SunTrust analyst David MacDonald raised his price targets on Anthem (ANTM) to $330 from $300, Cigna (CI) to $250 from $230, Centene (CNC) to $77 from $72, CVS (CVS) to $90 from $85, Humana (HUM) to $370 from $350, Molina Healthcare (MOH) to $165 from $155, Tivity Health (TVTY) to $25 from $21, UnitedHealth (UNH) to $335 from $310, and Wellcare (WCG) to $340 from $320. The analyst cites the release of Senator Warren's plans to implement "Medicare For All", which he believes offers additional clarity and allays some investor concerns regarding the sector. MacDonald contends that the plan will offer an early buy-in, comprehensive coverage that is similar to Medicare Advantage, while strengthening the ACA/Medicaid system and offering a transition period to move to Medicare For All. The analyst adds that Managed Care companies will remain a "key part of the healthcare cost solution".

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RBC Capital lowered the firm's price target on Humana to $353 from $415 but keeps an Outperform rating on the shares after its Q1 results and updated outlook. While the management is taking 2025 adjusted EPS growth targets off the table for now, the company also stressed its continued commitment to margin improvement next year, indicating that pulling guidance does not signal that 2025 is a no-growth year, the analyst tells investors in a research note. RBC adds however that it is still cutting its FY25 EPS outlook for Humana to $20.28 from $23.87.

Oppenheimer analyst Michael Wiederhorn lowered the firm's price target on Humana to $370 from $415 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm says Humana handily topped Q1 2024 expectations and maintained FY2024 guidance, highlighted by improving IP trends in March, leading to an in-line MLR without any contribution from favorable Q4 PPRD that seems likely. Looking forward, management pulled its 2025 growth guidance of $6-$10 EPS due to the rate pressures and TBC limitations, and also extended its return to 3% margins beyond 2026, says Oppenheimer. Overall, Humana continues to face the magnified impact from MA due to its significant exposure, but also boasts a portfolio with significant long-term margin upside, the firm adds.

The company states: "The consolidated MCR for the first quarter of 2024 was 88.5%, reflecting changes in member mix due to growth across all segments and continued, strong medical cost management, and is in line with the Company's expectation. The Medicaid MCR for the first quarter of 2024 was 89.7%, in line with the Company's expectation and normal quarter to quarter trend fluctuations within our guidance. The new store additions in California and Nebraska, as well as Iowa and the My Choice Wisconsin acquisition in late-2023, drove a higher reported MCR in the first quarter of 2024. The Medicare MCR for the first quarter of 2024 was 88.7%, in line with the Company's expectations. Utilization in the legacy portfolio was consistent with the second half of 2023, but was offset by operational improvements and benefit adjustments."

Reports Q1 revenue $9.93B, consensus $9.44B. "We are very pleased with our first quarter performance," said Joseph Zubretsky, CEO. "We delivered strong financial performance supported by excellent operating metrics across our business, while sustaining profitable growth consistent with our long-term targets."

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Notable companies reporting after the market close, with earnings consensus, include Meta Plataforms (META), consensus $4.32... IBM (IBM), consensus $1.60... ServiceNow (NOW), consensus $3.14... Lam Research (LRCX), consensus $7.30... Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG), consensus $11.68... O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY), consensus $9.26... Ford Motor (F), consensus 42c... United Rentals (URI), consensus $8.32... Align Technology (ALGN), consensus $1.97... Molina Healthcare (MOH), consensus $5.59... Teradyne (TER), consensus 33c... Universa Health Services (UHS), consensus $3.16... Western Union (WU), consensus 41c.

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Affirms FY 2024 Insurance segment benefit ratio of approximately 90%. Raises 2024 individual Medicare Advantage annual membership growth by 50,000 to now anticipate annual growth of approximately 150,000, or 2.8%.

Reports Q1 revenue $29.61B, consensus $28.47B.