While monthly jobs reports often grab headlines, savvy investors are increasingly looking beyond employment figures to a broader array of economic indicators for a more nuanced understanding of market health. Two such crucial metrics, Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation and the Chicago Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), are currently providing critical
Shares of medical lens company STAAR Surgical (NASDAQ:STAA)
jumped 45.6% in the afternoon session after eye-care company Alcon announced a definitive agreement to acquire the company in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $1.5 billion. Under the terms of the deal, Alcon paid $28 in cash for each share of STAAR Surgical. This price marked a 51% premium to the company's closing stock price on the previous day. STAAR Surgical manufactured implantable lenses for vision correction, including its EVO family of Implantable Collamer® Lenses. The acquisition allowed Alcon to absorb a key player in the ophthalmic surgery space.
Shares of healthcare services provider AdaptHealth Corp. (NASDAQ:AHCO) jumped 8.2% in the afternoon session after the company announced it secured a five-year exclusive agreement to become the sole provider of home medical equipment for a major national healthcare system. Under the agreement, AdaptHealth became the exclusive provider of home medical equipment and supplies for the system’s network of over 10 million members. The deal was structured primarily as a capitation payment model, a system where a provider receives a set fee per patient, which covered a mix of Medicare, Medicaid, and privately insured individuals. This significant contract news appeared to overshadow the company's second-quarter financial results, which were also released. The earnings report showed a decline in both net income and revenue compared to the same period last year, but investors seemingly prioritized the long-term growth prospects offered by the major partnership over the recent dip in financial performance.
Concerns are mounting among financial analysts that the U.S. stock market may be entering an "overheated" phase, with equity valuations reaching levels that some deem unsustainable. This apprehension comes as major indices continue to flirt with record highs, prompting a critical debate about the market's current trajectory and its
Shares of healthcare services company Agilon Health (NYSE:AGL) fell 51.6% in the morning session after the company reported dismal second-quarter financial results, announced the departure of its CEO, and withdrew its full-year guidance.
Shares of medical technology company Inspire Medical Systems (NYSE:INSP)
fell 41.3% in the afternoon session after the company slashed its full-year revenue and profit forecasts, a move that overshadowed a second-quarter earnings beat.
Shares of medical products company UFP Technologies (NASDAQ:UFPT)
jumped 11.9% in the afternoon session after the company posted record second-quarter results and beat analyst profit expectations. The medical products company reported a 37.2% surge in sales to $151.2 million compared to the same period last year. Its adjusted earnings per share reached $2.50, which surpassed Wall Street's consensus estimate of $2.25. This strong performance was primarily driven by a 46% jump in its MedTech business, fueled by demand in areas like robotic-assisted surgery. However, the results included a 20% decline in its Advanced Components division, and the company noted increased labor costs pressured margins.
Shares of scientific instrument company Bruker (NASDAQ:BRKR).
fell 7.4% in the afternoon session after the company reported disappointing second-quarter results and lowered its full-year financial forecast, citing challenging market demand.
Bernstein maintained its ‘Outperform’ rating on UnitedHealth, citing expectations for a turnaround in both the company and the broader healthcare sector.
Join us in exploring the top gainers and losers within the S&P500 index one hour before the close of the markets on Friday as we examine the latest happenings in today's session.
Shares of biotechnology company Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA)
fell 7.1% in the afternoon session after the company trimmed the upper end of its 2025 revenue forecast, citing a delay in vaccine shipments. The company pointed to a delay in vaccine deliveries to the United Kingdom, which it pushed into the first quarter of 2026. This news overshadowed second-quarter results that beat Wall Street expectations. For the quarter, Moderna's revenue dropped about 41% from the previous year to $142 million, driven by lower sales of its COVID-19 vaccine. Despite the revenue decline, the company successfully narrowed its net loss as its cost-cutting measures took effect. Adding to the pressure, Moderna also announced plans to reduce its workforce by 10% and confirmed a delay in the U.S. approval for its combined COVID-flu vaccine until 2026.
A stock with low volatility can be reassuring, but it doesn’t always mean strong long-term performance.
Investors who prioritize stability may miss out on higher-reward opportunities elsewhere.
The appointment of Wayne DeVeydt as CFO comes amid an operational reset at UnitedHealth, following a sharp downgrade in its 2025 earnings outlook and a more than 50% drop in its stock price this year.
UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE: UNH) shares are trading lower Thursday, after Baird downgraded the stock to Underperform and slashed its price target from $312 to $198.
