2 months ago
Auxier ******* et Management, an investment advisory firm, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. The letter can be downloaded here. Following a strong rebound from the first-quarter decline, the S&P 500 gained 15.2% as accelerating capital spending toward artificial intelligence infrastructure drove significant gains across technology hardware companies. Semiconductor and data-center-related businesses benefited from supply constraints and strong demand, while enterprise software remained under pressure as investors reassessed AI disruption risks and compressed valuations. In the quarter, Auxier Focus Fund's Investor Class gained 8.82% and 10.70% for the six months ended June 30, 2026. Despite strong earnings growth across the broader market, Auxier highlighted concerns around rising margin debt, increased leverage, and elevated capital flows into high-growth technology areas that could amplify future volatility. The firm continues to focus on identifying enduring businesses with strong competitive advantages, resilient cash flows, and sustainable long-term growth potential. Also, check the fund's top five holdings to see its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Auxier ******* et Management highlighted UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) as a material contributor. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a multinational health benefits company based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. On September 14, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) closed at $383.55 per share. Over the past month, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) declined 4.38%, while its shares gained 10.86% over the past 52 weeks. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) has a market capitalization of $344.27 billion with a 52-week trading range between $255.97 and $461.62.
Auxier ******* et Management stated the following regarding UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) Leads the Way in Reshaping the Insurance Industry with AI UnitedHealth Group is among the companies that have successfully integrated AI into various parts of their operations. One of the most significant benefits has been in administrative functions, where AI has helped save tens of thousands of hours through increased automation and efficiency. As an example, automated transcription of patient encounters has contributed to lower levels of clinician burnout. Management reports that they are generating about $2 of value for every $1 spent on AI due to reductions in manual labor. We like this measured approach to implementing AI where it can provide clear operational benefits and attractive returns, which has been a key strategy of current CEO Stephen Hemsley. UnitedHealth's success in AI use highlights the technology's potential on the user side where companies can benefit without the high upfront cost of building the infrastructure. Cigna Group is projecting $200 million in
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Auxier ******* et Management highlighted UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) as a material contributor. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a multinational health benefits company based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. On September 14, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) closed at $383.55 per share. Over the past month, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) declined 4.38%, while its shares gained 10.86% over the past 52 weeks. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) has a market capitalization of $344.27 billion with a 52-week trading range between $255.97 and $461.62.
Auxier ******* et Management stated the following regarding UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) Leads the Way in Reshaping the Insurance Industry with AI UnitedHealth Group is among the companies that have successfully integrated AI into various parts of their operations. One of the most significant benefits has been in administrative functions, where AI has helped save tens of thousands of hours through increased automation and efficiency. As an example, automated transcription of patient encounters has contributed to lower levels of clinician burnout. Management reports that they are generating about $2 of value for every $1 spent on AI due to reductions in manual labor. We like this measured approach to implementing AI where it can provide clear operational benefits and attractive returns, which has been a key strategy of current CEO Stephen Hemsley. UnitedHealth's success in AI use highlights the technology's potential on the user side where companies can benefit without the high upfront cost of building the infrastructure. Cigna Group is projecting $200 million in
2 months ago
Auxier ****** et Management, an investment advisory firm, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. The letter can be downloaded here. Following a strong rebound from the first-quarter decline, the S&P 500 gained 15.2% as accelerating capital spending toward artificial intelligence infrastructure drove significant gains across technology hardware companies. Semiconductor and data-center-related businesses benefited from supply constraints and strong demand, while enterprise software remained under pressure as investors reassessed AI disruption risks and compressed valuations. In the quarter, Auxier Focus Fund's Investor Class gained 8.82% and 10.70% for the six months ended June 30, 2026. Despite strong earnings growth across the broader market, Auxier highlighted concerns around rising margin debt, increased leverage, and elevated capital flows into high-growth technology areas that could amplify future volatility. The firm continues to focus on identifying enduring businesses with strong competitive advantages, resilient cash flows, and sustainable long-term growth potential. Also, check the fund's top five holdings to see its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Auxier ****** et Management highlighted UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) as a material contributor. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a multinational health benefits company based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. On September 14, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) closed at $383.55 per share. Over the past month, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) declined 4.38%, while its shares gained 10.86% over the past 52 weeks. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) has a market capitalization of $344.27 billion with a 52-week trading range between $255.97 and $461.62.
