CVS Health Option Alert: Fri $50 Calls Sweep (6) near the Bid: 350 vs 7628 OI

CVS Health Option Alert: Fri $50 Calls Sweep (6) near the Bid: 350 @ $15.3 vs 7628 OI; Ref=$65.26

CVS Health Option Alert: Mar 21 $52.5 Calls at the Ask: 500 vs 5506 OI

CVS Health Option Alert: Mar 21 $52.5 Calls at the Ask: 500 @ $14.3 vs 5506 OI; Ref=$66.475

CVS Health Option Alert: Jan, 2026 $65 Puts at the Bid: 2000 vs 5799 OI

CVS Health Option Alert: Jan, 2026 $65 Puts at the Bid: 2000 @ $6.65 vs 5799 OI; Ref=$66.23

CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) Stock

CVS Health

CVS Health offers a diverse set of healthcare services. Its roots are in its retail pharmacy operations, where it operates over 9,000 stores primarily in the us. CVS is also a large pharmacy benefit manager (acquired through Caremark), processing about 2 billion adjusted claims annually. It also operates a top-tier health insurer (acquired through Aetna) where it serves about 26 million medical members. The company's recent acquisition of Oak Street adds primary care services to the mix, which could have significant synergies with all its existing business lines.

Unitedhealthcare,Headquarters,In,Minnetonka,,Minnesota,,Usa,,May,5,,2023.,Unitedhealthcare

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The Justice Department is investigating UnitedHealth&#39;s Medicare billing practices, focusing on diagnoses that led to higher federal payments. The probe follows reports that the company received billions for questionable diagnoses in its Medicare Advantage plans.

DOJ Investigates UnitedHealth, Probe Accuses Of Inflating Medicare Diagnoses


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In the last week, these 13 large-cap stocks were top performers. Are they in your portfolio? HIMS, AUR, APP, SMCI, TEM, DKNG, INTC, MNDY, BROS, CVS, BABA, AAPL, ABNB.

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CVS Health Corp

Morgan Stanley ETF Trust Calvert Ultra-Short Investment Grade ETF

CARDIOVASCULAR SCI INC by Cardiovascular Sciences, Inc.

Morgan Stanley ETF Trust Calvert US Select Equity ETF

CVS Group PLC

CIVITAS SOCIAL HSG PLC by CIVITAS SOCIAL HSG PLC

CV Sciences Inc

COVISTA COMMUNS INC by Covista Communications, Inc,

Covista Communications Inc

CONVERGENCE SYS INC CL A by Convergence Systems Inc.

Convergence Systems Inc

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on CVS Health. Our analysis of options history for CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) revealed 8 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 25% of traders were bullish, while 62% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 6 were puts, with a value of $282,069, and 2 were calls, valued at $56,340.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $50.0 to $65.0 for CVS Health over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for CVS Health's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of CVS Health's whale trades within a strike price range from $50.0 to $65.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>CVS Health Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740153631_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/28/25</td>
<td>$0.84</td>
<td>$0.6</td>
<td>$0.84</td>
<td>$64.00</td>
<td>$100.9K</td>
<td>703</td>
<td align="right">102</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$5.6</td>
<td>$5.25</td>
<td>$5.6</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$43.6K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$7.1</td>
<td>$5.6</td>
<td>$5.7</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$35.9K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$0.57</td>
<td>$0.5</td>
<td>$0.57</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$35.2K</td>
<td>6.8K</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$4.0</td>
<td>$3.85</td>
<td>$3.95</td>
<td>$62.50</td>
<td>$34.3K</td>
<td>873</td>
<td align="right">265</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About CVS Health</h3>
CVS Health offers a diverse set of healthcare services. Its roots are in its retail pharmacy operations, where it operates over 9,000 stores primarily in the us. CVS is also a large pharmacy benefit manager (acquired through Caremark), processing about 2 billion adjusted claims annually. It also operates a top-tier health insurer (acquired through Aetna) where it serves about 26 million medical members. The company's recent acquisition of Oak Street adds primary care services to the mix, which could have significant synergies with all its existing business lines.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with CVS Health, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>CVS Health's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 4,301,321, the price of CVS is down -1.51% at $64.11. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 68 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On CVS Health</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $75.6.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Leerink Partners upgraded its action to Outperform with a price target of $75. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Barclays persists with their Overweight rating on CVS Health, maintaining a target price of $73. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wells Fargo has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on CVS Health, which currently sits at a price target of $73. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from JP Morgan continues to hold a Overweight rating for CVS Health, targeting a price of $81. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Truist Securities continues to hold a Buy rating for CVS Health, targeting a price of $76. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest CVS Health options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Markets

