All articles tagged with #healthcare stocks
Pfizer's cautious 2026 outlook with declining COVID-19 sales and patent expirations has led to a reassessment of its valuation, with the stock currently undervalued at $26.43 compared to a fair value of around $29, amid a shift towards high-value biologics and innovative therapies, though regulatory and patent risks remain.
Investors are reacting to emerging details about Medicare quality ratings for 2026, which significantly impact insurer profits through bonus payments. Major swings in healthcare stocks like Humana and UnitedHealth reflect concerns over the new rating system, with some companies expecting tougher evaluation criteria that could affect their earnings and bonus payouts.
UnitedHealth Group's stock is showing bullish technical signals, including a breakout above $315 and a potential move to $380, indicating a possible upward trend. Peer healthcare stocks like Cigna and Humana are also displaying positive patterns, with Cigna approaching a breakout above $308 and Humana experiencing a trend reversal with a seven-week winning streak, suggesting continued strength in the healthcare sector.
Ab&B Bio-Tech's IPO in Hong Kong saw its stock soar over 169% on debut, driven by strong retail investor demand for its influenza vaccine and other health products, marking a successful entry amid a rally in healthcare stocks.
UnitedHealth Group is set to release its second-quarter earnings on July 29 amid a challenging year for healthcare stocks, with its shares down nearly 45% year-to-date. Despite revenue growth and strong cash flows in Q1, increased medical care ratios and uncertain guidance have caused investor concern. The stock trades at a discount compared to sector medians, presenting potential value for investors.
The Nasdaq rebounded as Treasury yields retreated, with gold hitting a record high, while U.S. stocks closed mostly higher. Google's Cloud Next conference kicked off, and Tilray stock plummeted after an earnings miss and reduced guidance. Health care stocks experienced their largest weekly outflows since 2008, and Boeing reported its fewest quarterly deliveries since 2021. Norfolk Southern reached a $600 million settlement over a 2023 derailment, and Tesla settled a wrongful death lawsuit related to a 2018 autopilot car accident.
CVS and other healthcare stocks experienced a significant drop in market value after Blue Shield of California announced a shake-up in its pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) services. However, analysts believe the market's reaction was exaggerated and nonsensical. Blue Shield plans to unbundle its PBM service and distribute portions to disruptors like Cost Plus Drugs and Amazon Pharmacy, aiming to save $500 million annually on medications. CVS will retain the specialty pharmacy segment, which is the most profitable. Analysts highlight the value of legacy PBMs and the limitations of newer models, emphasizing that the announcement does not spell doom for CVS and other major PBMs.