DaVita (NYSE:DVA) Stock

DaVita

DaVita is the largest provider of dialysis services in the United States, boasting market share that eclipses 35% when measured by both patients and clinics. The firm operates over 3,000 facilities worldwide, mostly in the US, and treats about 250,000 patients globally each year. Government payers dominate US dialysis reimbursement. DaVita receives about two thirds of US sales at government (primarily Medicare) reimbursement rates, with the remainder coming from commercial insurers. While commercial insurers represent only about 10% of the US patients treated, they represent nearly all of the profits generated by DaVita in the US dialysis business.

From He’s Making A ‘Big Mistake’ To No Need To Convince Him, Here’s How Crypto’s Wealthiest Man Shifted Stance On Bitcoin Critic Warren Buffett

News

Markets

Tech

Warren Buffett&#39;s investment firm, Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: BRK.B), has offloaded a 2% stake in dialysis service provider, DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA). The transaction, executed between February 14 and 19, is valued at around $116 million.

Warren Buffett&#39;s Berkshire Hathaway Sells $116M Shares Of Dialysis Giant DaVita, Cuts Stake By 2%

Santa,Clara,,California,-,April,26,,2018:,Applied,Materials,Offices

Pre-Market Outlook

Movers

Trading Ideas

AMAT

INFA

MRNA

SLSR

SOUN

STVN

TWLO

Applied Materials, Informatica, Clearwater Paper And Other Big Stocks Moving Lower In Friday&#39;s Pre-Market Session

Market Manipulation and Rising Costs

Equities

Health Care

The shares of DaVita Inc.(NYSE: DVA) plunged 10.2% in pre-market hours trading on Friday after Berkshire Hathaway trimmed its stake in the company. The dialysis provider also issued a weak outlook for 2025 as it announced its results after the market close on Thursday. 

DaVita Plunges Over 10% In Friday Pre-Market After Warren Buffett Cuts Stake In One Of Berkshire Hathaway&#39;s Longest-Held Investments

DaVita Inc

BrandywineGLOBAL-Dynamic US Large Cap Value ETF

Dovarri Inc

Dynavax Technologies Corporation - Common Stock

Dynavax Technologies Corp

Warren Buffett&#8216;s investment firm, Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>), has offloaded a 2% stake in dialysis service provider, DaVita Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>). The transaction, executed between February 14 and 19, is valued at around $116 million.
What Happened: A Form 4 filing with the&nbsp;U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission&nbsp;(SEC) on Wednesday night revealed that Berkshire Hathaway sold 750,000 DaVita shares, in multiple batches, bringing its stake in the company down to 35.14 million shares, or approximately 44%. This follows a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/43721022/warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-sells-nearly-36-million-worth-of-dialysis-giant-davitas-shares-amid-q4-earnings-beat">previous sale of 203,091 shares </a>on February 11, which reduced Berkshire&#8217;s ownership to 45%.
The latest transaction is categorized as an insider trade, differing from the earlier trade&nbsp;related to a share buyback&nbsp;agreement. These sales are a part of Berkshire&#8217;s continuous portfolio management approach, but the real reason behind the sale has not been disclosed. 
Despite the recent sales, the Buffet-led company continues to be a majority owner of DaVita, holding 35.14 million shares worth approximately $5.4 billion. According to Reuters, Berkshire has been a DaVita investor since the last quarter of 2011.
SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43874379/dogecoin-millionaire-pushes-conviction-plays-like-pepe-like-theres-no-tomorrow-best-time-to-start-buying">Dogecoin &#8216;Millionaire&#8217; Pushes &#8216;Conviction Plays&#8217; Like PEPE Like There&#8217;s No Tomorrow: &#8216;Best Time To Start Buying&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: The recent sale of DaVita shares by Berkshire Hathaway follows a previous sale on February 11 which brought Berkshire&#8217;s stake in the company down to 45%.
On February 14, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/02/43725529/davita-plunges-over-10-in-friday-pre-market-after-warren-buffett-cuts-stake-in-one-of-berkshire-hathaways-longest-held-investments">DaVita's stock price dropped over 11% following</a> the company&#8217;s earnings beat but a disappointing outlook for Fiscal 2025. The company projected full-year EPS between $10.20 and $11.30, falling short of the analysts&#8217; average expectation of $11.44. &nbsp;
Shortage of intravenous fluid, elevated mortality rates, and regulatory changes are some of the challenges that the company has been grappling with recently. Javier Rodriquez, CEO of DaVita acknowledged the challenges and stated, &#8220;Despite a year with unique hurdles, we finished strong in 2024, producing full year adjusted operating income and adjusted EPS in the top half of our guidance range.&#8221;
Meanwhile, according to StreetInsider, Bernstein SocGen Group analyst Lisa Bedell Clive stated &#8216;We View the Results as Negative&#8217;. She reinforced a &#8216;Market Perform&#8217; rating and a price target of $184.00 on DaVita stock. 
That said, the shares of the kidney dialysis provider surged more than 20% over the past 12 months. 
<ul>
<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/25/02/43872677/alibaba-cfo-toby-xu-touts-5-drop-in-share-count-thanks-to-aggressive-buybacks-as-jack-ma-founded-company-basks-in-stellar-q3-results">Alibaba CFO Toby Xu Touts 5% Drop In Share Count Thanks To Aggressive Buybacks As Jack Ma-Founded Company Basks In Stellar Q3 Results</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Sells $116M Shares Of Dialysis Giant DaVita, Cuts Stake By 2%

