Amedisys (NASDAQ:AMED) 주식

Amedisys

Amedisys Inc is a healthcare services company in the United States. The company brings healthcare to the home through the provision of home healthcare services, hospice services, high acuity care segment, and personal care services. The Home Health Segment provides skilled nurses, therapists, and aids to patients' homes throughout the United States, Hospice segment operates many centers designed to provide comfort and support for terminally ill patients, Personal Care Segment provides individuals with assistance in their daily living activities and High acuity care segment can deliver the essential elements of inpatient hospital, SNF care, and palliative care to patients in their homes. A majority of the company's revenue is derived from the Home Health segment.

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AMED

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

유나이티드헬스 그룹(NYSE:UNH)은 목요일(16일) 개장 전 4분기 실적을 발표할 예정이다. 투자자와 애널리스트들은 12월에 치명적인 총격을 받은 보험 부문 CEO 브라이언 톰슨을 누가 대체할지, 섹터에 대한 감시가 강화되는 가운데 어떻게 공적인 신뢰를 유지할지 주목할 것이다.

유나이티드헬스 그룹 4분기 실적 프리뷰: 톰슨 CEO 피살 이후 첫 보고서, 미래에 대한 의문 제기

Amedisys Inc

AMEDEO AIR FOUR PLUS NEW by AMEDEO AIR FOUR PLUS LTD

Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Raj Kumar reiterates Amedisys (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) with a Equal-Weight and maintains $101 price target.

News

Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

Stephens & Co. Reiterates Equal-Weight on Amedisys, Maintains $101 Price Target

Investors and analysts could turn attention to how UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) will replace its insurance unit CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot in December, and how the company will keep public trust as the sector comes under increased scrutiny when the company reports fourth-quarter financial results before <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings">market open Thursday.</a>
Earnings Estimates: Analysts expect UnitedHealth to report fourth-quarter revenue of $101.75 billion, up from $94.43 billion in last year's fourth quarter, according to data<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent011525&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"> from Benzinga Pro.</a>
The company has missed analyst revenue estimates in two straight quarters, while beating estimates in eight of the last 10 quarters.
Analysts expect the company to report fourth-quarter earnings per share of $6.73, up from $6.16 in last year's fourth quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine of the last 10 quarters.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/01/43001214/unitedhealth-the-number-one-company-on-sale-ahead-of-q4-earnings-report">UnitedHealth: The &#8216;Number One Company On Sale&#8217; Ahead Of Q4 Earnings Report</a>
Key Items to Watch: Thursday's earnings report marks the first quarterly report from UnitedHealth since the company lost Thompson.
Thompson, who was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42316904/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-fatally-shot-outside-nyc-hotel">shot and killed </a>on Dec. 4 in New York City. Luigi Mangione was arrested for the murder and is facing state and federal charges that include<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42605759/luigi-mangione-faces-death-penalty-details-show-attack-planned-for-months-the-target-is-insuranceit-checks-every-box"> first degree murder.</a> Mangione faces potential sentences of life in prison without parole and the possibility of the death penalty if found guilty.
Analysts and investors may be ready to hear if UnitedHealth will address the challenges of replacing Thompson and moving forward after his passing. Sources told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-15/ceo-brian-thompson-s-death-looms-over-unitedhealth-earnings-call?sref=TBDibEcD">Bloomberg </a>the company is not ready to immediately replace Thompson.
UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42744629/unitedhealth-group-ceo-reportedly-says-company-will-hit-financial-records-execs-murder-public-outcry-are-backdrop-for-q4-earnings"> recently reportedly told </a>executives the company will hit financial records in the current fiscal year, which could put the company and stock back in the spotlight a month after Thompson's death.
The company's revenue through the first nine months is $299 billion, a company record, and up from $277 billion through the first nine months of 2023.
Health insurance companies like UnitedHealth have come under increased attention and pressure after Thompson's death. A notebook found on Mangione at the time of his arrest mentioned how insurance companies were focused on profits over the public's health.
An entry in the notebook dated Aug. 15 said: "The details are finally coming together." The entry said procrastination had allowed Mangione to learn more about the company he was targeting; the name of the company was redacted.
"The target is insurance…it checks every box," was also written in the notebook alleged to belong to Mangione, according to the federal complaint against him.
Despite being on trial for murder, Mangione has gained a level of public support, with Thompson's death becoming a rallying cry for critics of the health insurance industry, often accused of denying medical claims.
Along with navigating the fallout from Thompson's death and the increased attention on insurance claims, UnitedHealth has found itself a target of incoming President Donald Trump, who<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42517567/cvs-cigna-unitedhealth-shares-slide-as-trump-targets-drug-middleman"> recently spoke out</a> about pharmacy benefit managers.
Trump said he would "knock out" PBMs from the industry, referring to them as drug middlemen, a role they are commonly associated with.
"You know the middleman, right? The horrible middleman that makes more money frankly than the drug companies, and they don't do anything except they're a middleman. We're going to knock out the middleman," Trump said.
UnitedHealth is also facing bipartisan pressure from Congress to push for the breakup of health care conglomerates over PBM practices.
The insurance company also faces scrutiny from the Department of Justice, which has blocked United's $3.3 billion <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42704893/amedisys-and-unitedhealth-extend-merger-deadline-whats-going-on">deal to acquire </a>Amedisys Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>).
Along with any commentary on how the new White House administration and public pressure could impact the company's future growth and operations, investors and analysts may be looking for an update on guidance.
UnitedHealth <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42317793/unitedhealth-introduces-2025-guidance-ahead-of-now-stopped-investor-conference">shared 2025 revenue guidance </a>of $450 billion to $455 billion and earnings per share guidance of $28.15 to $28.65 ahead of Thompson's death in December.
UNH, DIA Price Action: UnitedHealth stock trades at $544.11 versus a 52-week trading range of $436.38 to $630.73. UnitedHealth stock is up 4.8% over the last year, but has fallen around 11% since Thompson's death.
The SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) and other ETFs that track the Dow Jones Industrial Average will also be in the spotlight Thursday after UnitedHealth's report. United is the second largest component of the Dow Jones Index due to its price-weighted methodology.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42544499/luigi-mangione-documentaries-in-the-works-from-award-winning-creators-and-possibly-rapper-50-cent">Luigi Mangione Documentaries In The Works From Award-Winning Creators — And Possibly Rapper 50 Cent</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

