The Cigna Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and related products and services in the United States. Its Evernorth Health Services segment provides a range of coordinated and point solution health services, including pharmacy benefits, home delivery pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, distribution, and care delivery and management solutions to health plans, employers, government organizations, and health care providers. The company's Cigna Healthcare segment offers medical, pharmacy, behavioral health, dental, and other products and services for insured and self-insured customers; Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Medicare Part D plans for seniors, as well as individual health insurance plans; and health care coverage in its international markets, as well as health care benefits for mobile individuals and employees of multinational organizations. In addition, it offers permanent insurance contracts sold to corporations to provide coverage on the lives of certain employees for financing employer-paid future benefit obligations. The company distributes its products and services through insurance brokers and consultants; directly to employers, unions and other groups, or individuals; and private and public exchanges. The company was formerly known as Cigna Corporation and changed its name to The Cigna Group in February 2023. The Cigna Group was founded in 1792 and is headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut.

The Cigna Group

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated UNH reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.92, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.75. However, the bottom line declined 59.2% year over year.
Revenues rose 12% year over year to $113.2 billion. The top line missed the consensus mark by 0.2%.
The quarterly earnings were aided by growth in domestic commercial membership and strength witnessed in Optum Rx. However, elevated medical costs partially offset the positives.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Business Performance of UNH
UnitedHealth’s third-quarter premium of $89 billion increased from $77.4 billion a year ago but missed the consensus mark by 0.2%.
UNH’s medical care ratio (MCR) was 89.9% in the third quarter, which deteriorated 470 bps from the year-ago period. The metric was lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 90.9% and our estimate of 91.1%. MCR witnessed an increase due to the previously noted reductions in Medicare funding and medical cost trend, which exceeded the pricing trend. Medical costs of $80 billion rose from $66 billion a year ago.
Third-quarter total operating costs of $108.8 billion escalated 18.2% year over year due to higher medical costs, operating costs and the cost of products sold. The figure came higher than our model estimate of $108.7 billion. The third-quarter 2025 operating cost ratio deteriorated to 13.5% from 13.2% in 2024 due to investments.
UnitedHealth’s operating earnings declined 50% year over year to $4.3 billion in the third quarter. The net margin deteriorated 390 bps to 2.1% from the year-ago period.
Performance of UNH’s Business Platforms
Revenues of the health benefits business of UnitedHealth, UnitedHealthcare, advanced 16% year over year to $87.1 billion in the third quarter due to an increase in domestic commercial membership growth. The metric beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $87 billion.
Earnings from operations amounted to $1.8 billion, down from $4.2 billion a year ago. The operating margin decreased 350 bps year over year to 2.1%.
Revenues in the Optum business line were $69.2 billion, which rose 8% year over year due to strong contributions from Optum Rx. The figure surpassed the consensus mark of $67.7 billion.
Optum’s earnings from operations declined to $2.5 billion from $4.5 billion a year ago. The operating margin of 3.6% decreased 340 bps year over year.
UnitedHealth’s Medical Membership
The UnitedHealthcare business catered to 50.1 million people as of Sept. 30, 2025, which grew 1.6% year over year due to its self-funded commercial benefits. However, the figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate and our estimate of 50.3 million.
UNH’s Financial Position (As of Sept. 30, 2025)
UnitedHealth exited the third quarter with cash and short-term investments of $30.6 billion, which rose from the 2024-end level of $29.1 billion.
Total assets of $315.3 billion increased from the $298.3 billion figure at 2024-end.
Long-term debt, less of current maturities, amounted to $72.4 billion, up 0.1% from the figure as of Dec. 31, 2024. Short-term borrowings and the current portion of long-term debt were $7.7 billion.
Total equity of $101.6 billion advanced from the 2024-end level of $98.3 billion.
UnitedHealth generated operating cash flows of $18.6 billion in the first nine months of 2025, which declined from the prior-year figure of $21.8 billion.
UNH’s 2025 Outlook
Management now projects adjusted net EPS to be at least $16.25 for 2025, up from the previous guided figure of $16 compared with the 2024 figure of $27.66. Net earnings are now expected to be at least $14.9 billion, up from the 2024 level of $14.4 billion.
Revenues were earlier projected between $445.5 billion and $448 billion in 2025, up from $400.3 billion in 2024. Operating cash flows were estimated to be $16 billion, down from $24.2 billion in 2024.
UNH’s Zacks Rank
UNH currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks to Report Earnings
Here are three companies from the Medical space that are likely to report their respective quarterly earnings soon.
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ANIP carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ANIP’s bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter is pegged at $1.74 per share, indicating 29.9% year-over-year growth. ANI Pharmaceuticals’ earnings beat estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 22.7%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Encompass Health Corporation EHC has a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EHC’s bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter is pegged at $1.19 per share, indicating 15.5% year-over-year growth. Encompass Health’s earnings beat estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 14%.
The Cigna Group CI currently has a Zacks Rank of 3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CI’s bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter of $7.70 per share indicates 2.5% year-over-year growth. It remained stable over the past week. Cigna Group’s earnings beat estimates in three of the last four quarters and missed once.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

