UnitedHealth Stock’s Retail Chatter Spikes As New Details Emerge In Exec’s Shocking Death

UnitedHealth Group Inc. has drawn significant attention on Stocktwits following the shocking killing of Brian Thompson, CEO of its insurance unit, UnitedHealthcare. 

Retail chatter surged over 21,150% in seven days leading to Thursday, with sentiment turning ‘extremely bearish’ before the bell on Friday.

The New York Times reported that investigators are examining the suspect’s stay at a hostel on the Upper West Side and a potential firearm purchase in Connecticut. 

Bullet casings found at the scene reportedly had engraved messages, including the words “deny” and “delay.” 

These inscriptions may lead to renewed scrutiny of UnitedHealth’s practices, according to the Times.

UnitedHealth has been accused of using algorithms to deny treatments and refusing coverage of nursing care to stroke patients.  

Notably, a January STAT investigation also revealed that NaviHealth, a UnitedHealthcare subsidiary, allegedly denied care for seniors in its Medicare Advantage plan.

One Stocktwits user said that UNH denying sick people coverage “just to pump the numbers to please shareholders is outright disgusting”, adding that they don’t condone the shooting.  

Another questioned UnitedHealth’s claims denial rate.

Discontent with America’s private healthcare system is widespread, according to Barron’s. Polls indicate that many Americans report denied claims or issues with insurers. 

A Stocktwits poll showed that 57% of investors believe public perception and trust are the most pressing challenges for healthcare insurers like UnitedHealth, while 20% cited the difficulty of balancing profit and patient care.

Stephens raised its price target on UnitedHealth on Thursday to $675 from $605, maintaining an ‘Overweight’ rating. The brokerage updated estimates based on UnitedHealth’s 2025 guidance metrics, which were presented just before Thompson’s murder overshadowed the investor conference. 

The brokerage said the “managed care investment community is shocked and saddened by this development,” adding that it had anticipated the investor day to be a "perfect opportunity to reflect on the incredible growth and success the company has experienced during the past quarter-century."

UnitedHealth stock has gained 7.35% year-to-date, as of last close.

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