Despite an improving economy and greater numbers of insured Americans, UnitedHealth said Wednesday that medical costs remain subdued, sparking a rally among insurance stocks as fears ebbed that health spending may soon jump. The largest U.S. health insurer’s medical-care ratio, a key metric that compares spending on claims vs. premiums received, dipped to 79.8% in Q4 from 81.2% a year ago and changed little from 79.7% in Q3. Cost
Super Micro Computer late Tuesday handily beat fiscal second-quarter estimates as the quick-to-market server maker grabs share from larger rivals. The San Jose, Calif.-based server maker reported an 86% rise in earnings per share minus one-time items, to 65 cents, beating consensus for 47 cents. The gain came on a 41% hike in revenue to $503 million, vs. views for $467.9 million. Super Micro (SMCI) stock rose a fraction in
Intel, spurred by demand for its chips in PCs, servers and the Internet of Things, reported 45% Q4 earnings growth. But shares fell late Thursday on tepid revenue and margin guidance. The world’s largest chipmaker earned 74 cents a share excluding items, up from 51 cents a year earlier. Sales grew 6.5% to $14.72 billion. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters modeled EPS of 66 cents on revenue of $14.71 billion. But Intel’s (INTC) Q1 revenue guidance