Elevance Health, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a health benefits company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Health Benefits, CarelonRx, Carelon Services, and Corporate & Other. It offers a variety of health plans and services to program members; health products; an array of fee-based administrative managed care services; and specialty and other insurance products and services, such as stop loss, dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental health insurance benefits. The company operates in the pharmacy services business; and markets and offers pharmacy services, including pharmacy benefit management, as well as home delivery and specialty pharmacies, claims adjudication, formulary management, pharmacy networks, rebate administration, a prescription drug database, and member services. In addition, it provides healthcare-related services and capabilities, including utilization management, behavioral health, integrated care delivery, palliative care, payment integrity services, subrogation services, and health and wellness programs, as well as services related to data management, information technology, and business operations. Further, the company is involved in the National Government Services business. The company provides its services under the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Wellpoint, and Carelon brand names. The company was formerly known as Anthem, Inc. and changed its name to Elevance Health, Inc. in June 2022. Elevance Health, Inc. was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Elevance Health, Inc.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated UNH is accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) throughout its healthcare network, and its pharmacy benefits division is making significant strides. The company has rolled out new AI features in Optum Rx aimed at better identifying fraud, waste and abuse (FWA) in pharmacy claims. This initiative is part of UNH’s larger plan to leverage data analytics to manage healthcare costs while enhancing the efficiency of its service platforms.
The AI-powered system analyzes massive volumes of prescription and billing data to identify unusual patterns that could indicate fraudulent or improper claims. It can highlight issues like duplicate prescriptions, odd refill frequencies or discrepancies in billing information. By automating large parts of the review process, Optum Rx allows its compliance teams to focus on the most relevant cases rather than manually screening thousands of routine transactions.
Technology also plays a crucial role in enhancing patient safety. The AI models can detect potential medication risks, including overlapping drug therapies or unusual dosing patterns before prescriptions are finalized. This provides pharmacists and auditors an opportunity to intervene early, reducing the likelihood of medication errors while strengthening regulatory compliance across pharmacy networks.
This initiative reflects how UNH is leveraging technology to boost operational efficiency across its healthcare services platform. With increasing scrutiny on pharmacy benefit managers, AI-powered monitoring tools could enable Optum Rx to improve transparency, minimize cost leakage and foster sustainable growth for the UnitedHealth ecosystem.
How Are Competitors Faring?
Some of UNH’s major competitors in the AI-enabled healthcare solutions are Elevance Health, Inc. ELV and Humana Inc. HUM.
Elevance Health is also expanding its use of advanced analytics and AI to strengthen claims monitoring and care management. ELV is investing in data platforms within its Carelon unit to identify billing irregularities, optimize pharmacy utilization and improve overall cost transparency.
Humana has been integrating AI and predictive analytics across its pharmacy and care delivery platforms. Through its pharmacy services and insurance operations, HUM uses data-driven tools to detect abnormal claim patterns and improve oversight of prescription utilization and billing practices.
UnitedHealth’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Shares of UNH have declined 40.4% in the past year compared with the industry’s fall of 35.9%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, UnitedHealth trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15.84, above the industry average of 13.81. UNH carries a Value Score of B.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UnitedHealth’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $17.70 per share, implying 8.3% growth from the year-ago period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
UNH stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

UNH Deploys AI in Optum Rx to Tackle Pharmacy Fraud and Cost Leakage

As the saying goes, there are many possible reasons for an insider to sell a stock, but only one reason to buy -- they expect to make money. So let's look at two noteworthy recent insider buys.
At Slr Investment, a filing with the SEC revealed that on Wednesday, Michael S. Gross bought 104,819 shares of SLRC, at a cost of $14.74 each, for a total investment of $1.55M. Investors are able to snag SLRC even cheaper than Gross did, with shares trading as low as $14.34 in trading on Friday -- that's 2.7% under Gross's purchase price. Slr Investment is trading down about 0.5% on the day Friday. This buy marks the first one filed by Gross in the past twelve months.
And at Elevance Health, there was insider buying on Thursday, by Director Steven H. Collis who bought 3,000 shares at a cost of $289.84 each, for a total investment of $869,520. Elevance Health is trading off about 0.7% on the day Friday. Investors can snag ELV at a price even lower than Collis did, with the stock trading as low as $281.50 in trading on Friday which is 2.9% under Collis's purchase price.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Friday 3/6 Insider Buying Report: SLRC, ELV

Looking at the universe of stocks we cover at Dividend Channel, on 3/10/26, Ormat Technologies Inc (Symbol: ORA), Becton, Dickinson & Co (Symbol: BDX), and Elevance Health Inc (Symbol: ELV) will all trade ex-dividend for their respective upcoming dividends. Ormat Technologies Inc will pay its quarterly dividend of $0.12 on 3/24/26, Becton, Dickinson & Co will pay its quarterly dividend of $1.05 on 3/31/26, and Elevance Health Inc will pay its quarterly dividend of $1.72 on 3/25/26. As a percentage of ORA's recent stock price of $107.81, this dividend works out to approximately 0.11%, so look for shares of Ormat Technologies Inc to trade 0.11% lower — all else being equal — when ORA shares open for trading on 3/10/26. Similarly, investors should look for BDX to open 0.62% lower in price and for ELV to open 0.60% lower, all else being equal.