UnitedHealth Group Q4 Earnings Preview: First Report Since Insurance CEO's Murder Comes With Questions On Company's Future

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) will release earnings results for its fourth quarter, before the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/unh/earnings">opening bell on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.</a>
Analysts expect the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company to report quarterly earnings at $6.75 per share, up from $6.16 per share in the year-ago period. UnitedHealth projects to report revenue of $101.72 billion for the recent quarter, compared to $94.43 billion a year earlier, according to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Amedisys Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) recently announced it extended its merger deadline with UnitedHealth Group. In an exchange filing, the companies entered into a waiver agreement, further advancing their merger deal, originally announced on June 26, 2023.
UnitedHealth shares gained 2% to close at $524.52 on Wednesday.
Benzinga readers can access the latest analyst ratings on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Readers can sort by stock ticker, company name, analyst firm, rating change or other variables.
Let's have a look at how Benzinga's most-accurate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UNH/analyst-ratings">analysts have rated the company</a> in the recent period.
<ul>
<li>Truist Securities analyst David Macdonald maintained a Buy rating and cut the price target from $625 to $610 on Jan. 6, 2025. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 64%.</li>
<li>Oppenheimer analyst Michael Wiederhorn maintained an Outperform rating and boosted the price target from $610 to $640 on Dec. 6, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 61%.</li>
<li>Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Scott Fidel maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $605 to $675 on Dec. 5, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 67%.</li>
<li>Deutsche Bank analyst George Hill maintained a Buy rating and raised the price target from $595 to $625 on Dec. 3, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 60%.</li>
<li>UBS analyst Kevin Caliendo maintained a Buy rating and cut the price target from $680 to $650 on Oct. 16, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 70%.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying UNH stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="418" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/10041356/image-54-1024x418.png" alt="" class="wp-image-727473" style="width:573px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/10041356/image-54-1024x418.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/10041356/image-54-300x123.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/10041356/image-54-768x314.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/10041356/image-54.png 1451w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read This Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42900074/how-to-earn-500-a-month-from-synovus-financial-stock-ahead-of-q4-earnings">How To Earn $500 A Month From Synovus Financial Stock Ahead Of Q4 Earnings</a></li>
</ul>