Auxier ****** et Management stated the following regarding UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) Leads the Way in Reshaping the Insurance Industry with AI UnitedHealth Group is among the companies that have successfully integrated AI into various parts of their operations. One of the most significant benefits has been in administrative functions, where AI has helped save tens of thousands of hours through increased automation and efficiency. As an example, automated transcription of patient encounters has contributed to lower levels of clinician burnout. Management reports that they are generating about $2 of value for every $1 spent on AI due to reductions in manual labor. We like this measured approach to implementing AI where it can provide clear operational benefits and attractive returns, which has been a key strategy of current CEO Stephen Hemsley. UnitedHealth's success in AI use highlights the technology's potential on the user side where companies can benefit without the high upfront cost of building the infrastructure. Cigna Group is projecting $200 million in me
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Auxier ****** et Management highlighted UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) as a material contributor. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a multinational health benefits company based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. On September 14, 2026, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) closed at $383.55 per share. Over the past month, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) declined 4.38%, while its shares gained 10.86% over the past 52 weeks. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) has a market capitalization of $344.27 billion with a 52-week trading range between $255.97 and $461.62.
Auxier ****** et Management stated the following regarding UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) Leads the Way in Reshaping the Insurance Industry with AI UnitedHealth Group is among the companies that have successfully integrated AI into various parts of their operations. One of the most significant benefits has been in administrative functions, where AI has helped save tens of thousands of hours through increased automation and efficiency. As an example, automated transcription of patient encounters has contributed to lower levels of clinician burnout. Management reports that they are generating about $2 of value for every $1 spent on AI due to reductions in manual labor. We like this measured approach to implementing AI where it can provide clear operational benefits and attractive returns, which has been a key strategy of current CEO Stephen Hemsley. UnitedHealth's success in AI use highlights the technology's potential on the user side where companies can benefit without the high upfront cost of building the infrastructure. Cigna Group is projecting $200 million in me
2 months ago
About a million Americans had to find new health insurance at the start of 2026. CVS Health's Aetna subsidiary pulled out of the Affordable Care Act marketplace in 17 states, and at least a dozen more carriers announced they'll stop selling plans next year. When that happens, several hundred thousand more people will need to find coverage elsewhere.
The departures aren't random. When enhanced federal subsidies expired at the end of 2025, premiums jumped, and healthier enrollees dropped coverage. Insurers found themselves covering a smaller, sicker group, and one by one, they decided to stop. The numbers were no longer adding up.
Texas has lost three carriers in two years. Oregon is down another two. For the millions of people who depend on marketplace coverage, every exit gives the insurers who stay less reason to keep prices low.
CVS Health was the first major provider to leave. Its Aetna marketplace enrollees were running up medical bills that exceeded what the company collected in premiums, and CVS projected losses of up to $400 million on its ACA plans in 2025. It was the company's second retreat from the exchanges: Aetna had pulled out in 2017, returned in 2022, expanded into more states in 2023, and still couldn't make the business work.
Cigna followed in late April. The insurer's marketplace enrollment had already fallen 17% from a year earlier, and its president and incoming CEO, Brian Evanko, told ***** ysts there was no viable path to growth. Cigna will leave all 11 states where it sells plans, displacing about 369,000 enrollees, according to healthinsurance.org and Becker's Payer Issues.
#coverage #Health #insurers
The departures aren't random. When enhanced federal subsidies expired at the end of 2025, premiums jumped, and healthier enrollees dropped coverage. Insurers found themselves covering a smaller, sicker group, and one by one, they decided to stop. The numbers were no longer adding up.
Texas has lost three carriers in two years. Oregon is down another two. For the millions of people who depend on marketplace coverage, every exit gives the insurers who stay less reason to keep prices low.
CVS Health was the first major provider to leave. Its Aetna marketplace enrollees were running up medical bills that exceeded what the company collected in premiums, and CVS projected losses of up to $400 million on its ACA plans in 2025. It was the company's second retreat from the exchanges: Aetna had pulled out in 2017, returned in 2022, expanded into more states in 2023, and still couldn't make the business work.
