Latest news for Amedisys (NASDAQ:AMED) Stock

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

UnitedHealth shares have declined 5.3% over the past week. The company faces a significant legal challenge to its $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys.

What&#39;s Going On With UnitedHealth Stock?

UnitedHealth (UNH)

Large Cap

Health Care

Legal

General

An aging U.S. population is increasing demand for home health care. The Optum-Amedisys merger, with divestitures to VitalCaring, aims to balance growth and competition.

UnitedHealth&#39;s Optum Defends Multi-Billion Dollar Amedisys Deal, Ensures Competitive Landscape

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Movers

UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) shares are trading lower Tuesday. The U.S. Justice Department is moving to block the company&#39;s multi-billion acquisition of Amedisys Inc (NASDAQ:AMED).

Justice Department Moves To Block UnitedHealth&#39;s Amedisys Takeover: What&#39;s Going On?

Amedisys Inc

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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.
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<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
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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

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>

Markets

Trading Ideas

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

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

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.

Reiteration

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

William Blair analyst Matt Larew downgrades Amedisys (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform.

William Blair Downgrades Amedisys to Market Perform

Amedisys (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.03 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.02 by 0.98 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $571.400 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $565.380 million by 1.06 percent. This is a 2.70 percent increase over sales of $556.389 million the same period last year.

Amedisys Q1 2024 Adj EPS $1.03 Beats $1.02 Estimate, Sales $571.400M Beat $565.380M Estimate

Raymond James analyst John Ransom maintains Amedisys (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) from Market Perform to Market Perform.

Raymond James Maintains Market Perform on Amedisysto Market Perform

RBC Capital analyst Ben Hendrix maintains Amedisys (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $97 to $100.

RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on Amedisys, Raises Price Target to $100

Amedisys (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.940 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $1.030 by 8.74 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $570.800 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $567.713 million by 0.54 percent. This is a 1.55 percent increase over sales of $562.064 million the same period last year.

Amedisys Q4 2023 Adj EPS $0.940 Misses $1.030 Estimate, Sales $570.800M Beat $567.713M Estimate

Amedisys (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.94 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $1.03 by 8.74 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $570.80 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $567.71 million by 0.54 percent. This is a 1.55 percent increase over sales of $562.06 million the same period last year.

Amedisys Q4 2023 Adj EPS $0.94 Misses $1.03 Estimate, Sales $570.80M Beat $567.71M Estimate

Amedisys, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMED#NASDAQ">AMED</a>), a leading provider of home health, hospice and high-acuity care in the home, is now offering advanced molecular testing to its care centers nationwide. This innovative collaboration with Patient Choice Laboratories utilizes molecular testing for the swift and precise identification of pathogens in urine, respiratory and wound infections. By leveraging the latest in diagnostic technology, Amedisys aims to improve the quality of infection testing, ultimately facilitating better patient care and outcomes. &nbsp;
Advanced molecular testing revolutionizes the diagnosis and management of infections, as it delivers rapid and precise results, ultimately enabling quicker initiation of appropriate treatment interventions. With improved accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, molecular testing significantly enhances the ability to identify infectious pathogens, supporting timely and targeted care strategies.
"We are excited to integrate molecular testing capabilities into our infection diagnosis protocols," states Cyndi Shook, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations at Amedisys. "This advancement represents a significant step in our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality of care to our patients. By leveraging the latest in diagnostic technology, we can further enhance the accuracy and speed of infection testing, allowing us to tailor treatment plans to the individual needs of each patient."
"Patients Choice Laboratories is excited to partner with Amedisys, one of the leaders in the home health industry, in an effort to improve outcomes for patients suffering from infectious diseases," said Brad Moss, President at Patients Choice Laboratories. "Our automated pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processes in molecular technologies provide the necessary clinical decision support so that treatments are targeted and successful."
"According to the CDC, more than one-third of deaths of people over the age of 65 are caused by infectious diseases, thus making turnaround time critical so that the most appropriate treatment(s) are deployed in the early stages of infection," added Thomas Payne, Chief Operations Officer at Patients Choice Laboratories. "Molecular testing provides the speed and accuracy needed to detect pathogens across our entire infectious disease platform."
"Our partnership with Patient Choice Laboratories aligns seamlessly with our dedication to delivering exceptional care and optimizing patient outcomes," added Barbara Andazola, Vice President of Clinical Practice, Strategy and Programs at Amedisys. "By incorporating molecular testing into our infection diagnosis protocols, we are empowering our care teams to provide more accurate and effective treatments, ultimately reducing the impact of infections and preventing related hospitalizations."
Amedisys has implemented comprehensive protocols and training to ensure seamless integration of molecular testing into its care centers. The rollout of this innovative approach to infection diagnosis underscores the organization's commitment to staying at the forefront of healthcare advancements and technology, ultimately providing its patients with the highest standard of care and support.
For more information about Amedisys Home Health and its advanced molecular testing capabilities, please visit <a href="http://www.amedisys.com/">www.amedisys.com</a>.

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Amedisys Offers Molecular Testing For Rapid And Accurate Infection Diagnosis In Collaboration With Patient Choice Laboratories

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