UnitedHealth Crashes 22%, $170B Wiped Out as Lawsuit & Leadership Shake Wall Street
UnitedHealth stock plummets 22%, erasing $170B after earnings miss, lawsuit, and CEO exit. Here's what it means for investors.
Quick overview
- UnitedHealth Group's stock plummeted 22% on April 17, 2025, marking its largest drop in over a decade and resulting in a loss of nearly $170 billion in market capitalization.
- The decline followed a cut in full-year guidance due to increased Medicare Advantage utilization and scrutiny over prior authorization protocols.
- A securities class action lawsuit has been filed against the company, alleging false financial projections and changes in business practices related to Medicare Advantage coverage denials.
- The recent tragic death of CEO Brian Thompson and the return of Chairman Stephen Hemsley as CEO have further complicated the company's situation amid growing public outcry.
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is in the midst of one of the wildest chapters in its history. In one trading day on April 17, 2025 the stock dropped 22% and lost almost $170 billion in market cap.
Shares are now at $311.38 – their lowest in years after breaking below key technical levels at $439.58, $401.89 and $365.95. This is the biggest drop in over a decade as investors are reeling from weak guidance, executive shakeups and a looming class action lawsuit.
The sell off came after UnitedHealth cut full year guidance. Management cited increased Medicare Advantage utilization and the relaxing of prior authorization protocols which have traditionally helped to curb costs but are now under public and regulatory scrutiny.
Lawsuit and Scandal Scares Investors
Adding fuel to the fire is a securities class action lawsuit (Faller v. UnitedHealth Group Inc.) that is underway. Filed in the Southern District of New York the lawsuit is for guidance given between Dec 3, 2024 and April 16, 2025.
The complaint alleges that UnitedHealth issued false financial projections while hiding material changes to their business practices especially around their coverage denial strategy in their Medicare Advantage arm.
The controversy intensified after the tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson who was shot and killed in Manhattan in December 2024.
While the company has remained silent on the connection between Thompson’s murder and corporate practices the public outcry over UnitedHealth’s denied claims policy had already gotten loud.
After these events Chairman Stephen Hemsley has returned as CEO replacing Andrew Witty who stepped down suddenly citing “personal reasons”.
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) Technical Breakdown and Trade
From a technical standpoint UnitedHealth has broken long standing bullish structures. The 50 week EMA at $506.39 is gone and momentum indicators like the MACD are deeply negative.
With the next key supports at $279.17 and $239.73 – levels not seen since the COVID era lows – traders should be cautious.
Trade Setup:
- Sell Zone: On pullbacks below $365
- Target 1: $279
- Target 2: $239
- Stop Loss: Above $366For longs a reversal signal is needed – look for a MACD crossover or a strong bullish candle near support. Until then it’s bearish.
As the lawsuit and institutional trust continues to hang over the company UnitedHealth will need more than guidance to get back in the good books of investors.
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