Earnings

Markets

UnitedHealth Earnings Are Imminent; These Most Accurate Analysts Revise Forecasts Ahead Of Earnings Call

Amedisys Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) shares are trading higher on Friday after the company announced it extended its <a target="_blank" href="https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0000896262/048b8c3e-592e-42de-a13b-289ffd8da57d.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener">merger</a> deadline with UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>).
In an exchange filing, the companies entered into a waiver agreement, further advancing their merger deal, originally<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/41987383/unitedhealths-optum-defends-multi-billion-dollar-amedisys-deal-ensures-competitive-landscape" rel="noreferrer noopener"> announced on June 26, 2023.</a>
Under the terms of the agreement, Merger Sub, a wholly owned subsidiary of UnitedHealth, will merge with Amedisys, with Amedisys continuing to operate as a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group.
The companies have agreed to push their $3.3 billion merger deadline to next year. This extension follows intense scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice, Reuters reports.
Over a month ago, the DOJ and three U.S. states <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/11/41917050/justice-department-moves-to-block-unitedhealths-amedisys-takeover-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">filed a lawsuit to prevent the deal.</a> They argued that the merger would harm competition in the home health services market.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42703460/amedisys-rigetti-computing-and-other-big-stocks-moving-higher-on-friday" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amedisys, Rigetti Computing And Other Big Stocks Moving Higher On Friday</a>
The waiver allows both Amedisys and UnitedHealth Group to extend the period during which they cannot terminate the merger due to delays.
The companies have agreed to waive their right to terminate the agreement until the earlier of two conditions: 5:00 p.m. New York time on the tenth business day after a final order from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland permanently blocking the merger, or 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025.
The waiver ensures that the merger process remains in effect until one of these deadlines is reached.
The waiver also includes important financial and operational adjustments. The Regulatory Break Fee under the merger agreement is set at $275 million, which could increase to $325 million if certain divestiture milestones are not met.
Additionally, the waiver modifies certain operational restrictions and closing conditions, particularly those related to government approvals, and increases the revenue-related aspect of the "Burdensome Condition" definition.
Despite regulatory scrutiny and potential challenges, this waiver marks a key development in the ongoing efforts to finalize the merger.
The companies continue to work toward completing the deal, which is expected to provide both parties substantial synergies and growth opportunities.
Price Action: UNH shares are trading lower by 0.52% to $508.47 at last check Friday. AMED is up 4.48%.
Now Read This:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42699617/top-3-tech-and-telecom-stocks-that-may-rocket-higher-in-q4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 3 Tech And Telecom Stocks That May Rocket Higher In Q4</a></li>
</ul>

Equities

Health Care

Movers

General

Amedisys and UnitedHealth Extend Merger Deadline - What's Going On?

U.S. stocks were lower, with the Dow Jones index falling more than 300 points on Friday.
Shares of Amedisys, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) rose sharply <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMED/news">during Friday's session</a>.
Amedisys-UnitedHealth announced in filing earlier, they extended merger deadline until Dec. 31, 2025.
Amedisys shares gained 4.2% to $89.51 on Friday.
Here are some other big stocks recording gains in today's session.
<ul>
<li>Quantum-Si incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QSI#NASDAQ">QSI</a>) shares surged 47% to $3.1596.</li>
<li>SES AI Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SES#NYSE">SES</a>) gained 43.7% to $2.0397.</li>
<li>Quantum Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QMCO#NASDAQ">QMCO</a>) shares surged 19.5% to $79.99.</li>
<li>Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KC#NASDAQ">KC</a>) gained 19.4% to $12.18.</li>
<li>Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>) shares rose 16.6% to $17.99. Shares of quantum computing companies traded higher. The sector has recently seen increased interest.</li>
<li>Solid Power, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLDP#NASDAQ">SLDP</a>) shares gained 15.9% to $2.2607.</li>
<li>Intchains Group Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ICG#NASDAQ">ICG</a>) shares rose 14.7% to $7.00.</li>
<li>Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GDYN#NASDAQ">GDYN</a>) shares gained 14.4% to $24.11.</li>
<li>Atomera Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATOM#NASDAQ">ATOM</a>) rose 11.3% to $14.01.</li>
<li>Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AENT#NASDAQ">AENT</a>) gained 7.8% to $8.41.</li>
<li>IperionX Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IPX#NASDAQ">IPX</a>) surged 7.6% to $34.01.</li>
<li>Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LW#NYSE">LW</a>) rose 3% to $67.23.</li>
<li>Lotus Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOT#NASDAQ">LOT</a>) rose 4% to $4.2450.</li>
</ul>
Now Read This: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42699617/top-3-tech-and-telecom-stocks-that-may-rocket-higher-in-q4">Top 3 Tech And Telecom Stocks That May Rocket Higher In Q4</a></li>
</ul>