Behind the Scenes of CVS Health's Latest Options Trends

The Justice Department has reportedly launched a civil fraud investigation into UnitedHealth Group Inc&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) Medicare billing practices.
The probe began in recent months and will examine UnitedHealth&#8217;s Medicare Advantage plans and physician groups following reports that the company received billions in federal payments for questionable diagnoses.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43065141/analysts-maintain-optimism-for-unitedhealth-despite-mixed-q4-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">UnitedHealth&#8217;s Strong Member Loyalty Powers Analyst Growth Forecasts</a>
The insurance giant is already under scrutiny. In January, the Federal Trade Commission released a second interim staff report detailing significant price markups on specialty generic drugs by&nbsp;UnitedHealth&#8217;s pharmacy benefit management unit along with&nbsp;CVS Health Corp.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) CVS Caremark and&nbsp;Cigna Corp.&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43010888/ftc-says-unitedhealth-cvs-cigna-make-billions-via-pbms-on-specialty-drugs" rel="noreferrer noopener">Express Scripts</a>.
The Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/unitedhealth-medicare-doj-diagnosis-investigation-66b9f1db?mod=latest_headlines" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> that Medicare paid UnitedHealth substantial sums based on diagnoses added to patients&#8217; records, some of which doctors said were irrelevant or undocumented.
The WSJ report&#8217;s analysis of Medicare data from 2019 to 2021 found that UnitedHealth-employed doctors significantly increased the number of lucrative diagnoses for patients in the company&#8217;s Medicare Advantage plans.
Additionally, some diagnoses were added without physician treatment, including through in-home nurse visits, leading to an extra $8.7 billion in federal payments in 2021.
Each visit by UnitedHealth-employed nurses was valued at an average of $2,735 in additional government reimbursements.
The WSJ report added that UnitedHealth has defended its Medicare billing practices, arguing that they lead to more accurate diagnoses, improve patient care, and reduce healthcare costs. The company has previously stated that it performs well in Medicare audits and has disputed the Journal&#8217;s findings.
UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurers in the U.S. with over 50 million members, has faced ongoing criticism over its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42365853/unitedhealthcare-faces-tough-questions-following-insurance-business-ceos-tragic-death" rel="noreferrer noopener">claim denial practices</a>.
A Senate investigation earlier this year concluded that Medicare Advantage providers, including UnitedHealthcare, intentionally denied claims to increase profits.
As per a recent media report, UnitedHealthcare, the insurance arm of&nbsp;UnitedHealth, is reportedly offering some employees in its benefits operations unit a chance to take a buyout if they <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43829064/unitedhealthcare-offers-voluntary-buyouts-possible-layoffs-if-targets-not-met-cnbc" rel="noreferrer noopener">resign by March 3</a>.
In a social media <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/BillAckman/status/1892912458840547554" rel="noreferrer noopener">post</a>, investor Bill Ackman said,&#8221; When a company, in this case United Healthcare, attacks its critics, the probability that it has committed fraud or is guilty of a crime increases substantially.&#8221;
&#8220;My psychological short here is paying off and I would avoid this stock,&#8221; Ackman added.
Price Action: UNH stock was down 10.2% at $451.36&nbsp;during the premarket session at the last check on Friday.
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Photo by JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock.com

WIIM

CVS Health shares are trading higher after Director Michael Mahoney disclosed the purchase of 30,000 shares at an average price of $66.70 per share.