Barclays analyst Andrew Mok maintains DaVita (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $164 to $169.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on DaVita, Raises Price Target to $169

U.S. stock futures were lower this morning, with the Dow futures falling over 100 points on Friday.
Shares of Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) fell sharply in today's pre-market trading after the company issued second-quarter revenue guidance <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/02/43715360/applied-materials-stock-slides-after-q1-report-weak-q2-revenue-guidance">below estimates</a>.
Applied Materials reported quarterly earnings of $2.38 per share which beat the $2.29 analyst consensus estimate. Quarterly revenue came in at $7.17 billion, beating the $7.14 billion consensus estimate. The company sees second-quarter earnings of $2.30 per share, plus or minus 18 cents, versus the $2.30 estimate and revenue of $7.1 billion, plus or minus $400 million, versus the $7.21 billion estimate.
Applied Materials shares tumbled 5.1% to $174.81 in the pre-market trading session.
Here are some other stocks moving lower in pre-market trading.
<ul>
<li>Informatica Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INFA#NYSE">INFA</a>) shares dipped 35.6% to $16.21 in pre-market trading after the company reported worse-than-expected fourth-quarter sales results and issued FY25 revenue guidance below estimates.</li>
<li>Solaris Resources Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLSR#NYSE">SLSR</a>) declined 22.5% to $3.20 in pre-market trading after gaining 3% on Thursday.</li>
<li>Stevanato Group S.p.A. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STVN#NYSE">STVN</a>) fell 16.1% to $16.01 in pre-market trading after declining 5% on Thursday.</li>
<li>Clearwater Paper Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLW#NYSE">CLW</a>) shares fell 13.2% to $25.25 in pre-market trading following downbeat quarterly earnings.</li>
<li>SoundHound AI, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOUN#NASDAQ">SOUN</a>) dipped 12.3% to $13.37 in pre-market trading. Nvidia reported it dissolved share stake in Soundhound in 13F.</li>
<li>Twilio Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TWLO#NYSE">TWLO</a>) fell 8.6% to $134.49 in pre-market trading following weak first-quarter guidance.</li>
<li>DaVita Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>) fell 7.9% to $163.00 in pre-market trading after Berkshire Hathaway trimmed its stake in the company. The dialysis provider also issued a weak outlook for 2025 as it announced its results after the market closed on Thursday.</li>
<li>Moderna, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>) fell 6.3% to $29.89 in pre-market trading following fourth-quarter results.</li>
<li>Stevanato Group S.p.A. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STVN#NYSE">STVN</a>) fell 5.6% to $18.00 in pre-market trading.</li>
</ul>
Now Read This: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/02/43692962/top-3-consumer-stocks-you-may-want-to-dump-in-february">Top 3 Consumer Stocks You May Want To Dump In February</a></li>
</ul>

Applied Materials, Informatica, Clearwater Paper And Other Big Stocks Moving Lower In Friday's Pre-Market Session

WIIM

DaVita shares are trading lower after the company reported Q4 financial results.

