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On Tuesday, Bernstein SocGen Group analysts reiterated their Outperform rating for Humana stock (NYSE: NYSE:HUM) with a price target of $313.00. Currently trading at $234.83, the stock has broader analyst targets ranging from $256 to $402, according to InvestingPro data. The reaffirmation was made as Humana confirmed its 2025 guidance, which analysts view as a positive indicator for the healthcare industry’s gradual recovery.
The analysts noted that Humana’s reaffirmation aligns with their observations of stable utilization trends for 2025. This outlook is supported by hospital-reported results and payroll/capacity data, which suggest a modest slowdown in utilization growth.
In their commentary, Bernstein SocGen Group analysts highlighted that HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA) observed a same-store equivalent admission rate of 2.8% in the first quarter, compared to 5.2% the previous year. Even when accounting for the leap year, this data indicates a deceleration that aligns with the company’s guidance.
The analysts also mentioned that recent announcements by UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) were seen as outliers, attributed mainly to company-specific issues. They believe the broader healthcare sector is entering a recovery phase.
Overall, the reaffirmation of Humana’s guidance and the insights from Bernstein SocGen Group analysts are seen as supportive of a stable outlook for the healthcare industry in the coming year. Based on InvestingPro’s Fair Value analysis, Humana appears undervalued at current levels, with 6 additional exclusive ProTips and a comprehensive Pro Research Report available for subscribers seeking deeper insights into this healthcare leader’s prospects.
In other recent news, Humana has reaffirmed its full-year adjusted earnings per share (EPS) forecast, projecting an EPS of about $16.25, slightly below the Bloomberg Consensus estimate. Despite surpassing first-quarter expectations with an adjusted EPS of $11.58, Humana maintains its full-year guidance due to anticipated increased general and administrative investments. Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James has upgraded Humana’s stock rating from Market Perform to Outperform, setting a new price target of $315, citing the company’s strong performance and favorable drug mix. Meanwhile, UnitedHealth Group is navigating allegations related to bonuses paid to nursing homes, which it denies, and has seen its stock rating maintained at Hold by TD Cowen with a target of $308. TD Cowen also reaffirmed a Buy rating for UnitedHealth, setting a higher target of $520, noting potential growth in Medicare Advantage trends. Additionally, SelectQuote is facing a False Claims Act complaint, alongside other companies, for alleged illegal kickbacks related to Medicare Advantage plan enrollments. The legal action, implicating major insurers such as Humana and Aetna, is being pursued by the U.S. Department of Justice. These developments present a mixed landscape for investors in the healthcare sector.
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