When an S&P 1500 component reaches 20 years of dividend increases, it becomes a contender to join the elite "Dividend Aristocrats" index. Elevance Health Inc (Symbol: ELV) is a "future dividend aristocrats contender," with 14+ years of increases.
Below are dividend history charts for ORA, BDX, and ELV, showing historical dividends prior to the most recent ones declared.
Ormat Technologies Inc (Symbol: ORA):
Becton, Dickinson & Co (Symbol: BDX):
Elevance Health Inc (Symbol: ELV):
In general, dividends are not always predictable, following the ups and downs of company profits over time. Therefore, a good first due diligence step in forming an expectation of annual yield going forward, is looking at the history above, for a sense of stability over time. This can help in judging whether the most recent dividends from these companies are likely to continue. If they do continue, the current estimated yields on annualized basis would be 0.45% for Ormat Technologies Inc, 2.47% for Becton, Dickinson & Co, and 2.40% for Elevance Health Inc.
Free Report: Top 8%+ Dividends (paid monthly)
In Friday trading, Ormat Technologies Inc shares are currently trading flat, Becton, Dickinson & Co shares are down about 0.9%, and Elevance Health Inc shares are off about 1.7% on the day.
Click here to learn which 25 S.A.F.E. dividend stocks should be on your radar screen »
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Ex-Dividend Reminder: Ormat Technologies, Becton, Dickinson and Elevance Health

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Monday closed up +0.04%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down -0.15%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +0.13%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) fell -0.01%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) rose +0.08%.
Stock indexes settled mixed on Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling to a 2-month low, and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 recovering from 1.5-week lows.
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Stocks recovered from early losses on Monday on dip buying and after the Feb ISM manufacturing index expanded more than expected. Also, the war in Iran sparked rallies in defense stocks and energy producers on Monday, lifting the broader market.
Stocks initially moved lower on Monday after the US and Israel launched joint military attacks on Iran. President Trump said that combat operations could last for weeks until all objectives were completed. President Trump has called for Iran’s leaders to capitulate, but Iran’s security chief said that it has no intention of negotiating with the US.
The war in Iran has prompted risk-off sentiment in asset markets and spurred safe-haven demand for precious metals, with gold prices climbing to 1-month highs. Bond yields initially fell on news of a war with Iran amid safe-haven demand, but have since risen sharply, with the 10-year T-note yield up +11 bp to 4.05% amid concern that high oil prices will stoke faster inflation.
WTI crude oil soared more than +6% to an 8.25-month high on Monday as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which runs along Iran's coast and handles a fifth of the world's oil, has largely halted after Iran attacked three oil tankers. Iran pumps about 3.3 million bpd, or about 3% of global output, but it is strategically important given its location along the Strait of Hormuz. Goldman Sachs estimates the real-time risk premium for crude oil at $18/bbl, corresponding to its estimate of the impact of a six-week full halt to tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Feb ISM manufacturing index fell -0.2 to 52.4, stronger than expectations of 51.5. The Feb ISM prices paid sub-index rose +11.5 to a 3.5-year high of 70.5, stronger than expectations of 60.0.
This week's market focus will be on US-Iran war news, corporate earnings, and economic news. On Wednesday, the Feb ADP employment change is expected to increase by +40,000. Also, the Feb ISM services index is expected to slip by -0.3 to 53.5. In addition, the Fed releases its Beige Book. On Thursday, weekly initial unemployment claims are expected to increase by +3,000 to 215,000. Also, Q4 nonfarm productivity is expected to be up +1.8%, and Q4 unit labor costs are expected to be up +2.0%. On Friday, Feb nonfarm payrolls are expected to increase by +60,000, and the Feb unemployment rate is expected to remain unchanged at 4.3%. Also, Feb average hourly earnings are expected to increase by +0.3% m/m and +3.7% y/y. In addition, Feb retail sales are expected to fall -0.3% m/m and Feb retail sales ex-autos are expected to remain unchanged m/m.
Q4 earnings season is nearing its end, with more than 90% of the S&P 500 companies having reported earnings results. Earnings have been a positive factor for stocks, with 73% of the 481 S&P 500 companies that have reported beating expectations. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, S&P earnings growth is expected to climb by +8.4% in Q4, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. Excluding the Magnificent Seven megacap technology stocks, Q4 earnings are expected to increase by +4.6%.