Insider Trades

CVS Director, Michael Mahoney, Buys 30,000 Shares At Average Price Of $66.70/Share

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. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<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>AZN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$77.50</td>
<td>$27.5K</td>
<td>206</td>
<td>6.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EYPT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$5.00</td>
<td>$49.7K</td>
<td>431</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TMDX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$37.1K</td>
<td>475</td>
<td>384</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GILD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/07/25</td>
<td>$108.00</td>
<td>$38.3K</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>339</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$162.5K</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
<td>222</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$110.4K</td>
<td>5.0K</td>
<td>183</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$28.4K</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>136</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WGS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$257.3K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>134</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DHR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$106.5K</td>
<td>203</td>
<td>95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$550.00</td>
<td>$171.4K</td>
<td>710</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding AZN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 213 day(s) on September 19, 2025. Parties traded 62 contract(s) at a $77.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.5K, with a price of $445.0 per contract. There were 206 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 6063 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For EYPT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EYPT#NASDAQ">EYPT</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 332 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 500 contract(s) at a $5.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 18 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $49.7K, with a price of $95.0 per contract. There were 431 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1002 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TMDX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMDX#NASDAQ">TMDX</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 304 day(s) on December 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 24 contract(s) at a $100.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.1K, with a price of $1553.0 per contract. There were 475 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 384 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For GILD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 17 day(s) on March 7, 2025. This event was a transfer of 276 contract(s) at a $108.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $38.3K, with a price of $139.0 per contract. There were 45 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 339 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TEM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEM#NASDAQ">TEM</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 332 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $162.5K, with a price of $3250.0 per contract. There were 3527 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 222 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 call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 332 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 96 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $110.4K, with a price of $1150.0 per contract. There were 5079 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 183 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding WST (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WST#NYSE">WST</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 213 day(s) on September 19, 2025. Parties traded 16 contract(s) at a $240.00 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 $28.4K, with a price of $1780.0 per contract. There were 5 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 136 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding WGS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WGS#NASDAQ">WGS</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 3 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 83 contract(s) at a $75.00 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 $257.3K, with a price of $3100.0 per contract. There were 1316 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 134 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding DHR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DHR#NYSE">DHR</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 213 day(s) on September 19, 2025. Parties traded 82 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 26 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $106.5K, with a price of $1300.0 per contract. There were 203 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 95 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 3 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 40 contract(s) at a $550.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $171.4K, with a price of $4285.0 per contract. There were 710 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 66 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.

EYPT

GILD

TMDX

10 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

JP Morgan analyst Lisa Gill maintains CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $80 to $81.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

JP Morgan Maintains Overweight on CVS Health, Raises Price Target to $81

These thirteen large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Hims &amp; Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>) stock escalated 42.12% last week. The stock may have gained amid momentum following its Super Bowl ad.</li>
<li>Aurora Innovation, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AUR#NASDAQ">AUR</a>) stock jumped 41.53% after the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43675203" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported fourth-quarter results</a>. </li>
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<li>Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEM#NASDAQ">TEM</a>) stock increased 29.70% after the company announced a collaboration with IFLI for the development of targeted therapies for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43701711" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">follicular lymphoma patients</a>.</li>
<li>DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DKNG#NASDAQ">DKNG</a>) shares rose 26.51% after the company reported better-than-expected results and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43714236" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised its FY25 revenue guidance</a>. Canaccord Genuity analyst Michael Graham maintained a Buy rating and raised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/dkng/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $54 to $60</a>.</li>
<li>Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) stock gained 23.56%, possibly on continued strength amid market <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43723036" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">optimism toward its 18A process node</a>.</li>
<li>Monday.com Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MNDY#NASDAQ">MNDY</a>) stock increased 23.33% after the company reported better-than-expected earnings for its fiscal fourth quarter, and several <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43622049" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts revised their price forecasts</a>.</li>
<li>Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BROS#NYSE">BROS</a>) stock upped 22.75% after the company reported better-than-expected financial results for the fourth quarter. Several <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43704124" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts raised price forecasts</a>.</li>
<li>CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) shares rose 21.88% after the company reported fourth-quarter results, and several <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43709040" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysts upgraded or revised their forecasts</a>.</li>
<li>Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) stock gained 20.50% last week <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43631776" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">after reports</a> of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) partnership to develop AI features for iPhone users in China.</li>
<li>Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABNB#NASDAQ">ABNB</a>) shares upped 19.59% after the company reported upbeat fourth-quarter results and analysts boosted the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43736004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
</ol>
Image via Shutterstock

