is worse than expected, with an anticipated 650,000 new value-based care patients requiring more resources than planned [5] Group 2: Management and Strategy - UnitedHealth's management suspended earnings guidance without providing revised figures, a rare move for a well-established company [4] - The company is expected to incorporate higher costs into its 2026 Medicare Advantage bids, indicating a proactive approach to managing rising expenses [6] - UnitedHealth's integrated-care strategy offers competitive advantages over smaller competitors, potentially leading to cost savings for employers [7] Group 3: Market Position and Valuation - UnitedHealth's Optum Health employs around 10% of America's physicians, positioning it as a major player in the healthcare market [8] - The company's stock is currently valued at 10.7 times trailing earnings, which is considered ultra-low, although earnings may decline this year [9] - The dividend yield has risen to 3.3%, with a history of increasing payouts by 320% over the past decade, suggesting stability in dividend payments despite potential earnings shrinkage [10] Group 4: Future Outlook - Management believes it can achieve long-term earnings growth at a double-digit percentage, even if short-term growth is modest [11] - The current depressed stock price presents an opportunity for patient investors to achieve market-beating gains [11]