The markets are discounting a 2% chance for a -25 bp rate cut at the next policy meeting on March 17-18.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Monday. The Euro Stoxx 50 fell to a 1.5-week low and closed down -2.47%. China’s Shanghai Composite climbed to a 1.5-month high and closed up +0.47%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed down -1.35%.
Interest Rates
June 10-year T-notes (ZNM6) on Monday closed down by -23.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +10.6 bp to 4.046%. June T-notes fell from a contract high and turned lower on Monday, and the 10-year T-note yield rebounded from an 11.75-month low of 3.922% and moved sharply higher. T-notes initially rallied on Monday on increased safe-haven demand as stock index futures sold off after the US attacked Iran. However, T-notes gave up their gains and turned lower after WTI crude oil soared to an 8.25-month high, which raised inflation expectations, as the 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a 1-week high of 2.300%. Losses in T-notes accelerated on Monday after the Feb ISM prices paid sub-index jumped to a 3.5-year high, signaling sticky price pressures.
European government bond yields moved higher on Monday. The 10-year German bund yield rose +6.9 bp to 2.712%. The 10-year UK gilt yield climbed to a 1-week high of 4.383% and finished up +14.1 bp to 4.374%.
German Jan retail sales fell -0.9% m/m, weaker than expectations of unchanged m/m and the biggest decline in 19 months.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance of a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on March 19.
US Stock Movers
Defense stocks moved higher on Monday as the war in Iran boosts their earnings prospects. Northrop Grumman (NOC) closed up more th +5%, and RTX Corp (RTX) closed up more than +4%. Also, Lockheed Martin (LMT) and L3Harris Technologies (LHX) closed up more than +3%. In addition, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) and General Dynamics (GD) closed up more than +2%.
Energy producers and energy service providers rallied on Monday as WTI crude (CLJ26) rose more than +6% to an 8.25-month high. Marathon Petroleum (MPC) and Valero Energy (VLO) closed up more than +5%, and APA Corp (APA) and ConocoPhillips (COP) closed up more than +4%. Also, Devon Energy (DVN) and Phillips 66 (PSX) closed up more than +3%, and Diamondback Energy (FANG) and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) closed up more than +2%. In addition, Chevron (CVX) and Exxon Mobil (XOM) closed up more than +1%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks rallied on Monday after Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) rose more than +5%. Strategy (MSTR) closed up more than +6% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100. Also, MARA Holdings (MARA) closed up more than +6%, and Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) and Coinbase Global (COIN) closed up more than +5%. In addition, Riot Platforms (RIOT) closed up +0.86%.
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks sold off on Monday, a negative factor for the overall market. Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) closed down more than -6% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100, and Western Digital (WDC) closed down more than -3%. Also, ASML Holding NV (ASML) and ARM Holdings Plc (ARM) closed down more than -2%, and Lam Research (LRCX), Marvell Technology (MRVL), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Qualcomm (QCOM), and Texas Instruments (TXN) closed down more than -1%.
Airline stocks were under pressure Monday as crude oil prices surged by more than +6% to an 8.25-month high, which will boost jet fuel prices and potentially cut into airlines’ profits. American Airlines Group (AAL) closed down more than -4%, and United Airlines Holdings (UAL) closed down more than -3%. Also, Delta Air Lines (DAL) and Southwest Airlines (LUV) closed down more than -2%.
Cruise line operators slid on Monday, led by a -10% decline in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) after forecasting full-year EPS of $2.38, weaker than the consensus of $2.59. Also, Carnival (CCL) closed down more than -6%, Viking Holdings Ltd (VIK) closed down more than -4%, and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL) closed down more than -2%.
Homebuilders retreated on Monday after the 10-year T-note yield rose more than +11 bp, which will push mortgage rates higher and may curb home sales prospects. KB Home (KBH), Lennar (LEN), and DR Horton (DHI) closed down more than -3%. Also, PulteGroup (PHM) closed down more than 2%, and Toll Brothers (TOL) closed down more than -1%.
UniQure (QURE) closed down more than -32% after US regulators said the company should conduct a pivotal study before getting approval for its gene therapy for Huntington’s disease.
AES Corp (AES) closed down more than -17% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after agreeing to be acquired by a consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners and EQT for $15 per share in cash.
Elevance Health (ELV) closed down more than -7% after it said the US government plans to suspend enrollment in its Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans as of March 31, unless compliance issues are resolved.
Coherent (COHR) closed up more than +16% and Lumentum Holdings (LITE) closed up more than +12% after Nvidia said it is investing $2 billion in each company.
RadNet (RDNT) closed up more than +8% after reporting Q4 revenue of $547.7 million, better than the consensus of $515.4 million.
EchoStar Corp (SATS) closed up more than +3% after reporting Q4 revenue of $3.80 billion, above the consensus of $3.77 billion.