Third Point Dissolves Share Stake In CVS Health Corp

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. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<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>RXRX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$8.00</td>
<td>$26.6K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>4.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$95.5K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$192.0K</td>
<td>55</td>
<td>286</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EXAS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$153.7K</td>
<td>609</td>
<td>250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$26.1K</td>
<td>2.6K</td>
<td>216</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SWTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$56.0K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>201</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$40.1K</td>
<td>13.3K</td>
<td>156</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ARWR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$27.4K</td>
<td>385</td>
<td>110</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WGS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$77.50</td>
<td>$35.0K</td>
<td>176</td>
<td>46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SRPT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$35.6K</td>
<td>602</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For RXRX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RXRX#NASDAQ">RXRX</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 35 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 533 contract(s) at a $8.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 19 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.6K, with a price of $50.0 per contract. There were 2587 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4649 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MRNA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 336 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 500 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $95.5K, with a price of $191.0 per contract. There were 1849 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2000 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For WST (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WST#NYSE">WST</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 308 day(s) on December 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 40 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $192.0K, with a price of $4800.0 per contract. There were 55 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 286 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding EXAS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXAS#NASDAQ">EXAS</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 336 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 250 contract(s) at a $45.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $153.7K, with a price of $615.0 per contract. There were 609 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 250 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MRK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 154 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 39 contract(s) at a $85.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.1K, with a price of $670.0 per contract. There were 2690 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 216 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SWTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SWTX#NASDAQ">SWTX</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 7 day(s) on February 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $56.0K, with a price of $1120.0 per contract. There were 1300 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 201 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CVS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 35 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 59 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $40.1K, with a price of $680.0 per contract. There were 13329 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 156 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ARWR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARWR#NASDAQ">ARWR</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 126 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.4K, with a price of $276.0 per contract. There were 385 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 110 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding WGS (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WGS#NASDAQ">WGS</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 35 contract(s) at a $77.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.0K, with a price of $1000.0 per contract. There were 176 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 46 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SRPT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRPT#NASDAQ">SRPT</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 336 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 30 contract(s) at a $100.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.6K, with a price of $1177.0 per contract. There were 602 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 30 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 about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ARWR

EXAS

MRNA

RXRX

SRPT

SWTX

10 Health Care Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

During the last three months, 11 analysts shared their evaluations of CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), revealing diverse outlooks from bullish to bearish.
The table below summarizes their recent ratings, showcasing the evolving sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets, analyzed by analysts, offer insights with an average target of $69.55, a high estimate of $80.00, and a low estimate of $60.00. This current average has increased by 5.09% from the previous average price target of $66.18. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739480467_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown</h2>
The standing of CVS Health among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Baxter</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$73.00</td>
<td>$68.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Macdonald</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$76.00</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Mok</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$73.00</td>
<td>$71.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Cherny</td>
<td>Leerink Partners</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elizabeth Anderson</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Macdonald</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$67.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>George Hill</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$66.00</td>
<td>$66.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles Ryhee</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$73.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jessica Tassan</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$64.00</td>
<td>$72.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Macdonald</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$67.00</td>
<td>$76.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Baxter</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$66.00</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to CVS Health. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analyzing trends, analysts offer qualitative evaluations, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of CVS Health compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Understanding forecasts, analysts offer estimates for CVS Health's future value. Examining the current and prior targets provides insight into analysts' changing expectations.</li>
</ul>
Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into CVS Health's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CVS/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on CVS Health analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Get to Know CVS Health Better</h2>
CVS Health offers a diverse set of healthcare services. Its roots are in its retail pharmacy operations, where it operates over 9,000 stores primarily in the us. CVS is also a large pharmacy benefit manager (acquired through Caremark), processing about 2 billion adjusted claims annually. It also operates a top-tier health insurer (acquired through Aetna) where it serves about 26 million medical members. The company's recent acquisition of Oak Street adds primary care services to the mix, which could have significant synergies with all its existing business lines.
<h3>CVS Health's Economic Impact: An Analysis</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Above industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization emphasizes a noteworthy size, indicative of a strong market presence.
Revenue Growth: CVS Health displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 30 September, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 6.31%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Health Care sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 0.09%, the company may need to address challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): CVS Health's ROE lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns on equity capital. With an ROE of 0.12%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.03%, the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns from its assets.
Debt Management: CVS Health's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 1.1, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Beyond The Numbers: 11 Analysts Discuss CVS Health Stock