AENT

ATOM

GDYN

QMCO

RGTI

SLDP

Amedisys, Rigetti Computing And Other Big Stocks Moving Higher On Friday

WIIM

Amedisys shares are trading higher after the company announced it extended its merger deadline with UnitedHealth.

Amedisys-UnitedHealth Announced In Filing Earlier, They Extended Merger Deadline Until December 31, 2025

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>TEVA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$28.7K</td>
<td>19.8K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CADL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$6.00</td>
<td>$44.6K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td>995</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$28.7K</td>
<td>27.4K</td>
<td>566</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MDT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$70.6K</td>
<td>95</td>
<td>286</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RXRX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
<td>$35.2K</td>
<td>5.8K</td>
<td>273</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMED</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$147.5K</td>
<td>6.3K</td>
<td>250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$580.00</td>
<td>$37.6K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>148</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/13/24</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$26.5K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>130</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMGN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$123.5K</td>
<td>217</td>
<td>48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/24/25</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$34.0K</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>32</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding TEVA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEVA#NYSE">TEVA</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 37 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $15.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 15 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.7K, with a price of $287.0 per contract. There were 19843 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1350 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CADL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CADL#NASDAQ">CADL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 9 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 372 contract(s) at a $6.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 22 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $44.6K, with a price of $120.0 per contract. There were 1230 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 995 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PFE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 401 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 101 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.7K, with a price of $285.0 per contract. There were 27415 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 566 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MDT (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDT#NYSE">MDT</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 282 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 286 contract(s) at a $75.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 34 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $70.6K, with a price of $247.0 per contract. There were 95 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 286 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding RXRX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RXRX#NASDAQ">RXRX</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 401 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 150 contract(s) at a $10.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.2K, with a price of $235.0 per contract. There were 5818 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 273 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMED (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 37 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 250 contract(s) at a $90.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $147.5K, with a price of $590.0 per contract. There were 6378 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 250 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 37 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 8 contract(s) at a $580.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.6K, with a price of $4710.0 per contract. There were 1038 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 148 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CVS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 2 day(s) on December 13, 2024. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $55.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.5K, with a price of $265.0 per contract. There were 1033 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 130 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMGN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 401 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 47 contract(s) at a $270.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $123.5K, with a price of $2630.0 per contract. There were 217 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 48 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NVO (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 44 day(s) on January 24, 2025. Parties traded 32 contract(s) at a $105.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.0K, with a price of $1065.0 per contract. There were 32 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 32 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