The shares of DaVita Inc.(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>) plunged 10.2% in pre-market hours trading on Friday after Berkshire Hathaway trimmed its stake in the company. The dialysis provider also issued a weak outlook for 2025 as it announced its results after the market closed on Thursday.
What Happened: Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>), the multinational conglomerate headed by Warren Buffett, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/43721022/warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-sells-nearly-36-million-worth-of-dialysis-giant-davitas-shares-amid-q4-earnings-beat">sold off its 45% stake</a> or 203,091 shares in the company. This sale, which took place on February 11, has brought down the conglomerate&#8217;s holdings to approximately $6.4 billion, representing about 35.89 million shares.
Additionally, DaVita&#8217;s 2025 outlook missed Wall Street expectations, projecting full-year EPS between $10.20 and $11.30, lower than the analysts&#8217; average estimate of $11.44.
SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43722945/tech-war-intensifies-as-trump-sets-to-revise-the-us-chips-act-conditions-not-aligned-to-white-house-policies-under-review"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43722945/tech-war-intensifies-as-trump-sets-to-revise-the-us-chips-act-conditions-not-aligned-to-white-house-policies-under-review">Trump Administration Reevaluates CHIPS Act Grants, Potentially Delaying Semiconductor Funding: Report</a>
Why It Matters: Even as the company posted a weaker outlook, its fourth-quarter earnings and revenue exceeded expectations. The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.24 for Q4, exceeding the analyst consensus of $2.13. Revenue reached $3.3 billion, surpassing estimates of $3.26 billion.
CEO Javier Rodriguez expressed confidence: &#8220;Despite a year with unique hurdles, we finished strong in 2024, producing full year adjusted operating income and adjusted EPS in the top half of our guidance range.&#8221; DaVita also anticipates supply dynamics to return to normal in the first quarter.
Meanwhile, the sale by Berkshire Hathaway was part of&nbsp;a share repurchase agreement, under&nbsp;which DaVita is committed to buying back enough shares every quarter to keep Berkshire&#8217;s stake at 45%. Berkshire Hathaway has been a shareholder in DaVita since the last quarter of 2011, as per Reuters.
DaVita stock closed 2.9% higher at $177.06 on Thursday. It surged more than 43% over the past year. 
<ul>
<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43721445/apple-tesla-and-other-mag-7-peers-too-expensive-top-hedge-fund-challenges-overvaluation-concerns-says-they-are-fairly-priced-if-they-sustain-20-earnings-growth-rate">Apple, Tesla And Other MAG 7 Peers Too Expensive? Top Hedge Fund Challenges &#8216;Overvaluation&#8217; Concerns, Says They Are Fairly Priced If They Sustain 20% Earnings Growth Rate</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

DaVita Plunges Over 10% In Friday Pre-Market After Warren Buffett Cuts Stake In One Of Berkshire Hathaway's Longest-Held Investments

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) has cut its stake in the dialysis provide DaVita Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>) according to a U.S. Securities Exchange Commission filing.
What Happened: According to the SEC filing, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43622036/warren-buffett-indicator-tops-205-amid-skyrocketing-sp-500-valuations-as-this-billionaire-dot-com-crash-predictor-sounds-alarm">Buffett</a>&#8216;s Berkshire sold 203,091 shares of DaVita on Feb 11. Based on the stock's Thursday closing price, the transaction was valued at $35.96 million. Berkshire now owns about 35.892 million shares in the company representing a 45% stake abiding by its earlier share repurchase agreement.
According to Reuters, Berkshire has owned DaVita since the fourth quarter of 2011.
DaVita reported its full-year and fourth-quarter earnings after markets closed on Thursday. For the year ending Dec. 31, 2024, the company reported consolidated revenue of $12.8 billion, with $3.3 billion generated in the fourth quarter beating <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DVA/earnings">Benzinga Pro estimate</a> of $3.27 billion.
Diluted earnings per share were $3.09 for the quarter and $10.73 for the year, while adjusted diluted earnings per share were $2.24, beating estimates of $2.14 for the quarter.
The company repurchased 2.3 million shares in the fourth quarter at an average price of $156.46 per share, and 9.8 million shares for the full year at an average price of $140.06 per share.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43692006/donald-trumps-favorite-word-tariffs-is-the-reason-why-us-coke-and-pepsi-does-not-have-sugar-but-high-fructose-corn-syrup">Reagan&#8217;s Sugar Quotas, Trump&#8217;s Tariffs, And The Price Of Protectionism: Here&#8217;s Why Coke And Pepsi In US Have High Fructose Corn Syrup Instead Of Sugar</a>
Why It Matters: As previously reported in a Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2024, DaVita entered into a Share Repurchase Agreement with Berkshire, the company's largest stockholder, as of April 30, 2024.
Under the agreement, if Berkshire owns at least 45% of DaVita's stock, DaVita will buy back shares from Berkshire quarterly to maintain Berkshire&#8217;s ownership at 45%.
The 2024 filing stated that if Berkshire's ownership exceeds 49.5%, DaVita will repurchase shares immediately. Additionally, Berkshire agreed to vote any shares it owns above 40% according to DaVita's board recommendations.
This agreement does not change the existing Amended Standstill Agreement. Thus, DaVita repurchased its shares to bring back Berkshire&#8217;s holdings to 45% on Feb. 11, ahead of its on Feb. 13.
Price Action: DaVita shares gained 2.94% on Thursday, reaching $177.06 per share, but dropped 6.87% in after-hours trading as the company provided a weak outlook for 2025. DaVita projected a full-year EPS of $10.20 to $11.30, falling short of Wall Street's expectation of $11.44 per share.
The exchange-traded fund tracking the S&amp;P 500 index, SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) rose 1.06% on Thursday. DVA has risen 18.18% year-to-date, whereas it gained 43.47% over the last year.
The average price target among nine <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DVA/analyst-ratings">analysts tracked by Benzinga</a> is $138.33 with a ‘sell&#8217; rating. The estimates range from $90 to $175 apiece. Recent ratings from Barclays, Truist Securities, and Truist Securities suggest a $168 target, implying a potential upside of 1.89%.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DVA/analyst-ratings"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="383" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14004226/DVA-ANR-1024x383.png" alt="" class="wp-image-782329" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14004226/DVA-ANR-1024x383.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14004226/DVA-ANR-300x112.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14004226/DVA-ANR-768x287.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14004226/DVA-ANR.png 1051w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
Image via Shutterstock
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/43688600/exclusive-michael-saylors-mstr-linked-etfs-are-not-for-long-term-investors-say-crypto-experts-they-also-double-the-potential-loss">[Exclusive] Michael Saylor&#8217;s MSTR-Linked ETFs Are &#8216;Not For Long-Term Investors&#8217; Say Crypto Experts: &#8216;…They Also Double The Potential Loss&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

