Stephens analyst Scott Fidel said the uncertainty over the 2020 elections has been a consistent overhang for Managed Care Organization stocks, but the group has underperformed the S&P 500 Index by about 15% since Elizabeth Warren's polling numbers for the Democratic presidential nomination rose above the 18% range in mid-August. Given the continuing uncertainty about the 2020 election, especially in light of Warren's rise and "the Ukraine imbroglio" adding new risks for both Trump and Biden, Fidel lowered his price targets across the MCO group. However, he maintains his ratings, noting that the group now trades at its largest discount to the S&P since February 2010. Fidel lowered his price target price on Anthem (ANTM) shares to $306 from $350, trimmed his Cigna (CI) target to $206 from $225, lowered his Centene (CNC) target to $60 from $72, cut his Humana (HUM) target to $307 from $335, lowered Magellan Health's (MGLN) target to $65 from $74, decreased his Molina Healthcare (MOH) target to $126 from $150, lowered UnitedHealth's (UNH) target to $258 from $290 and cut his target for WellCare (WCG) to $287 from $317.

Deutsche Bank analyst George Hill raised the firm's price target on UnitedHealth to $562 from $545 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. The company reported a Q1 earnings beat with many moving pieces caused by the cyberattack on Change Healthcare, which left earnings quality and guidance up to investor interpretation, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm sees the full impact of the hack, as well as conservatism around cost trend and utilization would impact UnitedHealth earnings by only 2% for the full year.

Notable gainers among liquid option names this morning include Genuine Parts (GPC) $159.09 +15.03, Globe Life (GL) $66.97 +3.74, Anthem (ELV) $532.10 +23.13, United Continental (UAL) $50.59 +1.84, and UnitedHealth (UNH) $494.80 +15.81.

Unusual total active option classes on open include: Wrap Technologies (WRAP), AstraZeneca (AZN), JetBlue (JBLU), United Continental (UAL), Taiwan Semi (TSM), Nokia (NOK), EBay (EBAY), Maplebear Inc (CART), Airbnb (ABNB), and UnitedHealth (UNH).

RBC Capital analyst Ben Hendrix lowered the firm's price target on UnitedHealth to $555 from $596 but keeps an Outperform rating on the shares. The company reported a "better than feared" Q1, but the debate over utilization trends is expected to persist through the first half as excess reserves skew the medical care ratio picture, the analyst tells investors in a research note. RBC also notes that its added caution reflects UnitedHealth's "reduced claims visibility".