In a major relief to the global economy, oil prices dropped below $100 a barrel on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, contingent on the immediate and safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint that transports one fifth of global flows.

The shift in stance came just ahead of Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that carries 20% of the world’s oil supply, or face broad attacks on its civilian infrastructure.

“This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE!” Trump wrote on social media. Earlier on Tuesday, he had warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if his demands were not met.

Crude oil price on March 8

Brent crude fell $14.84, or 13.6%, to $94.43 a barrel, while WTI declined $16.13, or 14.3%, to $96.82 a barrel as of 0023 GMT.

Iran said it would stop its attacks if actions against it ceased. It also indicated that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured for two weeks in coordination with its armed forces, according to a statement by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Wednesday.
Trump also said the U.S. had received a 10-point proposal from Iran, describing it as a workable basis for negotiations, and added that both sides were close to reaching a long-term peace agreement.
The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran had driven the sharpest monthly increase in oil prices on record in March, with a rise of more than 50%.
Over the past month and a half, the war has focused heavily on targeting critical energy infrastructure, disrupting key supply channels and heightening concerns across global energy markets.

What are experts saying?

International brokerage Macquarie has said that even if tensions ease in the near term, oil prices are likely to find support in the $85–$90 range.

Experts say if ongoing tensions persist, the outlook for crude oil remains volatile and tilted upward. Continued conflict in the Middle East, especially disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, would keep supply chains constrained, pushing Brent and WTI prices higher and sustaining inflationary pressures worldwide.

“Even with a peace deal, Iran may be emboldened to threaten the Strait of Hormuz more frequently in the future, and the market will price in heightened risk to the Strait of Hormuz going forward,” MST Marquee analyst Saul Kavonic, told Reuters.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Operator

Greetings. Welcome to the Aehr Test Systems Fiscal 2026 Third Quarter Financial Results Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please note, this conference is being recorded.

I will now turn the conference over to your host, Jim Byers of PondelWilkinson Investor Relations. You may begin.

Jim Byers
PondelWilkinson Inc.

Thank you, operator. Good afternoon, and welcome to Aehr Test Systems Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Financial Results Conference Call. With me on today’s call are Aehr Test Systems’ President and Chief Executive Officer, Gayn Erickson; and Chief Financial Officer, Chris Siu.

Before I turn the call over to Gayn and Chris, I’d like to cover a few quick items. This afternoon, right after market closed, Aehr Test issued a press release announcing its third quarter fiscal 2026 results. That release is available on the company’s website at aehr.com. This call is being broadcast live over the Internet for all interested parties, and the webcast will be archived on the Investor Relations page of the company’s website.

And I’d like to remind everyone that on today’s call, management will be making forward-looking statements that are based on current information and estimates and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors are discussed in the company’s most recent periodic and current reports filed

CVS Health Corp. shares jumped more than 6% in morning trading Tuesday, climbing to $78.19, up $4.92 or 6.71%, as investors cheered fresh optimism around Medicare Advantage payments and the company’s ongoing turnaround efforts in a challenging health care environment.

The NYSE-listed stock (CVS) rallied on reports that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized 2027 Medicare Advantage rates in a manner viewed as more favorable than feared, easing concerns that had weighed on the sector. The move marked the fourth straight day of gains for CVS and pushed shares toward the upper end of their recent trading range.

Analysts described the reaction as a relief rally for a stock that has faced persistent pressure from margin compression in its insurance business, regulatory scrutiny and a broader reset in managed care valuations. With Q1 2026 earnings set for release on May 6, the Tuesday surge reflected growing confidence that CVS is stabilizing its Aetna health insurance segment while leveraging its massive pharmacy and retail footprint.

CVS Health, one of the nation’s largest health care companies, operates roughly 9,000 retail pharmacies, more than 1,000 clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager serving about 87 million plan members. It also provides health insurance coverage to millions through Aetna, including highly rated Medicare Advantage plans.

The company has been executing a multi-year turnaround plan aimed at improving margins, simplifying operations and using technology — including artificial intelligence — to better integrate its pharmacy, insurance and clinical services. Executives have highlighted progress in lowering drug prices, enhancing care navigation and positioning CVS as “the front door of care” for millions of Americans.

In February, CVS reported fourth-quarter 2025 results that beat Wall Street expectations on both revenue and earnings. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, projecting adjusted earnings per share of $7.00 to $7.20 and revenue of at least $400 billion. It also maintained GAAP diluted EPS guidance of $5.94 to $6.14.

“Our fourth quarter and full-year results demonstrate the progress we are making in transforming the health care experience,” CEO David Joyner said at the time. The company noted steady performance in its pharmacy and consumer wellness segment, which helped offset pressures in the health insurance business.