Earnings

Earnings Beats

Market Summary

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Buybacks

Asset Sales

ETFs

General

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Sells Nearly $36 Million Worth Of Dialysis Giant DaVita's Shares Amid Q4 Earnings Beat

DaVita shares are trading lower. The company reported Q4 financial results.

Outlook:
The following forward-looking measures and the underlying assumptions involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including those described below, and actual results may vary materially from these forward-looking measures. We do not provide guidance for operating income or diluted net income per share attributable to DaVita Inc. on a basis consistent with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) nor a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis because we are unable to predict certain items contained in the GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts. These current non-GAAP financial measures do not include certain items, including gains on changes in ownership interest, debt prepayment, extinguishment and modification costs, and foreign currency fluctuations, which may be significant. The guidance for our effective income tax rate on adjusted income attributable to DaVita Inc. also excludes the amount of third-party owners' income and related taxes attributable to non-tax paying entities.
<figure class="table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> &nbsp;</td>
<td colspan="3" rowspan="1">Current 2025 guidance</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> &nbsp;</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Low</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> &nbsp;</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> &nbsp;</td>
<td colspan="3" rowspan="1">(dollars in millions, except per share data)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Adjusted operating income</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">$2,010</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> &nbsp;</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">$2,160</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Adjusted diluted net income per share attributable to DaVita Inc.</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">$10.20</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> &nbsp;</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">$11.30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Free cash flow</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">$1,000</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1"> &nbsp;</td>
<td colspan="1" rowspan="1">$1,250</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
We will be holding a conference call to discuss our results for the fourth quarter ended December&nbsp;31, 2024, on February&nbsp;13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. To join the conference call, please dial (877) 918-6630 from the U.S. or (517) 308-9042 from outside the U.S., and provide the operator the password "Earnings." This call is being webcast and can be accessed at the DaVita Investor Relations website <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4362391-1&amp;h=4023408774&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Finvestors.davita.com%2F&amp;a=investors.davita.com">investors.davita.com</a>. A replay of the conference call will also be available at <a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4362391-1&amp;h=4023408774&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Finvestors.davita.com%2F&amp;a=investors.davita.com">investors.davita.com</a> for the following 30 days.

Guidance

DaVita Sees FY25 Adj. EPS $10.20-$11.30 Vs $11.25 Est.

DaVita (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $2.24 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $2.14 by 4.67 percent. This is a 19.79 percent increase over earnings of $1.87 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $3.29 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $3.27 billion by 0.86 percent. This is a 4.73 percent increase over sales of $3.15 billion the same period last year.