Earnings Reports(3/3/2026)
AutoZone Inc (AZO), Best Buy Co Inc (BBY), CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (CRWD), Gitlab Inc (GTLB), On Holding AG (ONON), Ross Stores Inc (ROST), Thor Industries Inc (THO), Versant Media Group Inc (VSNT), Viking Holdings Ltd (VIK).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Recover as Iran War Pushes Energy and Defense Stocks Higher

The DividendRank formula at Dividend Channel ranks a coverage universe of thousands of dividend stocks, according to a proprietary formula designed to identify those stocks that combine two important characteristics — strong fundamentals and a valuation that looks inexpensive. Elevance Health Inc (Symbol: ELV) presently has an above average rank, in the top 50% of the coverage universe, which suggests it is among the top most "interesting" ideas that merit further research by investors.
But making Elevance Health Inc an even more interesting and timely stock to look at, is the fact that in trading on Monday, shares of ELV entered into oversold territory, changing hands as low as $289.97 per share. We define oversold territory using the Relative Strength Index, or RSI, which is a technical analysis indicator used to measure momentum on a scale of zero to 100. A stock is considered to be oversold if the RSI reading falls below 30. In the case of Elevance Health Inc, the RSI reading has hit 26.3 — by comparison, the universe of dividend stocks covered by Dividend Channel currently has an average RSI of 52.7. A falling stock price — all else being equal — creates a better opportunity for dividend investors to capture a higher yield. Indeed, ELV's recent annualized dividend of 6.88/share (currently paid in quarterly installments) works out to an annual yield of 2.15% based upon the recent $320.00 share price.
A bullish investor could look at ELV's 26.3 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. Among the fundamental datapoints dividend investors should investigate to decide if they are bullish on ELV is its dividend history. In general, dividends are not always predictable; but, looking at the history chart below can help in judging whether the most recent dividend is likely to continue.
Click here to find out what 9 other oversold dividend stocks you need to know about »
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Blue Chip Dividend Stocks Hedge Funds Are Buying
Funds Holding XPP
FREY shares outstanding history
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Elevance Health Becomes Oversold

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today isup +.07%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.06%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.44%.
Stocks initially retreated today after the US and Israel launched joint military attacks on Iran. President Trump said that combat operations could last for weeks until all objectives were completed. President Trump has called for Iran’s leaders to capitulate, but Iran’s security chief said that it has no intention of negotiating with the US.
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Stocks rebounded on dip buying and after the Feb ISM manufacturing index expanded more than expected. Also, the war in Iran is pushing defense stocks and energy producers higher today.
The war in Iran has sparked safe-haven demand for precious metals, with gold prices climbing to 1-month highs. Bond yields initially fell on news of a war with Iran on safe-haven demand, but have since risen, with the 10-year T-note yield up 10 bp to 4.04% amid concern that high oil prices will stoke faster inflation.
WTI crude oil soared more than +65% to an 8.25-month high as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which runs along Iran's coast and handles a fifth of the world's oil, has largely halted after Iran attacked three oil tankers. Iran pumps about 3.3 million bpd, or about 3% of global output, but it is strategically important given its location along the Strait of Hormuz. Goldman Sachs estimates the real-time risk premium for crude oil at $18/bbl, corresponding to its estimate of the impact of a six-week full halt to tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Feb ISM manufacturing index fell -0.2 to 52.4, stronger than expectations of 51.5. The Feb ISM prices paid sub-index rose +11.5 to a 3.5-year high of 70.5, stronger than expectations of 60.0.
Market focus this week will be on US-Iran war news, corporate earnings, and economic news. On Wednesday, the Feb ADP employment change is expected to increase by +40,000. Also, the Feb ISM services index is expected to slip by -0.3 to 53.5. In addition, the Fed releases its Beige Book. On Thursday, weekly initial unemployment claims are expected to increase by +3,000 to 215,000. Also, Q4 nonfarm productivity is expected to be up +1.8%, and Q4 unit labor costs are expected to be up +2.0%. On Friday, Feb nonfarm payrolls are expected to increase by +60,000, and the Feb unemployment rate is expected to remain unchanged at 4.3%. Also, Feb average hourly earnings are expected to increase by +0.3% m/m and +3.7% y/y. In addition, Feb retail sales are expected to fall -0.3% m/m and Feb retail sales ex-autos are expected to remain unchanged m/m.
Q4 earnings season is nearing its end, with more than 90% of the S&P 500 companies having reported earnings results. Earnings have been a positive factor for stocks, with 74% of the 472 S&P 500 companies that have reported beating expectations. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, S&P earnings growth is expected to climb by +8.4% in Q4, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. Excluding the Magnificent Seven megacap technology stocks, Q4 earnings are expected to increase by +4.6%.