Analysts largely view CVS as undervalued. The consensus 12-month price target from roughly two dozen Wall Street firms sits near $95, implying potential upside of more than 20% from current levels. Ratings skew heavily toward Buy or Moderate Buy, with no Sell recommendations in recent coverage. Some bullish voices see shares reaching the mid-$100s if Medicare Advantage margins recover as expected and cost-cutting initiatives deliver.

The stock has traded in a 52-week range roughly between the mid-$50s and mid-$80s, reflecting volatility tied to insurance sector headwinds and broader economic uncertainty. Despite the challenges, CVS has maintained a healthy dividend, recently declaring a quarterly payout of $0.665 per share, payable May 4 to shareholders of record on April 23.

Tuesday’s gains came as the broader health care sector showed mixed performance, with several managed care peers also rising on the Medicare news. Investors appeared to price in expectations of improved medical benefit ratios and more stable membership trends in CVS’s insurance business.

Turnaround Plan Shows Early Signs of Success

CVS has focused on several pillars in its recovery strategy. These include optimizing its pharmacy benefit manager operations, expanding clinical services through its retail clinics and MinuteClinic locations, and investing in digital tools that connect patients, payers and providers more seamlessly.

The company has faced scrutiny over insulin pricing and other pharmacy practices, reaching a proposed settlement with the Federal Trade Commission in March. It has also navigated antitrust concerns and ongoing litigation related to its business practices.

Still, executives have expressed confidence that 2026 will mark continued improvement. The reaffirmed guidance projects margin expansion across segments even as overall revenue growth remains relatively modest. Cash flow from operations is expected to reach at least $9 billion.

Analysts at firms such as Seeking Alpha contributors and major banks have highlighted CVS’s attractive valuation metrics — trading at a forward price-to-earnings multiple in the low teens and a price-to-sales ratio near 0.25. Some argue the market has overly penalized the stock for near-term insurance pressures while underappreciating the long-term strength of its diversified model.

“Stop catastrophizing and start believing,” one analysis suggested, pointing to potential for more than 50% upside if Medicare margins normalize and the company executes on its integration plans.

Upcoming Earnings in Focus

Attention now turns to the May 6 earnings release and conference call. Investors will look for updates on same-store sales trends in retail pharmacy, membership changes in Medicare Advantage, progress on cost controls and any commentary on the competitive landscape.

CVS has been expanding its offerings, including new pharmacy-only locations and enhanced primary care services. It continues to invest in technology platforms that aim to create a more unified consumer experience, potentially driving customer loyalty and higher-margin services.

Broader industry challenges persist. Rising medical costs, regulatory changes and competition from other pharmacy chains and telehealth providers remain risks. CVS must also manage its significant debt load while funding growth initiatives and returning capital to shareholders through dividends and potential buybacks.

Despite these headwinds, many see CVS as well-positioned for a multi-year recovery. Its scale — touching millions daily through pharmacies, clinics and insurance — provides a resilient foundation. The integrated model allows the company to capture value across the health care spectrum, from filling prescriptions to managing chronic conditions to providing insurance coverage.

Dividend Appeal and Shareholder Returns

The quarterly dividend offers a yield that remains attractive for income-focused investors. With the ex-dividend date approaching later this month, some buying may reflect positioning for the payout.

CVS has a long history of returning capital to shareholders, though it has moderated share repurchases in recent years to prioritize balance sheet strength amid the turnaround.

As trading continued Tuesday, volume was elevated as the stock tested resistance levels near $78-$80. Options activity showed increased interest in calls, reflecting bullish sentiment around the Medicare developments and upcoming earnings.

For long-term investors, CVS represents a bet on America’s aging population and the enduring demand for accessible pharmacy and health services. Success hinges on improving profitability in its insurance arm while defending its dominant position in retail pharmacy amid shifting consumer habits and competitive pressures.

The company, headquartered in Woonsocket, employs hundreds of thousands and operates one of the most extensive health care networks in the United States. Its brands — including CVS Pharmacy, Aetna and Omnicare — are household names.

Tuesday’s surge provided a positive note after periods of relative underperformance. Whether the momentum sustains will depend on execution in the coming quarters and any surprises in the May earnings report.

Analysts caution that while the setup looks increasingly favorable, CVS must deliver consistent results to rebuild investor confidence fully. Regulatory and reimbursement risks in Medicare could still create volatility.

For now, the market appears to be rewarding signs that the worst of the pressures may be easing and that the turnaround plan is gaining traction. With shares still trading well below analyst targets, some see the current levels as an attractive entry point for those bullish on health care’s long-term fundamentals.

As the session progressed, CVS Health stood out as one of the stronger performers in the health care sector, underscoring Wall Street’s renewed appetite for beaten-down names showing operational progress.