Research Alert: CFRA Maintains Hold Rating On Shares Of Humana
CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:We raise our 12-month target to $256 from $215, a 17x multiple of our 2027 EPS estimate, near HUM's 16.7x five-year historical forward average multiple. We think HUM is in the midst of a multiyear turnaround to improve profitability, with significant earnings growth expected looking out to 2027-2028. However, we see 2026 as a challenging period, characterized by industry-wide cost pressures and elevated levels of medical utilization. We lower our 2026 EPS estimate by $0.34 to $8.71 and our 2027 EPS estimate by $0.03 to $15.04. We think HUM improved investor confidence in the turnaround plan by maintaining its 2026 financial outlook and goal of 3% Medicare Advantage margin by 2028, though we note significant Medicare Stars Quality ratings updates (a more detailed outlook anticipated in Q2 earnings reports), as well as 2028 Bonus Year Stars ratings (expected in October), which add some uncertainty to near-term expectations.
