UnitedHealth price target lowered to $549 from $591 at Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank lowered the firm’s price target on UnitedHealth to $549 from $591 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. Several news agencies are reporting UnitedHealth is facing a Department of Justice inquiry, stemming from the company’s acquisition strategy in primary care, technology and pharmacy benefits, and whether or not the company competes in an anti-competitive nature, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm, however, is initially skeptical of any meaningful impact to the company as the investigation “appears vague,” appears to be relying on interviewing competitors, and is lumped into the administration’s general focus on antitrust. Deutsche does not see the company as having a dominant market share position in any of its business lines.