UnitedHealth Q3 Earnings Beat on Rising Commercial Membership

Molina (MOH) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.84 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.97 per share. This compares to earnings of $6.01 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -53.65%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this provider of Medicaid-related services would post earnings of $5.5 per share when it actually produced earnings of $5.48, delivering a surprise of -0.36%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates just once.
Molina, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - HMOs industry, posted revenues of $11.48 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.28%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $10.34 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
Molina shares have lost about 32.4% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 14.5%.
What's Next for Molina?
While Molina has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Molina was unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $3.38 on $11.07 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $18.87 on $44.54 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Medical - HMOs is currently in the top 39% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
One other stock from the same industry, Cigna (CI), is yet to report results for the quarter ended September 2025. The results are expected to be released on October 30.
This health insurer is expected to post quarterly earnings of $7.70 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +2.5%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
Cigna's revenues are expected to be $67.19 billion, up 5.5% from the year-ago quarter.
Should You Invest in Molina Healthcare, Inc (MOH)?
Before you invest in Molina Healthcare, Inc (MOH), want to know the best stocks to buy for the next 30 days? Check out Zacks Investment Research for our free report on the 7 best stocks to buy.
Zacks Investment Research has been committed to providing investors with tools and independent research since 1978. For more than a quarter century, the Zacks Rank stock-rating system has more than doubled the S&P 500 with an average gain of +24.08% per year. (These returns cover a period from January 1, 1988 through May 6, 2024.)
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Cigna Group (CI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Molina (MOH) Q3 Earnings Lag Estimates

Fintel reports that on October 14, 2025, Goldman Sachs initiated coverage of Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) with a Buy recommendation.
Analyst Price Forecast Suggests 21.99% Upside
As of September 29, 2025, the average one-year price target for Cigna Group is $368.72/share. The forecasts range from a low of $303.00 to a high of $435.75. The average price target represents an increase of 21.99% from its latest reported closing price of $302.24 / share.
See our leaderboard of companies with the largest price target upside.
The projected annual revenue for Cigna Group is 250,131MM, a decrease of 4.54%. The projected annual non-GAAP EPS is 31.35.
What is the Fund Sentiment?
There are 2,856 funds or institutions reporting positions in Cigna Group. This is an increase of 24 owner(s) or 0.85% in the last quarter. Average portfolio weight of all funds dedicated to CI is 0.38%, an increase of 15.37%. Total shares owned by institutions decreased in the last three months by 1.60% to 283,330K shares. The put/call ratio of CI is 0.46, indicating a bullish outlook.
What are Other Shareholders Doing?
Massachusetts Financial Services holds 11,778K shares representing 4.41% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 11,655K shares , representing an increase of 1.05%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CI by 3.06% over the last quarter.
Price T Rowe Associates holds 10,294K shares representing 3.86% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 12,057K shares , representing a decrease of 17.13%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CI by 21.13% over the last quarter.
Dodge & Cox holds 8,951K shares representing 3.35% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 8,890K shares , representing an increase of 0.68%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CI by 0.27% over the last quarter.
VTSMX - Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares holds 8,589K shares representing 3.22% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 8,786K shares , representing a decrease of 2.29%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CI by 12.36% over the last quarter.
Sanders Capital holds 7,793K shares representing 2.92% ownership of the company. In its prior filing, the firm reported owning 7,989K shares , representing a decrease of 2.52%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in CI by 11.96% over the last quarter.
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This story originally appeared on Fintel.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Goldman Sachs Initiates Coverage of Cigna Group (CI) with Buy Recommendation

Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Equity ETF (Symbol: TCAF), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $43.47 per unit.
With TCAF trading at a recent price near $37.59 per unit, that means that analysts see 15.64% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of TCAF's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are S&P Global Inc (Symbol: SPGI), The Cigna Group (Symbol: CI), and GE HealthCare Technologies Inc (Symbol: GEHC). Although SPGI has traded at a recent price of $486.10/share, the average analyst target is 27.46% higher at $619.57/share. Similarly, CI has 23.00% upside from the recent share price of $300.73 if the average analyst target price of $369.90/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting GEHC to reach a target price of $87.31/share, which is 22.96% above the recent price of $71.01. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of SPGI, CI, and GEHC:
Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
Name
Symbol
Recent Price
Avg. Analyst 12-Mo. Target
% Upside to Target
T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Equity ETF
TCAF
$37.59
$43.47
15.64%
S&P Global Inc
SPGI
$486.10
$619.57
27.46%
The Cigna Group
CI
$300.73
$369.90
23.00%
GE HealthCare Technologies Inc
GEHC
$71.01
$87.31
22.96%
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
Also see:
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GBF shares outstanding history
EURI Options Chain
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

