From the outset, investors and analysts raised concerns about the proposed merger between U.S. health insurers, Anthem, Inc. and Cigna. In early January 2017, a federal judge blocked the proposed merger, siding with the Department of Justice. Anthem (NYSE:ANTM) stock rose in the ensuing three months, up more than 15% at the end of March, as investors were relieved about the deal cancellation. In February, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed rules aimed at stabilizing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual and small group insurance markets. This bodes well for Anthem Inc., and other health insurers, as the rule may help stem the tide of financial losses currently associated with ACA participation.
From Bernard Horn (Trades, Portfolio)'s Polaris Global Fund first quarter 2017 shareholder letter.