DaVita Q4 Adj $2.24 Beats $2.14 Estimate, Sales $3.29B Beat $3.27B Estimate

ABNB

AENT

AGIO

ALNY

APDN

ATUS

AVNT

BENF

BFAM

BLIN

BPMC

BRKR

BTOC

CBRE

CEVA

CLBT

CNVS

COHU

COIN

CROX

CYBR

DDOG

DKNG

DNOW

DXCM

EEFT

EGAN

ELME

ELVA

FBRT

FROG

GDDY

GEHC

GPMT

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital

HASI

HIMX

HOUS

HTGC

IMPP

IRDM

IRMD

ISSC

KELYA

KELYB

KNSL

LECO

LGCY

LPTH

NTWK

NVMI

Earnings Scheduled For February 13, 2025

<ul>
<li>Ozempic&#xAE; is now indicated to reduce the risk of kidney disease worsening, kidney failure, and death from cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease</li>
<li>The approval is based on the results of the pivotal FLOW phase 3b kidney outcomes trial and addresses a critical need for adults with type 2 diabetes living with this common comorbidity of chronic kidney disease&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
PLAINSBORO, N.J., Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Nordisk today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ozempic&#xAE;&nbsp;to reduce the risk of kidney disease worsening, kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease), and death due to cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD).1&nbsp;This approval, along with its existing indications for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults also with known heart disease, establishes Ozempic&#xAE;&nbsp;(semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg as the most broadly indicated glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) in its class.

Biotech

FDA Approves Ozempic As The Only GLP-1 RA To Reduce The Risk Of Worsening Kidney Disease And Cardiovascular Death In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes And Chronic Kidney Disease