On Wednesday,&nbsp;CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) reported fourth-quarter sales of $97.71 billion, beating the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $97.19 billion</a>.
Total revenues increased 4.2%, driven by growth in the Health Care Benefits and Pharmacy &amp; Consumer Wellness segments, partially offset by a decline in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43655820/cvs-health-stock-surges-on-better-than-expected-q4-earnings-upbeat-annual-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">Health Services segment</a>.
The Medical benefit ratio increased from 88.5% to 94.8% compared to the prior year, driven by increased utilization, the unfavorable impact of the previously disclosed decline in the company&#8217;s Medicare Advantage star ratings for the 2024 payment year, and the impact of higher acuity in Medicaid.
Truist analyst noted that CVS Health&#8217;s fourth-quarter results were mostly better than expected, and the company provided strong guidance for 2025.
In its business segments, revenue projections for Health Services and Pharmacy &amp; Consumer exceeded expectations. However, the Health Care Benefits (HCB) segment fell short due to lower-than-expected membership growth.
Meanwhile, the medical benefit ratio (MBR) is expected to improve by 1 percentage point year-over-year, reaching at least 91.5%, which aligns with prior estimates and is slightly better than the 92.0% consensus.
Analyst David MacDonald writes CVS expects its Medicare Advantage (MA) margins to improve in 2025 from the negative 4.5% to 5.0% range seen in 2024, though they won&#8217;t break even yet. Management reaffirmed their long-term goal of a 3% to 5% margin.
For the overall business, CVS projects Health Care Benefits (HCB) margins to reach 1.5% in 2025, significantly lower than 5%+ in 2023 and 7% in 2022.
Management noted that each percentage point of HCB margin improvement adds about $0.75 to adjusted EPS, implying a $3 to $4 earnings boost if margins return to target levels over time.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41279374/cvs-health-positioned-for-medicare-margin-expansion-and-market-share-gains-says-bar" rel="noreferrer noopener">CostVantage is gaining traction</a>, with all commercial contracts using the model as of January 1, Truist writes. The company is also developing a cost-based approach for Medicare and Medicaid.
For 2025, revenue is projected to reach at least $134 billion, surpassing the previous estimate of $128 billion, driven by slightly higher prescription volumes (1.77 billion vs. 1.74 billion previously expected). The company sees 2025 as a transition year for CostVantage, with stronger growth potential in the future.
Finally, while leverage remains above the company&#8217;s long-term target, Truist expects better operational performance, especially at Aetna, to drive improvement over time.
The analyst maintains the Buy rating with an increased price forecast of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CVS/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">$76, up from $60</a>.
Other analyst reactions:
<ul>
<li>Leerink Partners upgrades CVS Health to Outperform rating, raising the price forecast to $75.</li>
<li>Barclays analyst Andrew Mok maintains CVS Health with an Overweight rating, raising the price forecast from $71 to $73.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo analyst Stephen Baxter maintains the Overweight rating on CVS Health while raising the price forecast from $68 to $73.</li>
</ul>
Price Action: CVS stock is up 5.77% at $66.97 at the last check on Thursday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43692752/brewing-company-molson-coors-q4-gets-boost-from-higher-pricing-stock-rises" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brewing Company Molson Coors Q4 Gets Boost From Higher Pricing, Stock Rises</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Around the World Photos via Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Earnings

Upgrades

CVS Health Gains Momentum After Q4 Performance, Analyst Upgrades Stock

CVS Health shares are trading higher after multiple firms raised their respective price targets on the stock and Leerink Partners upgraded its rating from Market Perform to Outperform. Additionally, the company may be moving on continued strength following a reported Q4 revenue and earnings beat on Wednesday.

Wells Fargo analyst Stephen Baxter maintains CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $68 to $73.