AMGN

CADL

RXRX

TEVA

10 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) shares have declined 5.3% over the past week as the company faces a significant legal challenge to its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/11/41917050/justice-department-moves-to-block-unitedhealths-amedisys-takeover-whats-going-on">$3.3 billion acquisition</a> of Amedisys Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>).
What To Know: The U.S. Justice Department, along with attorneys general from multiple states, has recently filed a lawsuit to block the deal, citing antitrust concerns in the home health services sector. 
The agency argues the merger could lead to higher healthcare costs, particularly as Amedisys is a direct competitor to UnitedHealth&#8217;s LHC Group, which was acquired for $5.4 billion in 2022.
The Justice Department contends that allowing the merger would tighten UnitedHealth&#8217;s control over the home health and hospice care market, potentially disadvantaging seniors and caregivers. 
In response, UnitedHealth and Amedisys have proposed selling assets to VitalCaring Group to address these concerns, but negotiations have yet to alleviate regulatory resistance.
UnitedHealth's Optum unit has actively <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/41987383/unitedhealths-optum-defends-multi-billion-dollar-amedisys-deal-ensures-competitive-landscape">defended the merger</a>, emphasizing the fragmented nature of the home healthcare industry and its potential to address the growing demand for elder care as the U.S. population ages. However, skepticism persists as analysts and regulators scrutinize the impact on market competition.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/24/11/42069387/grant-cardone-calls-himself-a-coward-investor-puts-his-money-in-real-assets">Grant Cardone Calls Himself A &#8216;Coward Investor,&#8217; Puts His Money In &#8216;Real Assets&#8217;</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Buy UNH Stock</h2>
Besides going to a brokerage platform to purchase a share &#8211; or fractional share &#8211; of stock, you can also gain access to shares either by buying an exchange traded fund (ETF) that holds the stock itself, or by allocating yourself to a strategy in your 401(k) that would seek to acquire shares in a mutual fund or other instrument. 
For example, in UnitedHealth Group&#8217;s case, it is in the Health Care sector. An ETF will likely hold shares in many liquid and large companies that help track that sector, allowing an investor to gain exposure to the trends within that segment.
According to data from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>, UNH has a 52-week high of $630.73 and a 52-week low of $436.38.

What's Going On With UnitedHealth Stock?

On Tuesday, the U.S. Justice Department said it will block UnitedHealth Group Inc.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) multi-billion&nbsp;acquisition of&nbsp;Amedisys Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>).
The Justice Department has sued to block UnitedHealth&#8217;s $3.3 billion purchase of healthcare services company Amedisys, citing concerns about competition in the home <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/11/41917050/justice-department-moves-to-block-unitedhealths-amedisys-takeover-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">health services market</a>.
UnitedHealth&#8217;s Optum unit&nbsp;launched a website&nbsp;that aims to highlight the benefits of the combination. The website <a target="_blank" href="https://www.improvinghomecare.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">notes</a> that the home healthcare industry remains highly fragmented despite the growing market.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/41866438/donald-trumps-second-term-could-reshape-us-healthcare-system-with-major-impacts-on-affordable-care-act-and-medicare" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump&#8217;s Second Term Could Reshape US Healthcare System, With Major Impacts on Affordable Care Act And Medicare</a>
On average, 26 agencies compete in metropolitan areas with about 500,000 residents, highlighting the range of available care options.
In 2020, approximately 3 million Americans received home health care, a figure expected to grow as the population ages.
By 2030, 18% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older, a significant increase from 13% in 2021.
This demographic shift underscores the necessity for expanded home health services that allow older adults to remain in their homes.
The merger between Optum and Amedisys represents a strategic move to address these needs.
While this combined entity would represent only a portion of the overall home health and hospice care market, the competitive landscape is expected to remain robust.
To promote competition and prevent market dominance, Optum and Amedisys have agreed to divest numerous home health and hospice centers to VitalCaring upon the transaction&#8217;s completion.
VitalCaring currently operates at around 58 locations across six states.
Price Action: UNH stock is down 2.76% at $589.17 at the last check Thursday
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/41979149/general-motors-faces-recall-crisis-with-faulty-transmissions-details" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">General Motors Faces Recall Crisis With Faulty Transmissions: Details</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

Large Cap

Legal

UnitedHealth's Optum Defends Multi-Billion Dollar Amedisys Deal, Ensures Competitive Landscape

UnitedHealth Says 'Will Vigorously Defend Against The DOJ's Overreaching'

UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) shares are trading lower Tuesday. The U.S. Justice Department is moving to block the company&#8217;s multi-billion <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/23/06/32716991/optums-decision-to-target-amedisys-is-intriguing-says-analyst">acquisition of Amedisys Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>)</a>.
What To Know: The Justice Department has sued to block UnitedHealth&#8217;s $3.3 billion purchase of healthcare services company Amedisys, citing concerns related to competition in the home health services market, according to <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/justice-department-sues-to-block-unitedhealths-3-3-billion-bid-for-amedisys-b0b1f738">The Wall Street Journal</a>.
Antitrust enforcers are concerned that a potential business combination could cause healthcare price increases in the areas where Amedisys competes with UnitedHealth's LHC Group.
&#8220;Unless this $3.3 billion transaction is stopped, UnitedHealth Group will further extend its grip to home health and hospice care, threatening seniors, their families and nurses," Assistant Attorney General&nbsp;Jonathan Kanter&nbsp;said.
The Justice Department reportedly filed the complaint in Maryland federal court, supported by state attorneys general of Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey and New York. 
The report indicates that UnitedHealth and Amedisys executives met with the Justice Department last week, aiming to ease concerns. The companies proposed selling some of their other assets to VitalCaring Group.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41912971/stocks-fall-on-tariffs-fears-dollar-hits-6-month-peak-yen-tumbles-whats-driving-markets-tuesday">Stocks Fall On Tariffs Fears, Dollar Hits 6-Month Peak, Yen Tumbles: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Tuesday?</a>
UnitedHealth entered into an agreement to acquire Amedisys last year. At the time, analysts raised concerns that the deal was likely to face scrutiny given the company&#8217;s robust home healthcare presence.
United Health bought LHC Group for about $5.4 billion in 2022. Amedisys is a main competitor&nbsp;to UnitedHealth&#8217;s LHC Group. Amedisys shares were down 2.21% at $90.54 at last check.
UNH Price Action: UnitedHealth shares were down 1.18% at $617.85 at the time of publication Tuesday, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo: courtesy of UnitedHealth.

Justice Department Moves To Block UnitedHealth's Amedisys Takeover: What's Going On?

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/justice-department-sues-to-block-unitedhealths-3-3-billion-bid-for-amedisys-b0b1f738?mod=latest_headlines">https://www.wsj.com/business/justice-department-sues-to-block-unitedhealths-3-3-billion-bid-for-amedisys-b0b1f738?mod=latest_headlines</a>
&nbsp;
The Justice Department on Tuesday sued to block <a href="https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/UNH">UnitedHealth Group</a>'s $3.3 billion acquisition of <a href="https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/AMED">Amedisys</a> alleging the deal would give the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/unitedhealth-shares-dive-after-health-giant-says-2025-results-likely-to-fall-short-8a7ff76a?mod=article_inline">health-industry giant</a> too much power over the market for home health and hospice services.
The government's move represents an effort to stem the roll-up of different healthcare services under a single owner. UnitedHealth last year acquired one of Amedisys's major competitors, LHC Group.&nbsp;

"Justice Department Sues To Block UnitedHealth's $3.3B Bid For Amedisys; Antitrust Enforcers Argue The Healthcare Giant's Latest Deal Would Illegally Harm Competition" - WSJ

Amedisys (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.00 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $1.17 by 14.53 percent. This is a 2.04 percent increase over earnings of $0.98 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $587.70 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $586.49 million by 0.21 percent. This is a 5.66 percent increase over sales of $556.24 million the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

Earnings Misses

Amedisys Q3 EPS $1.00 Misses $1.17 Estimate, Sales $587.70M Beat $586.49M Estimate

Investors interested in Medical - Outpatient and Home Healthcare stocks are likely familiar with Amedisys (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amed#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) and Chemed (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/che#NYSE">CHE</a>). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now? Let&#39;s take a closer look.
The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The Zacks Rank favors stocks with strong earnings estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight companies with specific traits.
Amedisys and Chemed are sporting Zacks Ranks of #2 (Buy) and #3 (Hold), respectively, right now. The Zacks Rank favors stocks that have recently seen positive revisions to their earnings estimates, so investors should rest assured that AMED has an improving earnings outlook. But this is only part of the picture for value investors.
Value investors analyze a variety of traditional, tried-and-true metrics to help find companies that they believe are undervalued at their current share price levels.
Our Value category highlights undervalued companies by looking at a variety of key metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, as well as the P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a variety of other fundamentals that have been used by value investors for years.
AMED currently has a forward P/E ratio of 20.73, while CHE has a forward P/E of 25.41. We also note that AMED has a PEG ratio of 1.89. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company&#39;s expected earnings growth rate. CHE currently has a PEG ratio of 2.26.
Another notable valuation metric for AMED is its P/B ratio of 2.68. Investors use the P/B ratio to look at a stock&#39;s market value versus its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. By comparison, CHE has a P/B of 7.47.
These metrics, and several others, help AMED earn a Value grade of B, while CHE has been given a Value grade of C.
AMED stands above CHE thanks to its solid earnings outlook, and based on these valuation figures, we also feel that AMED is the superior value option right now.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2343525/amed-or-che-which-is-the-better-value-stock-right-now?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-tale_of_the_tape|yseop_template_3-2343525">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

AMED Or CHE: Which Is The Better Value Stock Right Now?