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New On The Block</h3>
Evolent Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVH#NYSE">EVH</a>) is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/24/08/40529349/evolent-health-explores-sale-garners-inbound-interest-from-private-equity-firms">reportedly up for sale</a>. The Arlington, Virginia-based software provide initiated an auction process after receiving takeover inquiries. Among the potential suitors are TPG Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TPG#NASDAQ">TPG</a>), Clayton, Dubilier &amp; Rice, and KKR &amp; Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KKR#NYSE">KKR</a>). Reuters reported that health insurer Elevance Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>) may join forces with a private equity partner to pursue a deal.
Kronos Bio Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRON#NASDAQ">KRON</a>), a company focused on developing therapies for cancer, is exploring &#8220;strategic alternatives,&#8221; including an acquisition or merger.The San Mateo, Califonia-based company reported $124.9 million in cash reserves as of Sept. 30. 
Saint-Gobain (PARIS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SGO#PARIS">SGO</a>) is considering a sale of its auto glass unit, which could fetch up to 2.5 billion euro ($2.6 billion), per <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-13/st-gobain-is-said-to-weigh-2-5-billion-sale-of-auto-glass-unit">Bloomberg</a>. The company is reportedly considering this strategic move as part of its broader business evaluation. This sale aligns with Saint-Gobain&#8217;s efforts to streamline its operations and focus on core business areas.
Shell (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHEL#NYSE">SHEL</a>) is seeking to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-13/shell-aims-to-sell-majority-stake-in-carbon-offsets-business?srnd=phx-deals">jettison</a> a majority of its carbon offsets portfolio. The company first launched the portfolio of offsets, which covers dozens of projects, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-08-31/shell-silently-abandoned-its-100-million-a-year-plan-to-offset-co2-emissions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in 2018</a>. 
Unilever (LSE: ULVR) is exploring the sale of some Dutch food brands, including Unox soups and Conimex seasonings. According to Reuters, the company will instead focus on its biggest &#8220;power&#8221; labels.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/11/42024210/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-tesla-disney-gold-and-hedge-funds-project-bitcoin-to-hit-100k-150k">Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Disney, Gold — And Hedge Funds Project Bitcoin To Hit $100K-$150K</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bankruptcy Block</h3>
Alex Jones&#8217;s media company, Infowars, is now the property of satirical publication The Onion. The publication&#8217;s backers were none other than the families <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/41982446/jokes-on-jones-onion-backed-by-families-of-sandy-hook-victims-buys-info-wars">of Sandy Hook victims</a>. Observers praised the deal as poetic justice, considering Jones owes over $1 billion in defamation judgments against those families. Jones, who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36168941/elon-musks-controversial-move-alex-jones-returns-to-x-after-user-vote">has garnered sympathy from</a> right-wing personalities like Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson, confirmed the acquisition in a visibly distressed social media video, blaming &#8220;Democrats.&#8221;
Diamond Sports Group&#8216;s restructuring will include reducing its debt from nearly $9 billion to $200 million, <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42388454/diamond-sports-group-emerges-bankruptcy">ESPN</a> reports. The restructuring plan received what Diamond categorized as &#8220;nearly unanimous support&#8221; from debt holders. Diamond, currently possessing $100 million in liquidity, will emerge from bankruptcy and operate as a stand-alone entity. Sinclair, the parent company, took on $8 billion in debt to buy regional channels from Fox for $10.6 billion in 2019. That debt contributed to Diamond&#8217;s bankruptcy.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Updates From The Block</h3>
Currently, there are no concrete indications that Humana Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>) is actively pursuing a sale. Recent speculation regarding Humana being acquired by Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) was definitively addressed, with Cigna explicitly stating that it is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/41877573/cigna-not-pursuing-humana-merger-stock-soars">not pursuing a merger</a> with Humana at this time. This clarification came after rumors reignited post-election, driven by the potential for more lenient antitrust reviews under the new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41979935/golden-years-for-ma-deals-ahead-under-trump-analysts-highlight-top-10-large-cap-candidates">Republican administration and Congress</a>.
Spirit Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAVE#NYSE">SAVE</a>) is no longer in deal talks with Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULCC#NASDAQ">ULCC</a>). It&#8217;s now in advanced discussions with bondholders to finalize a bankruptcy plan. The carrier continues to struggle with mounting losses and looming debt maturities. A bankruptcy filing is expected to happen within weeks, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41932146/spirit-airlines-nears-bankruptcy-creditors-may-approve-equity-cancellation-heres-what-it-means-for-investors-as-shares-fall-with-a-thud">the Wall Street Journal</a>.
MEI Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MEIP#NASDAQ">MEIP</a>) continues to explore M&amp;A opportunities, hiring Oppenheimer &amp; Co., Inc. as an exclusive financial advisor to assist the process. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, the company commenced cash preservation efforts that include a reduction-in-force, which will continue in stages as the Company's operational and strategic direction evolves.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Notes From The Block</h3>
Wall Street anticipates a surge in M&amp;A as Republicans take control of Congress and deregulate. Analysts expect Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan's removal, which could ease antitrust scrutiny. Bank of America highlights that Republican administrations, like President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s, historically foster over 50% more financial sector M&amp;A activity compared to Democratic ones. 
Bank of America also predicts that 2025 could mark a better year for M&amp;A as rate cuts take effect and economic conditions stabilize. Here&#8217;s a list of five potential targets the bank compiled. For the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41979935/golden-years-for-ma-deals-ahead-under-trump-analysts-highlight-top-10-large-cap-candidates">full list, click here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Sector</th>
<th>Market Cap ($M)</th>
<th>Free Cash Flows-to-Enterprise Value (%)</th>
<th>Long-Term Growth Expectations (%)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Universal Health Services Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>)</td>
<td>Health Care</td>
<td>13,932</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>25.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ralph LaurenCorp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RL#NYSE">RL</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>12,473</td>
<td>5.99</td>
<td>10.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paramount Global (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NYSE">PARA</a>)</td>
<td>Comm. Services</td>
<td>7,250</td>
<td>3.4</td>
<td>46.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jabil Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBL#NYSE">JBL</a>)</td>
<td>Technology</td>
<td>14,480</td>
<td>6.39</td>
<td>12.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAS#NASDAQ">HAS</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>9,215</td>
<td>3.6</td>
<td>27.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
For last week&#8217;s Deal Dispatch, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/asset-sales/24/11/41866114/deal-dispatch-prison-companies-in-focus-post-election-tripadvisor-boasts-11b-in-cash">click here</a>.
Now Read: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/41699259/nvidia-rides-ai-wave-to-replace-intel-on-dow-jones-industrial-average-ending-its-25-year-run">Nvidia Rides AI Wave To Replace Intel On Dow Jones Industrial Average, Ending Its 25-Year Run</a></li>
</ul>

AAUKF

APTV

ATSG

streetTRACKS Dow Jones U.S. Large Cap Value Index Fund

FFIV

KRON

MEIP

NISTF

PARA

PARIS:SGO

ROIC

SAVE

SHEL

SLGWF

SLNG

TRIP

TSX:SGO

ULCC

Deal Dispatch: Shell, Unilever And More Are On The Sell Side; The Onion Makes Alex Jones Cry Foul

Berkshire Hathaway 13F Shows Increased Stake In American Express By 17% To 151.6M Shares, Now Worth $41.1B; Increased Stake In Kroger By 15% To 50M Shares, Worth $2.87B; Increased Stake In DaVita By 18%, Now Valued At $5.92B; Increased Stake In Moody's Corp By 13% To 24.67M Shares, Now Worth $11.71B

