Numerous media sources yesterday cited a Dealreporter story indicating that UnitedHealth (UNH) is now in the second round of bidding for Athenahealth (ATHN), Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Steven Halper tells investors in a research note partially titled "It's Crazy but Not So Crazy." There are "many reasons" why UnitedHealth's Optum would benefit from the acquisition of Athenahealth, the analyst contends. He points out that Optum has a large presence in the Boston area and that Athenahealth is located principally in Watertown, Massachusetts. Further, UnitedHealth "can certainly afford" the deal given its strong balance sheet and cash flow, Halper adds. With or without the deal, the analyst expects UnitedHealth will deploy capital and grow its various Optum businesses over time. He reiterates an Overweight rating on the shares with a $300 price target.

These names in the biotech sector are seeing a substantial increase in search activity today, as determined by InvestingChannel. They include: Biohaven Pharmaceutical... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here

Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists. 1... To see the rest of the story go to thefly.com. See Story Here