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on CVS Health, Raises Price Target to $73

CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) reported upbeat earnings for its fourth <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/cvs/earnings">quarter on Wednesday</a>.
The company posted fourth-quarter sales of $97.71 billion, beating the consensus of $97.19 billion.
Adjusted EPS of $1.19 decreased from $2.12 in the prior year, beating the consensus of $0.93, primarily due to a decline in the Health Care Benefits segment&#8217;s operating results, which reflect continued utilization pressure and the unfavorable impact of the Company&#8217;s Medicare Advantage star ratings for the 2024 payment year.
&#8220;Our integrated model allows us to uniquely deliver a simpler, connected experience that saves time, saves money, and improves health. We have continued to see growth in key areas of our business, including the Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness segment, while we address the industry-wide challenges that have impacted our Health Care Benefits segment. Through the continued dedication of our colleagues, we will be positioned for strong performance in 2025 as we deliver simply better care for consumers while improving outcomes and reducing costs.&#8221;
CVS Health said it expects fiscal year 2025 adjusted EPS of $5.75-$6.00 versus consensus of $5.96. The company expects GAAP EPS of $4.58 to $4.83, with cash flow from operations guidance of approximately $6.5 billion.
CVS Health shares gained 15% to close at $63.22 on Wednesday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on CVS Health following earnings announcement.
<ul>
<li>Leerink Partners analyst Michael Cherny upgraded CVS Health from Market Perform to Outperform and raised the price target from $55 to $75.</li>
<li>Barclays analyst Andrew Mok maintained CVS Health with an Overweight and boosted the price target from $71 to $73.</li>
<li>Truist Securities analyst David Macdonald maintained the stock with a Buy and raised the price target from $60 to $76.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying CVS stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="570" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13084530/image-120-1024x570.png" alt="" class="wp-image-781059" style="width:557px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13084530/image-120-1024x570.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13084530/image-120-300x167.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13084530/image-120-768x428.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13084530/image-120.png 1126w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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These Analysts Boost Their Forecasts On CVS Health Following Upbeat Earnings

Truist Securities analyst David Macdonald maintains CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $60 to $76.

Truist Securities Maintains Buy on CVS Health, Raises Price Target to $76

Barclays analyst Andrew Mok maintains CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $71 to $73.

Barclays Maintains Overweight on CVS Health, Raises Price Target to $73

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Leerink Partners analyst Michael Cherny upgraded the rating for CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) from Market Perform to Outperform and raised the price target from $55 to $75. CVS Health shares closed at $63.22 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CVS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Barclays analyst Duffy Fischer upgraded DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DD#NYSE">DD</a>) from Underweight to Equal-Weight and boosted the price target from $85 to $89. DuPont shares closed at $81.76 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DD/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo analyst Mohit Bansal upgraded the rating for Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JAZZ#NASDAQ">JAZZ</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raised the price target from $130 to $170. Jazz Pharmaceuticals shares closed at $135.44 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/JAZZ/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>UBS analyst Matthew Weston upgraded AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>) from Neutral to Buy. AstraZeneca shares closed at $74.43 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AZN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Morgan Stanley analyst Jeffrey Hung upgraded the rating for Cytokinetics, Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CYTK#NASDAQ">CYTK</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight but lowered the price target from $70 to $67. Cytokinetics shares closed at $42.18 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CYTL/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying AZN stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="574" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13073343/image-117-1024x574.png" alt="" class="wp-image-780826" style="width:608px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13073343/image-117-1024x574.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13073343/image-117-300x168.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13073343/image-117-768x431.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/13073343/image-117.png 1088w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Pre-Market Outlook

CYTK

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This AstraZeneca Analyst Turns Bullish; Here Are Top 5 Upgrades For Thursday

Leerink Partners analyst Michael Cherny upgrades CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) from Market Perform to Outperform and raises the price target from $55 to $75.