With Republicans taking control of Congress, Wall Street is buzzing about a potential boom in mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A) under the upcoming<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump"> Trump administration.</a>
Bank of America analysts see brighter days ahead for deal-making, anticipating that Trump could remove Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, whose aggressive antitrust stance has been a major roadblock for M&amp;A activity across sectors.
Combined with favorable macro factors and investor demand for capex and M&amp;A over debt paydown, there are plenty of reasons to believe that 2025 and beyond could see significant deal activity.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Banks And Biotech: Two Key Sectors To Watch</h3>
Analysts at Bank of America's U.S. banks team are particularly bullish about the M&amp;A prospects for financials, which have historically enjoyed more than 50% higher deal activity under Republican administrations than Democratic ones. With regulatory scrutiny expected to loosen, the landscape is ripe for a surge in bank deals.
Deal activity in biotech has already started picking up, especially in smaller acquisitions. Big Pharma faces mounting pressure to offset patent expirations, so it&#8217;s hunting for acquisition targets to replenish its drug pipelines. Lower rates and potential deregulation could further fuel biotech M&amp;A as we head into 2025.
"The election results could lead to a less restrictive regulatory environment, which may open the door for more bank mergers and acquisitions,&#8221; Jill Carey Hall, CFA, a Bank of America analyst, said. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Macro Factors: Green And Yellow Lights for M&amp;A</h3>
Several macroeconomic factors support a cyclical pick-up in M&amp;A activity. 
Strong equity market returns, cheap small-cap valuations relative to large caps and tight credit spreads all suggest a favorable environment for deal-making.
Not all signals are flashing green. Slowing GDP growth, rate uncertainty and high volatility could throw some caution flags. Long-term growth expectations for small caps, though improved, still remain below average.
Bank of America's credit strategists predict that 2025 could be a better year for M&amp;A activity as rate cuts begin to materialize and volatility subsides. 
"Sponsors are sitting on a pile of uncalled capital, and there's a real incentive to deploy it in a friendlier economic environment," Hall said.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Who Stands To Gain: Small-Cap Targets, Large-Cap Acquirers</h3>
With large deals on the decline, smaller targets have become the prime candidates for takeovers. 
Aggregate deal value has been falling in recent years as mega-cap deals have dried up and smaller, more manageable transactions have become the norm.
This trend has paid off for both sides: small-cap targets have outperformed post-announcement and large-cap acquirers have seen record one-day gains in 2023 despite paying higher deal premiums.
This pattern suggests that investors are rewarding companies that buy growth, especially in today's uncertain economic landscape.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">10 Potential M&amp;A Candidates Among Large Caps</h3>
Bank of America's latest screening of potential M&amp;A candidates includes high-growth, undervalued names, each with distinct value propositions that may appeal to suitors looking for long-term growth.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Sector</th>
<th>Market Cap ($M)</th>
<th>Free Cash Flows-to-Enterprise Value (%)</th>
<th>Long-Term Growth Expectations (%)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Universal Health Services Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>)</td>
<td>Health Care</td>
<td>13,932</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>25.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RL#NYSE">RL</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>12,473</td>
<td>5.99</td>
<td>10.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paramount Global (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NYSE">PARA</a>)</td>
<td>Comm. Services</td>
<td>7,250</td>
<td>3.4</td>
<td>46.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jabil Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBL#NYSE">JBL</a>)</td>
<td>Technology</td>
<td>14,480</td>
<td>6.39</td>
<td>12.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAS#NASDAQ">HAS</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>9,215</td>
<td>3.6</td>
<td>27.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F5 Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>)</td>
<td>Technology</td>
<td>13,431</td>
<td>6.39</td>
<td>9.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DaVita Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>) </td>
<td>Health Care</td>
<td>11,976</td>
<td>5.39</td>
<td>15.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BWA#NYSE">BWA</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>7,316</td>
<td>6.5</td>
<td>12.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aptiv plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APTV#NYSE">APTV</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>13,143</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>23.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A. O. Smith Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AOS#NYSE">AOS</a>)</td>
<td>Industrials</td>
<td>10,895</td>
<td>2.3</td>
<td>10.0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41950023/us-stock-markets-equity-risk-premium-disappears-should-you-sell-now">US Stock Market&#8217;s Equity Risk Premium Disappears: Should You Sell Now?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Capri23auto from Pixabay

Analyst Color

Large Cap

Politics

Small Cap

Federal Reserve

Golden Years For M&A Deals Ahead Under Trump? Analysts Highlight Top 10 Large-Cap Candidates

Barclays analyst Andrew Mok maintains DaVita (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $150 to $164.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on DaVita, Raises Price Target to $164

DaVita shares are trading lower following mixed Q3 earnings.

