As previously reported, Craig-Hallum analyst Kevin Ellich downgraded LabCorp (LH) to Hold from Buy as he believes volume and reimbursement headwinds will intensify in 2019 keeping a lid on the stock. While lower 23andMe volume is understandable due to lower than forecast Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, the analyst is concerned about lower volume from hospitals, which might be attributable to hospitals keeping more testing in-house, especially with physician-owned practices. Given the lowered 2018 outlook and increased pressure in 2019, Ellich also reduced his estimates and lowered his price target on the shares to $152 from $193. Overall, the analyst argues that lost UnitedHealth (UNH) exclusivity starts snowball effect as "Winter is coming" for LabCorp with lowered FY18 guidance.

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".