The markets are discounting a 2% chance for a -25 bp rate cut at the next policy meeting on March 17-18.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 fell to a 1.5-week low and is down -2.42%. China’s Shanghai Composite climbed to a 1.5-month high and closed up +0.47%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed down -1.35%.
Interest Rates
June 10-year T-notes (ZNM6) today are down by -21 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +10.5 bp to 4.042%. June T-notes fell from a contract high and turned lower, and the 10-year T-note yield rebounded from an 11.75-month low of 3.922% and moved higher. T-notes initially rallied today on increased safe-haven demand as stock index futures sold off after the US attacked Iran. However, T-notes gave up their gains and turned lower after WTI crude oil soared to an 8.25-month high, which raised inflation expectations, as the 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a 1-week high of 2.300%. Losses in T-notes accelerated today after the Feb ISM prices paid sub-index jumped to a 3.5-year high, signaling sticky price pressures.
European government bond yields are moving higher today. The 10-year German bund yield is up +6.5 bp to 2.708%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose to a 1-week high of 4.383% and is up +14.1 bp to 4.374%.
German Jan retail sales fell -0.9% m/m, weaker than expectations of unchanged m/m and the biggest decline in 19 months.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance of a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on March 19.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks are moving lower today, a negative factor for the overall market. Seagate Technology Holdings Plc is down more than -5% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100. Also, Western Digital (STX), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and ARM Holdings Plc (ARM) are down more than -3%. In addition, NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), ASML Holding NV (ASML), and Qualcomm (QCOM) are down more than -2%. Finally, Applied Materials (AMAT), Intel (INTC), Broadcom (AVGO), Micron Technology (MU), and Texas Instruments (TXN) are down more than -1%,
Airline stocks are under pressure today as crude oil prices surged by more than +6% to an 8.25-month high, which will boost jet fuel prices and potentially cut into airlines’ profits. American Airlines Group (AAL) is down more than 45%, and United Airlines Holdings (UAL) is down more than -3%. Also, Delta Air Lines (DAL) and Southwest Airlines (LUV) are down more than -2%.
Cruise line operators are sliding today, led by a -9% decline in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) after forecasting full-year EPS of $2.38, weaker than the consensus of $2.59. Also, Carnival (CCL) is down more than -8%, Viking Holdings Ltd (VIK) is down more than -4%, and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL) is down more than -3%.
Homebuilders are falling today with the +10 bp jump in the 10-year T-note yield, which will push mortgage rates higher and may curb home sales prospects. KB Home (KBH), PulteGroup (PHM), Toll Brothers (TOL), Lennar (LEN), and DR Horton (DHI) are down more than -3%.
Defense stocks are moving higher today as the war in Iran boosts their earnings prospects. Aerovironment (AVAV) is up more than +12%. Also, Northrop Grumman (NOC) and RTX Corp (RTX) are up more than +4%. In addition, Lockheed Martin (LMT) is up more than +3%, and L3Harris Technologies (LHX) is up more than +2%. Finally, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) and General Dynamics (GD) are up more than +1%.
Energy producers and energy service providers are rallying today with WTI crude (CLJ26) up more than +8% at an 8.25-month high. Marathon Petroleum (MPC) is up more than +4%, and APA Corp (APA), ConocoPhillips (COP), Devon Energy (DVN), and Valero Energy (VLO) are up more than +3%. Also, Occidental Petroleum (OXY) and Phillips 66 (PSX) are up more than +2%, and Chevron (CVX), Exxon Mobil (XOM), and Diamondback Energy (FANG) are up more than +1%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks are moving higher today, with Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) up more than +6%. MARA Holdings (MARA) is up more than +8%, and Strategy (MSTR) is up more than +7% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100. Also, Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) is up more than +5%, Coinbase Global (COIN) is up more than +4%, and Riot Platforms (RIOT) is up more than +3%.
UniQure (QURE) is down more than -34% after US regulators said the company should conduct a pivotal study before getting approval for its gene therapy for Huntington’s disease.
AES Corp (AES) is down more than -17% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after agreeing to be acquired by a consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners and EQT for $15 per share in cash.
Elevance Health (ELV) is down more than -3% after it said the US government plans to suspend enrollment in its Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans as of March 31, unless compliance issues are resolved.
RadNet (RDNT) is up more than +4% after reporting Q4 revenue of $547.7 million, better than the consensus of $515.4 million.
EchoStar Corp (SATS) is up more than +2% after reporting Q4 revenue of $3.80 billion, above the consensus of $3.77 billion.
Earnings Reports(3/2/2026)
AAON Inc (AAON), ADT Inc (ADT), AES Corp/The (AES), AST SpaceMobile Inc (ASTS), Ingram Micro Holding Corp (INGM), MongoDB Inc (MDB), Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), Sealed Air Corp (SEE), Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Markets Rebound After Initial Selloff Triggered by Middle East Tensions

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.69%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.74%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.65%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) are down -0.67%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) are down -0.70%.