Contessa Health, A Subsidiary Of Amedisys Announced They Have Been Selected By The Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services To Participate In A New Medicare Alternative Payment Model Designed To Support People Living With Dementia And Their Caregivers

Deutsche Bank analyst Justin Bowers downgrades Amedisys (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) from Buy to Hold and maintains the price target from $101 to $101.

Downgrades

Deutsche Bank Downgrades Amedisys to Hold, Maintains Price Target to $101

Investors looking for stocks in the Medical - Outpatient and Home Healthcare sector might want to consider either Amedisys (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amed#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) or U.S. Physical Therapy (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/usph#NYSE">USPH</a>). But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors? We&#39;ll need to take a closer look to find out.
There are plenty of strategies for discovering value stocks, but we have found that pairing a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system produces the best returns. The proven Zacks Rank emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight stocks with specific traits.
Amedisys has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), while U.S. Physical Therapy has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) right now. Investors should feel comfortable knowing that AMED likely has seen a stronger improvement to its earnings outlook than USPH has recently. But this is just one factor that value investors are interested in.
Value investors are also interested in a number of tried-and-true valuation metrics that help show when a company is undervalued at its current share price levels.
Our Value category highlights undervalued companies by looking at a variety of key metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, as well as the P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a variety of other fundamentals that have been used by value investors for years.
AMED currently has a forward P/E ratio of 21.14, while USPH has a forward P/E of 34.11. We also note that AMED has a PEG ratio of 2.37. This figure is similar to the commonly-used P/E ratio, with the PEG ratio also factoring in a company&#39;s expected earnings growth rate. USPH currently has a PEG ratio of 3.77.
Another notable valuation metric for AMED is its P/B ratio of 2.80. The P/B ratio is used to compare a stock&#39;s market value with its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, USPH has a P/B of 3.04.
These are just a few of the metrics contributing to AMED&#39;s Value grade of B and USPH&#39;s Value grade of C.
AMED is currently sporting an improving earnings outlook, which makes it stick out in our Zacks Rank model. And, based on the above valuation metrics, we feel that AMED is likely the superior value option right now.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2310183/amed-vs-usph-which-stock-is-the-better-value-option?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-tale_of_the_tape|yseop_template_3-2310183">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Small Cap

USPH

AMED vs. USPH: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Sarah James reiterates Amedisys (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) with a Neutral and maintains $101 price target.

Cantor Fitzgerald Reiterates Neutral on Amedisys, Maintains $101 Price Target

Amedisys (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.32 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.18 by 11.86 percent. This is a 3.65 percent decrease over earnings of $1.37 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $591.19 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $578.82 million by 2.14 percent. This is a 6.91 percent increase over sales of $552.97 million the same period last year.

Amedisys Q2 EPS $1.32 Beats $1.18 Estimate, Sales $591.19M Beat $578.82M Estimate

Press Releases

Amedisys Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

AREX Capital Management Issues Letter to Enhabit Stockholders Regarding the Need for Dramatic Changes to Board Composition

Amedisys Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Contracts

Contessa Selected by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to Test Medicare Dementia Care Model

Amedisys has earned the 2023 SHPBest™ Patient Satisfaction Awards

Amedisys Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Amedisys Honors 47 Employees With Annual Spirit of Excellence Award

ADUS

EHAB

TUES

Addus HomeCare Corporation - Common Stock

Addus HomeCare

Agilon Health

AMN Healthcare Services

Astrana Health

Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. - Common Stock

Aveanna Healthcare Hldgs

BrightSpring Health Services, Inc. - Common Stock

BrightSpring Health

Chemed

Cigna

CorVel

CVS Health

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated Common Stock

Quest Diagnostics

DaVita

Fresenius Medical Care AG American Depositary Shares (Each representing 1/2 of an Ordinary Share)

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