Leerink Partners Upgrades CVS Health to Outperform, Raises Price Target to $75

U.S. stock futures were mixed on Thursday after a hotter-than-expected January inflation print, which was released on Wednesday.
The S&amp;P 500 and Dow Jones declined in premarket, whereas Nasdaq 100 and Russell 2000 were up.
Traders await the headline and core producer price index data for January which will be released before the market opens.
The 10-year Treasury yield stood at 4.61%, while the two-year yield was at 4.34%. According to the CME Group's FedWatch <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">tool,</a> there is a 97.5% chance that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged for the March meeting. 
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Futures</td>
<td>Change (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>0.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>-0.03%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>-0.01%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>0.30%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) were mixed in premarket trading on Thursday. SPY fell 0.013% to $603.28, and QQQ was up 0.15% to $529.07, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
Cues From The Last Session
U.S. stocks mostly declined on Wednesday after January&#8217;s CPI exceeded expectations at 3% year-over-year and 0.5% monthly, which was the fastest pace of growth since August.
Materials, energy, and real estate sectors led losses, while consumer staples and communication services advanced.
Megacap tech like Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) fell, while Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) rebounded over 2% after a five-day losing streak. CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) surged 15% on strong earnings.
The Dow fell 225 points or 0.50% to 44,368.56, the S&amp;P 500 was down 0.27% and closed at 6,051.97, and the Nasdaq Composite was above the flatline by 0.031% at 19,649.95. Russell 2000 Index fell 0.87% to 2,255.89.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Index</td>
<td>Performance (+/-)</td>
<td>Value</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq Composite</td>
<td>0.031%</td>
<td>19,649.95</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>-0.27%</td>
<td>6,051.97</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>-0.50%</td>
<td>44,368.56</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>-0.87%</td>
<td>2,255.89</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Insights From Analysts
As President Donald Trump&#8216;s policies begin to take shape, Louis Navellier of Navellier &amp; Associates said that investors should not expect immediate action from the Federal Reserve, as the central bank is likely to remain on the sidelines until there is more clarity on which proposals will be enacted.
However, he said that despite the uncertainty surrounding Trump's new agenda, earnings remain strong, and consumer spending continues, suggesting positive momentum, though tempered with caution. As the details of the administration&#8217;s plans unfold, both the market and the Fed are likely to remain in a wait-and-see mode.
Ed Yardeni and Eric Wallerstein from Yardeni Research highlighted that the policy side effects of Trump 2.0 go beyond just Fed-related economic data, such as inflation and labor market reports. They pointed out that President Trump's announcement that Russia had agreed to start negotiations &#8220;immediately&#8221; to end the war in Ukraine provided a boost to stocks.
Talking about Wednesday&#8217;s CPI print, Subho Moulik, Founder &amp; CEO, Appreciate said that higher inflation could prompt policymakers in Washington to maintain a higher-for-longer stance—as seen in December 2024 when a marginal CPI beat reinforced the Fed's cautious approach.
&#8220;This hawkish tilt could push U.S. bond yields higher, strengthen the dollar, and trigger further capital outflows from emerging markets,&#8221; he added.
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Upcoming Economic Data
Here&#8217;s what investors will keep an eye on Thursday:
<ul>
<li>Initial jobless claims till Feb. 8 will be out at 8:30 a.m., ET.</li>
<li>The headline and core producer price index data for January will be released at 8:30 a.m., ET as well.</li>
</ul>
Stocks In Focus:
<ul>
<li>Deere &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DE#NYSE">DE</a>) was down 0.32% in premarket on Thursday ahead of its earnings, which will be released before the opening bell. Analysts expect it to report quarterly earnings of $3.11 per share on revenue of $7.70 billion.</li>
<li>GE Healthcare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEHC#NASDAQ">GEHC</a>) rose 0.13% as Wall Street expects it to report quarterly earnings of $1.26 per share on revenue of $5.33 billion before the opening bell.</li>
<li>Zebra Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZBRA#NASDAQ">ZBRA</a>) declined 0.26% ahead of its earnings, which will be released before the opening bell. Analysts expect it to report quarterly earnings of $3.94 per share on revenue of $1.32 billion.</li>
<li>Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) advanced 3.31% ahead of its earnings, which will be released after the closing bell. Analysts expect it to report quarterly earnings of $1.81 per share on revenue of $1.83 billion.</li>
<li>Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) was down 0.1% as Wall Street expects it to report quarterly earnings of $2.29 per share on revenue of $7.14 billion after the closing bell.</li>
<li>Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>) was up 5.97% after it reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and revealed an AI order pipeline of $700 million for the six months ended Jan. 25.</li>
<li>Fastly Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLY#NYSE">FSLY</a>) dropped 20.26% after it reported a fourth-quarter loss of 3 cents per share. Whereas, the quarterly revenue came in at $140.58 million, beating the $138.27 million analyst consensus estimate.</li>
<li>HubSpot Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUBS#NYSE">HUBS</a>) was higher by 5.74% after it reported stronger-than-expected results for its fourth quarter.</li>
</ul>
Commodities, Gold And Global Equity Markets:
Crude oil futures were trading lower in the early New York session by 1.42% to hover around $70.36 per barrel.
The gold spot index was up by 0.43% to $2,916.84 per ounce. The Dollar Index was down 0.3% at 107.615 level.
Asian markets were mixed on Thursday as India's S&amp;P BSE Sensex, Hong Kong's Hang Seng, and China's CSI 300 index declined. Australia's ASX 200, South Korea's Kospi, and Japan's Nikkei 225 index advanced. European markets were mostly higher in trade.
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Macro Notification