Stock indexes are retreating today, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 falling to 1.5-week lows and the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling to a 2-month low.
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Stocks retreated today after the US and Israel launched joint military attacks on Iran. President Trump said that combat operations could last for weeks until all objectives were completed. President Trump has called for Iran’s leaders to capitulate, but Iran’s security chief said that it has no intention of negotiating with the US.
The war in Iran has sparked risk-off sentiment in asset markets and spurred safe-haven demand for precious metals, with gold and silver prices climbing to 1-month highs. Bond yields initially fell on news of a war with Iran on safe-haven demand, but have since risen, with the 10-year T-note yield up 7 bp to 4.01% amid concern that high oil prices will stoke faster inflation.
WTI crude oil soared more than +8% to an 8.25-month high today as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which runs along Iran's coast and handles a fifth of the world's oil, has largely halted after Iran attacked three oil tankers. Iran pumps about 3.3 million bpd, or about 3% of global output, but it is strategically important given its location along the strait. Goldman Sachs estimates the real-time risk premium for crude oil at $18/bbl, corresponding to its estimate of the impact of a six-week full halt to tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Market focus this week will be on US-Iran war news, corporate earnings, and economic news. Later today, the Feb ISM manufacturing index is expected to fall -1.1 to 51.5. On Wednesday, the Feb ADP employment change is expected to increase by +40,000. Also, the Feb ISM services index is expected to slip by -0.3 to 53.5. In addition, the Fed releases its Beige Book. On Thursday, weekly initial unemployment claims are expected to increase by +3,000 to 215,000. Also, Q4 nonfarm productivity is expected to be up +1.8%, and Q4 unit labor costs are expected to be up +2.0%. On Friday, Feb nonfarm payrolls are expected to increase by +60,000, and the Feb unemployment rate is expected to remain unchanged at 4.3%. Also, Feb average hourly earnings are expected to increase by +0.3% m/m and +3.7% y/y. In addition, Feb retail sales are expected to fall -0.3% m/m and Feb retail sales ex-autos are expected to remain unchanged m/m.
Q4 earnings season is nearing its end, with more than 90% of the S&P 500 companies having reported earnings results. Earnings have been a positive factor for stocks, with 74% of the 472 S&P 500 companies that have reported beating expectations. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, S&P earnings growth is expected to climb by +8.4% in Q4, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. Excluding the Magnificent Seven megacap technology stocks, Q4 earnings are expected to increase by +4.6%.
The markets are discounting a 2% chance for a -25 bp rate cut at the next policy meeting on March 17-18.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 fell to a 1.5-week low and is down -2.55%. China’s Shanghai Composite climbed to a 1.5-month high and closed up +0.47%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed down -1.35%.
Interest Rates
June 10-year T-notes (ZNM6) today are down by -12 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +6.8 bp to 4.006%. June T-notes fell from a contract high and turned lower, and the 10-year T-note yield rebounded from an 11.75-month low of 3.922% and moved higher. T-notes initially rallied today on increased safe-haven demand as stock index futures sold off after the US attacked Iran. However, T-notes gave up their gains and turned lower after WTI crude oil soared to an 8.25-month high, which raised inflation expectations, as the 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a 1-week high of 2.300%.
European government bond yields are moving higher today. The 10-year German bund yield is up +5.8 bp to 2.701%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose to a 1-week high of 4.372% and is up +12.6 bp to 4.358%.
German Jan retail sales fell -0.9% m/m, weaker than expectations of unchanged m/m and the biggest decline in 19 months.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance of a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on March 19.
US Stock Movers
Airline stocks are under pressure today as crude oil prices surged by more than +8% to an 8.25-month high, which will boost jet fuel prices and potentially cut into airlines’ profits. American Airlines Group (AAL) is down more than -5%, and United Airlines Holdings (UAL) is down more than -3%. Also, Delta Air Lines (DAL), Alaska Air Group (ALK), and Southwest Airlines (LUV) are down more than -2%.
Cruise line operators are sliding today, led by a -10% decline in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) after forecasting full-year EPS of $2.38, weaker than the consensus of $2.59. Also, Carnival (CCL) is down more than -10%, Viking Holdings Ltd (VIK) is down more than -7%, and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL) is down more than -5%.
Defense stocks are moving higher today as the war in Iran boosts their earnings prospects. Aerovironment (AVAV) is up more than +15%. Northrop Grumman (NOC) and RTX Corp (RTX) are up more than +3%. Lockheed Martin (LMT) and L3Harris Technologies (LHX) are up more than +2%. Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) and General Dynamics (GD) are up more than +1%.
