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Cantor Fitzgerald maintained its Neutral rating and $290.00 price target on Humana (NYSE:HUM) Tuesday. The research firm noted that Medicare Advantage cuts were not included in the current bill under consideration, a positive development for both Humana and CVS Health (NYSE:CVS). InvestingPro data shows Humana as a prominent player in the Healthcare Providers & Services industry, with a market capitalization of $28.4 billion and strong revenue growth of 10% over the last twelve months.
The exclusion of Medicare Advantage cuts from the legislation was largely anticipated by market analysts. However, recent reports from various news outlets suggesting that senators were considering such cuts had created uncertainty around the outlook for Humana and CVS Health. According to InvestingPro’s analysis, Humana maintains a "GREAT" financial health score, suggesting strong resilience to market uncertainties. The company’s solid position is further evidenced by its 15-year track record of consistent dividend payments, currently yielding 1.5%.
Medicare Advantage, the private insurance alternative to traditional Medicare, represents a significant portion of Humana’s business model. Any potential cuts to the program would likely impact the company’s revenue and growth projections. Despite market concerns, InvestingPro’s Fair Value analysis indicates that Humana is currently undervalued, trading at a P/E ratio of 16.4x with analyst price targets suggesting potential upside.
Cantor Fitzgerald indicated it would maintain its current stance that Medicare Advantage programs will likely remain protected as debates around the bill continue in Congress. This position reflects the firm’s assessment of the political landscape surrounding healthcare funding.
The research firm’s maintained Neutral rating suggests a balanced view on Humana’s near-term performance prospects, with the $290.00 price target providing a benchmark for the stock’s valuation amid ongoing legislative developments.
In other recent news, CVS Health has seen a positive development as Medicare Pharmacy Benefit Manager limits were removed from a tax bill, according to a Bloomberg report. This change is favorable for CVS Health, which operates a significant PBM business through its Caremark division. Additionally, the bill also omits proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage programs, benefiting companies like Humana, which has a substantial presence in this market. Humana is facing potential challenges in its Medicare Advantage business and is planning with the assumption of losing its ongoing stars lawsuit, as revealed by CEO Jim Rechtin.
Bernstein SocGen Group has reiterated an Outperform rating for Humana, setting a price target of $313.00, expecting the company’s investor day to be a positive catalyst. Conversely, Jefferies has lowered its price target for Humana to $244.00, maintaining a Hold rating due to margin pressures and potential regulatory challenges. Jefferies noted that a win in the Stars lawsuit could affect the stock positively but is not factored into their valuation. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are contemplating Medicare spending cuts to fund a legislative package, which could impact private Medicare Advantage insurers, including Humana.
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