Market Summary

Futures

Treasuries

Economics

Federal Reserve

AMAT

AMZN

COIN

CSCO

FSLY

GEHC

GOOG

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HUBS

TSLA

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US Stocks Set For A Mixed Start Following Higher Inflation Print: Expert Says Earnings Remain Strong Despite Uncertainty

The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed a decline in the overall market sentiment, with the index in the &#8220;Fear&#8221; zone on Wednesday.
U.S. stocks settled mostly lower on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones index falling more than 200 points during the session following the release of inflation data.
The headline CPI rose 3% year over year in January, surpassing both December&#8217;s 2.9% reading and economist forecasts of 2.9%. On a monthly basis, inflation increased 0.5%, outpacing expectations of 0.3% and accelerating from December&#8217;s 0.4% gain. This marked the fastest monthly inflation rate since August 2023.
Shares of some megacap tech stocks, including Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) settled lower on Wednesday. However, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) shares jumped more than 2% during the session after the electric vehicle maker tumbled 6.3% on Tuesday, reaching oversold levels and extending its losing streak to five consecutive sessions.
CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) shares surged around 15% on Wednesday after the company reported better-than-expected results for its fourth quarter.
Most sectors on the S&amp;P 500 closed on a negative note, with materials, energy, and real estate stocks recording losses on Wednesday. However, consumer staples and communication services stocks bucked the overall market trend, closing the session higher.
The Dow Jones closed lower by around 225 points to 44,368.56 on Wednesday. The S&amp;P 500 fell 0.27% to 6,051.97, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.03% at 19,649.95 during Wednesday's session.
Investors are awaiting earnings results from Deere &amp; Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DE#NYSE">DE</a>), GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEHC#NASDAQ">GEHC</a>), and Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) today.
What Is CNN Business Fear &amp; Greed Index?
At a current reading of 43.8, the index remained in the &#8220;Fear&#8221; zone on Wednesday, versus a prior reading of 44.
The Fear &amp; Greed Index is a measure of the current market sentiment. It is based on the premise that higher fear exerts pressure on stock prices, while higher greed has the opposite effect. The index is calculated based on seven equal-weighted indicators. The index ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 represents maximum fear and 100 signals maximum greediness.
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Dow Dips More Than 200 Points Following Inflation Report, Megacap Tech Stocks Edge Lower: Greed Index In 'Fear' Zone

Press Releases

CVS Pharmacy achieves CVS CostVantage milestone

CVS Health supporting customers, patients, members and colleagues amid California wildfires

CVS Health to hold fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings conference call

CVS Health Foundation grants $4 million as part of its new healthy aging initiative

CVS INVESTIGATION INITIATED by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates the Officers and Directors of CVS Health Corporation - CVS

Introducing the CVS Health® app: Your go-to companion for health & wellness

Twentyeight Health and Aetna Better Health® of Illinois Collaborate to Expand Member Access to Sexual and Reproductive Telehealth Services

CVS HEALTH CORPORATION REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR 2024 RESULTS

Ed DeVaney named President of CVS Caremark

Thermo Fisher Scientific Elects New Director to Board

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Date	Put/Call	Strike Price	Exp Date	DTE	Trade Vol	Day Vol	Vol / OI	OI	Trade Type	Sentiment
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