Energy producers and energy service providers are rallying today with WTI crude (CLJ26) up more than +8% at an 8.25-month high. ConocoPhillips (COP) and Marathon Petroleum (MPC) are up more than +3%. Also, Exxon Mobil(XOM) and Valero Energy (VLO) are up more than +2%. In addition, APA Corp (APA), Devon Energy (DVN), Diamondback Energy (FANG), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), and Phillips 66 (PSX) are up more than +1%,
UniQure (QURE) is down more than -40% after US regulators said the company should conduct a pivotal study before getting approval for its gene therapy for Huntington’s disease.
AES Corp (AES) is down more than -17% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after agreeing to be acquired by a consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners and EQT for $15 per share in cash.
Elevance Health (ELV) is down more than -2% after it said the US government plans to suspend enrollment in its Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans as of March 31, unless compliance issues are resolved.
RadNet (RDNT) is up more than +4% after reporting Q4 revenue of $547.7 million, better than the consensus of $515.4 million.
EchoStar Corp (SATS) is up more than +1% after reporting Q4 revenue of $3.80 billion, above the consensus of $3.77 billion.
Earnings Reports(3/2/2026)
AAON Inc (AAON), ADT Inc (ADT), AES Corp/The (AES), AST SpaceMobile Inc (ASTS), Ingram Micro Holding Corp (INGM), MongoDB Inc (MDB), Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), Sealed Air Corp (SEE), Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Retreat as the US Attacks Iran

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF (Symbol: IYH) where we have detected an approximate $82.8 million dollar outflow -- that's a 2.4% decrease week over week (from 51,700,000 to 50,450,000). Among the largest underlying components of IYH, in trading today HCA Healthcare Inc (Symbol: HCA) is off about 2.1%, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Symbol: REGN) is off about 0.2%, and Elevance Health Inc (Symbol: ELV) is lower by about 2.8%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the IYH Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of IYH, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, IYH's low point in its 52 week range is $53.35 per share, with $67.63 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $66.09. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Also see:
Monthly Dividend Paying REITs
OPI market cap history
Funds Holding SF
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Notable ETF Outflow Detected - IYH, HCA, REGN, ELV

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated’s UNH health benefits arm, UnitedHealthcare, remains the company’s primary revenue engine, yet profitability pressures continue to weigh on investor sentiment. Although the segment’s revenues climbed 15.7% in 2025 to $344.9 billion, adjusted operating earnings fell sharply by 41.1% to $9.6 billion, reflecting reduced Medicare funding and persistently elevated medical cost trends.
Margins compressed significantly. Adjusted operating margin declined to 2.8% from 5.4% a year earlier. The medical care ratio rose to 89.1% from 85.5%, signaling higher spending on patient care. For 2026, management projects the ratio in the 88.3–89.3% range, supported by repricing actions aimed at offsetting cost pressures. Operating earnings are expected to rebound to more than $10.8 billion.
UnitedHealthcare served 49.8 million individuals in 2025, up just 0.8% year over year. However, Commercial Risk Based enrollment declined 7.7%. Looking ahead, total medical membership is projected within 46.945 – 47.495 million in 2026, reflecting declines across commercial risk, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans.
Revenue guidance also signals caution. The 2026 total revenue outlook of more than $439 billion compares unfavorably with $447.6 billion in 2025, marking what would be the first annual revenue contraction in decades.
Further uncertainty stems from a proposed 0.09% increase in 2027 Medicare Advantage payment rates, well below expectations. Given that Medicare Advantage represents nearly half of UnitedHealthcare’s revenues, reimbursement trends remain a critical variable. As such, the company is expected to continue its repricing and cost-curbing efforts and streamline operations from less profitable businesses.
Peers Struggle as Medical Cost Pressures Intensify
UnitedHealth’s peers like Centene Corporation CNC and Elevance Health, Inc. ELV are also feeling the pressure from escalating medical costs.
Centene’s 2025 health benefits ratio rose to 91.9%, deteriorating 360 basis points year over year, driven by a sharp 25.5% jump in medical expenses, partially offset by Medicaid rate hikes. Elevance is also facing cost strain, with its benefit expense ratio increasing 150 basis points to 90% in 2025. Meanwhile, the Health Benefits unit’s adjusted operating margin slid to 2.5%, a 170-basis-point decline. These results signal widespread margin pressure and volatility across the managed care landscape.
UnitedHealth’s Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates
Shares of UNH have lost 19.7% over the past month compared with the industry’s decline of 14.9%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, UnitedHealth trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15.67, still up from the industry average of 14.09. UNH carries a Value Score of A.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UnitedHealth’s 2025 earnings is pegged at $17.69 per share, implying an 8.2% improvement from the year-ago period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

UnitedHealthcare Under Pressure: Can UNH's Core Business Rebound?

Select Medical Holdings Corporation SEM reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 16 cents, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 31.6%. The bottom line declined 11.1% year over year.