Cigna followed in late April. The insurer's marketplace enrollment had already fallen 17% from a year earlier, and its president and incoming CEO, Brian Evanko, told ***** ysts there was no viable path to growth. Cigna will leave all 11 states where it sells plans, displacing about 369,000 enrollees, according to healthinsurance.org and Becker's Payer Issues.
#coverage #Health #insurers
2 months ago
The NFL is expanding the mental health resources available to players and their families.
Beginning Sept. 1, NFL players and any family members on their insurance plan will gain access to a network of vetted clinicians in every NFL city. Players can use these resources, in addition to in-house clinicians, without visit limits or coinsurance requirements, NFL vice president of wellness and clinical services Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti told Yahoo Sports.
The network launch comes in the wake of a spring announcement by the league to increase mental health resources in three tiers following the deaths by suicide of Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore last November and February, respectively.
The league announced in March that it was increasing its in-house clinical presence to require teams to staff full-time mental health clinicians, up from the previous requirement that teams staff clinicians at least eight to 12 hours a week as mandated by the NFL-NFLPA collective bargaining agreement. The NFL also has sought to increase efforts to support the mental health of players battling injuries, as Moore had in the years prior to his death. And the NFL and NFLPA partnered with Cigna Healthcare to create this network.
"Historically the sense was that players don't use mental health resources," NiiLampti told Yahoo Sports by phone on Tuesday. "Sports is a microcosm of society. So in the last few years we've seen everybody increase their use of mental health resources and this population is no different. And so we've probably had more difficulties trying to find a provider than we have had people willing to use the resource.
#sports #niilampti
Beginning Sept. 1, NFL players and any family members on their insurance plan will gain access to a network of vetted clinicians in every NFL city. Players can use these resources, in addition to in-house clinicians, without visit limits or coinsurance requirements, NFL vice president of wellness and clinical services Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti told Yahoo Sports.
The network launch comes in the wake of a spring announcement by the league to increase mental health resources in three tiers following the deaths by suicide of Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore last November and February, respectively.
The league announced in March that it was increasing its in-house clinical presence to require teams to staff full-time mental health clinicians, up from the previous requirement that teams staff clinicians at least eight to 12 hours a week as mandated by the NFL-NFLPA collective bargaining agreement. The NFL also has sought to increase efforts to support the mental health of players battling injuries, as Moore had in the years prior to his death. And the NFL and NFLPA partnered with Cigna Healthcare to create this network.
"Historically the sense was that players don't use mental health resources," NiiLampti told Yahoo Sports by phone on Tuesday. "Sports is a microcosm of society. So in the last few years we've seen everybody increase their use of mental health resources and this population is no different. And so we've probably had more difficulties trying to find a provider than we have had people willing to use the resource.
#sports #niilampti
5 months ago
(NewsNation) — Some U.S. employers say they plan to stop covering GLP-1 drugs for weight loss next year, according to a recent report.
The report from the Business Group on Health surveyed businesses and found that about 10% of employers that currently cover the drugs say they will not continue that coverage by 2027.
"Our findings show the tremendous concern employers have regarding these medications from a cost and financial viability perspective," Ellen Kelsay, president and CEO of Business Group on Health, said. "Against the backdrop of anticipated double-digit health care cost increases — fueled in large part by GLP-1s and overall prescription drug costs — companies cannot ignore the reality that GLP-1s have significant implications for health care budgets and overall affordability."
Using cannabis for sleep isn't harmless – it can trap people in a cycle of dependency
One company has already made its decision to drop coverage of weight-loss drugs. According to Reuters, health insurer Cigna is ending coverage of the treatments starting in July and told its employees they could buy them elsewhere.
The report from the Business Group on Health surveyed businesses and found that about 10% of employers that currently cover the drugs say they will not continue that coverage by 2027.
"Our findings show the tremendous concern employers have regarding these medications from a cost and financial viability perspective," Ellen Kelsay, president and CEO of Business Group on Health, said. "Against the backdrop of anticipated double-digit health care cost increases — fueled in large part by GLP-1s and overall prescription drug costs — companies cannot ignore the reality that GLP-1s have significant implications for health care budgets and overall affordability."
Using cannabis for sleep isn't harmless – it can trap people in a cycle of dependency
One company has already made its decision to drop coverage of weight-loss drugs. According to Reuters, health insurer Cigna is ending coverage of the treatments starting in July and told its employees they could buy them elsewhere.