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>SenesTech (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNES#NASDAQ">SNES</a>) stock increased by 9.9% to $3.33 during Tuesday's after-market session. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $3.3 million. </li>
<li>Venus Concept (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VERO#NASDAQ">VERO</a>) stock increased by 8.82% to $0.37. The company's market cap stands at $2.6 million. </li>
<li>LogicMark (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGMK#NASDAQ">LGMK</a>) stock moved upwards by 6.3% to $0.12. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $1.4 million. </li>
<li>Marinus Pharma (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNS#NASDAQ">MRNS</a>) shares rose 5.37% to $0.31. The company's market cap stands at $16.8 million. </li>
<li>ABVC BioPharma (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABVC#NASDAQ">ABVC</a>) shares rose 5.33% to $0.74. The company's market cap stands at $9.1 million. </li>
<li>AtriCure (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATRC#NASDAQ">ATRC</a>) stock rose 5.33% to $31.0. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $1.5 billion. The company's, Q3 earnings came out today. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Tyra Biosciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TYRA#NASDAQ">TYRA</a>) shares declined by 11.2% to $15.01 during Tuesday's after-market session. The company's market cap stands at $792.6 million. </li>
<li>DaVita (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>) stock decreased by 8.25% to $145.25. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $12.1 billion. As per the press release, Q3 earnings came out today. </li>
<li>Cyclerion Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CYCN#NASDAQ">CYCN</a>) shares declined by 7.93% to $2.79. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $7.0 million. </li>
<li>Aptevo Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APVO#NASDAQ">APVO</a>) shares decreased by 7.7% to $0.28. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $3.7 million. </li>
<li>Reshape Lifesciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RSLS#NASDAQ">RSLS</a>) stock decreased by 7.09% to $5.51. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $2.7 million. </li>
<li>10x Genomics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXG#NASDAQ">TXG</a>) stock decreased by 6.59% to $14.75. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $1.7 billion. The company's, Q3 earnings came out today. 
See Also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/best-healthcare-stocks/" title="www.benzinga.com/money/best-healthcare-stocks/">www.benzinga.com/money/best-healthcare-stocks/</a></li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ABVC

APVO

ATRC

CYCN

LGMK

MRNS

RSLS

SNES

TYRA

VERO

12 Health Care Stocks Moving In Tuesday's After-Market Session

Sees FY24 Adj. EPS $9.25-$10.05, Free Cash Flow $950M-$1.2B

DaVita (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $2.59 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $2.73 by 5.13 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $3.264 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $3.247 billion by 0.50 percent. This is a 4.57 percent increase over sales of $3.121 billion the same period last year.

Earnings Misses

DaVita Q3 2024 Adj. EPS $2.59 Misses $2.73 Estimate, Sales $3.264B Beat $3.247B Estimate

Press Releases

DaVita celebrates kidney care community achievements in year one of largest-ever value-based care program

DaVita Research Centers on Upstream CKD Management; Access & Equity during ASN's Kidney Week 2024

DaVita Emphasizes Commitment to Whole-Person Care with Investment in National Kidney Foundation PEERS Program

DaVita Inc. 3rd Quarter 2024 Results

DaVita Inc. to Participate in UBS Global Healthcare Conference 2024

DaVita's "Move It With Purpose" Sets Record Participation in Support of Global Health

DaVita Supports Thousands of Patients and Teammates Affected by Southern California Wildfires

DaVita Celebrates 25 Years of Exceptional Patient Care, Empowering the Future of Kidney Health

DaVita Inc. Schedules 4th Quarter 2024 Investor Conference Call

DaVita Inc. 4th Quarter 2024 Results

Addus HomeCare Corporation - Common Stock

Addus HomeCare

Agilon Health

Amedisys

AMN Healthcare Services

Astrana Health

Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. - Common Stock

Aveanna Healthcare Hldgs

BrightSpring Health Services, Inc. - Common Stock

BrightSpring Health

Chemed

Cigna

CorVel

CVS Health

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated Common Stock

Quest Diagnostics

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

Comments

DaVita

Popular Channels

Tools & Features

Partners & Contributors

About Benzinga