Net operating revenues advanced 6.4% year over year to $1.4 billion. The top line beat the consensus mark by 2.6%.
The quarterly earnings suffered due to an elevated expense level, a decline in patient days exerted pressure on profitability in the Critical Illness Recovery Hospital segment and lower revenue per visit did the same for the Outpatient Rehabilitation unit. However, the downside was partially offset by solid revenue growth in the Rehabilitation Hospital segment, driven by higher admissions and improved occupancy.
Select Medical Holdings Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Select Medical Holdings Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Select Medical Holdings Corporation Quote
Select Medical’s Q4 Performance
Total costs and expenses were $1.3 billion, which increased 3.2% year over year and came higher than our estimate by 3.9%. The year-over-year rise was due to higher costs of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization.
Adjusted EBITDA declined 9.8% year over year to $104.7 million and missed our estimate of $126.7 million.
Select Medical’s Segmental Update
Critical Illness Recovery Hospital
The segment recorded revenues of $629.7 million in the fourth quarter, which grew 4.9% year over year, and surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate and our estimate of $613.3 million. The unit benefited on the back of a 3% year-over-year increase in admissions and a 5.9% rise in revenue per patient day. Patient days slipped 1% year over year. The occupancy rate remained flat year over year at 67%.
Adjusted EBITDA advanced 5.3% year over year to $66.4 million but fell short of the consensus mark and our estimate of $106.1 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.5% remained constant year over year.
Rehabilitation Hospital
The unit’s revenues rose 15.2% year over year to $339.2 million, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate and our estimate of $326.9 million. The favorable performance stemmed from year-over-year increases of 9.6% and 9.8%, respectively, in admissions and patient days. The occupancy rate was 82%, which improved 120 bps year over year in the quarter under review.
Adjusted EBITDA improved 11.1% year over year to $69.2 million, which beat the consensus mark and our estimate of $35.1 million. However, the adjusted EBITDA margin of 20.4% deteriorated 80 bps year over year.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Revenues totaled $324.6 million in the segment, which rose 1.6% year over year, and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate and our estimate of $318.1 million. The unit’s performance was aided by a 4.9% year-over-year increase in visits. Revenue per visit dipped 3.9% year over year.
Adjusted EBITDA tumbled 57.9% year over year to $11.2 million and lagged the consensus mark and our estimate of $41.4 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin of 3.4% deteriorated 490 bps year over year.
Select Medical’s Financial Position (As of Dec. 31, 2025)
Select Medical exited the fourth quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $26.5 million, which fell 55.6% from the 2024-end level.
Total assets of $5.9 billion increased 4.3% from the 2024-end figure.
Long-term debt, net of the current portion, amounted to $1.8 billion, up 6.6% from the figure as of Dec. 31, 2024.
Total equity of $2 billion inched up 1.5% from the 2024-end level.
Select Medical generated net cash from operations of $64.3 million in the reported quarter, which fell 48.7% year over year.
Select Medical’s Share Repurchase & Dividend Update
Select Medical bought back shares worth around $96.5 million in 2025.
On Feb. 12, 2026, management approved a cash dividend of 6.25 cents per share, which will be paid out on March 12 to its shareholders of record as of March 2.
Select Medical’s 2026 Outlook
Management expects revenues within $5.6-$5.8 billion, the mid-point of which represents a 3.6% increase from the 2025 figure.
Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $520 million and $540 million. EPS is anticipated to be within $1.22-$1.32.
Interest expense is projected to be at $118 million, while depreciation and amortization is estimated at $146 million.
SEM’s Zacks Rank
SEM currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
How Did Peers Perform?
Several companies in the Medical space, including The Cigna Group CI, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated UNH and Elevance Health, Inc. ELV, have already reported their financial results for the December quarter of 2025. Here’s how they had performed:
Cigna reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of $8.08, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.7%. The bottom line advanced 22% year over year. The results benefited on the back of strong results from its Evernorth Health Services segment, driven by new business and client relationship expansion, Pharmacy Benefit Services’ strength and improved specialty volumes. However, the upside was partly offset by a decline in Cigna’s medical customers following divestitures to Health Care Services Corporation and an elevated expense level.
UnitedHealth reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of $2.11, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.09. However, the bottom line fell 69% from the year-ago period. The earnings were aided by growth in commercial fee-based membership and the strength witnessed in Optum Rx. However, UnitedHealth’s elevated medical costs and declining risk-based membership partially offset the positives.
Elevance reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of $3.33, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.3%. The bottom line rose 3.1% year over year. The earnings benefited on the back of strong growth in premiums. Segment-wise, the Carelon division posted a robust revenue surge, aided by buyout and scaling risk-based services, while Health Benefits saw increased premium yields and Medicare Advantage membership growth. However, the upside was partly offset by a decline in Elevance’s overall medical membership and an elevated expense level.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Elevance Health, Inc.

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