We Did The Math TCAF Can Go To $43

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Friday closed up +0.01%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +0.51%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.43%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ25) rose +0.01%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ25) fell -0.44%.
Stock indexes settled mixed on Friday, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrials posting new all-time highs. Stock indexes initially moved higher on Friday as chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks gained, driven by optimism that growth in the AI sector will translate into corporate profits. However, higher bond yields on Friday sparked long liquidation in interest rate-sensitive technology stocks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +4 bp to 4.12% on hawkish comments from Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, who cautioned against additional rate cuts from the Fed.
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Stock indexes also fell back from their best levels on Friday to trade mixed after the Sep ISM services index dropped more than expected to a 4-month low. Also, signs of price pressures in the service sector weighed on bond prices and stocks after the Sep ISM services price paid sub-index unexpectedly increased. Finally, the US government shutdown for a third day on Friday dented market sentiment.
The government shutdown means a delay in the release of government reports, including Friday's monthly payroll report. A prolonged shutdown could also delay the government's inflation data, scheduled for release on October 15. The White House has warned that if the government shutdown lingered, it would trigger widespread dismissals of employees in government programs that don't align with President Trump's priorities. Bloomberg Economics estimates that 640,000 federal workers will be furloughed during a shutdown, which would expand jobless claims and push the unemployment rate up to 4.7%.
The US Sep S&P composite PMI was revised upward by +0.3 to 53.9 from the previously reported 53.6.
The US Sep ISM services index fell -2.0 to a 4-month low of 50.0, weaker than expectations of 51.7. The Sep ISM services price paid sub-index unexpectedly rose +0.2 to 69.4, higher than expectations of a decline to 68.0.
Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee cautioned against the Fed front-loading too many interest rate cuts, saying, "The uptick of inflation that we've been seeing, coupled with the jobs, payroll numbers deteriorating, has put the Fed in a bit of a sticky spot where you're getting deterioration of both sides of the mandate at the same time."
Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan said the Fed "needs to be cautious about further rate cuts from here," as inflation is further away from the Fed's target than the maximum employment goal.
Rising corporate earnings expectations are a bullish backdrop for stocks. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, more than 22% of companies in the S&P 500 provided guidance for their Q3 earnings results that are expected to beat analysts' expectations, the highest in a year. Also, S&P companies are expected to post +6.9% earnings growth in Q3, up from +6.7% as of the end of May.
The markets are pricing in a 98% chance of a -25 bp rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on Oct 28-29.
Overseas stock markets on Friday settled higher. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed up +0.10%. China's Shanghai Composite did not trade and is closed for the week-long Lunar New Year holiday. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +1.85%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ5) on Friday closed down by -8 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +3.6 bp to 4.119%. Dec T-notes gave up an early advance and turned lower Friday due to hawkish comments from Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, who cautioned against additional Fed interest rate cuts. T-notes were also pressured after the Sep ISM services price paid sub-index unexpectedly rose, a sign of price pressures in the service sector.
Dec T-notes initially moved higher on Friday and posted a 1-week high, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 2-week low of 4.077%. T-notes garnered early support on Friday after the Sep ISM services index fell more than expected to a 4-month low. The ongoing US government shutdown is also bullish for T-notes on concerns that a protracted shutdown could weaken the economy, a supportive factor for T-notes.
European government bond yields moved lower on Friday. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 2-week low of 2.690% and finished down -0.2 bp at 2.698%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell -2.0 bp to 4.690%.
Eurozone Sep PPI fell -0.3% m/m and -0.6% y/y, weaker than expectations of -0.1% m/m and -0.4% y/y, with the -0.6% y/y fall the largest year-over-year decline in 9 months.
The UK Sep S&P composite PMI was revised downward by -0.9 to a 5-month low of 50.1 from the previously reported 51.0.
ECB Governing Council member Wunsch stated that ECB policymakers have found the "perfect calibration" for interest rates and policy settings, which are appropriate to ensure that consumer prices rise in line with the 2% target in the medium term.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on October 30.
US Stock Movers
Humana (HUM) closed up more than +10% and added to Thursday's +4% jump to lead managed health care companies higher and gainers in the S&P 500 after it reaffirmed its earnings guidance for 2025. Also, Centene (CNC) closed up more than +5%, and Cigna Group (CI) closed up more than +4%. In addition, Molina Healthcare (MOH) and Elevance Health (ELV) closed up more than +3%, and UnitedHealth Group (UNH) closed up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Fair Isaac Corp (FICO) closed up more than +3%, adding to Thursday's +17% surge after announcing it will sell credit scores directly to mortgage resellers, reducing their reliance on credit bureaus.
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings (KNX) closed up more than +3% after Stifel upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $45.
Zillow Group (ZG) closed up more than +2% after Gordon Haskett upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $90.
Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) closed up more than +2% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $48.
Entergy (ETR) closed up more than +1% after Scotiabank upgraded the stock to sector outperform from sector perform with a price target of $105.
Occidental Petroleum (OXY) closed up more than +1% after Mizuho Securities upgraded the stock to outperform from neutral with a price target of $60.
US-listed Macau-linked casino stocks retreated on Friday after Citigroup said national passenger data from China's travel ministry for the first two days of the Golden Week holiday was weaker than expected. Wynn Resorts Ltd (WYNN) and Las Vegas Sands (LVS) closed down more than -7%. Also, MGM Resorts International (MGM) closed down more than -2%.
Chip makers and AI-infrastructure stocks gave up early gains and turned lower on Friday, which weighed on the Nasdaq 100. KLA Corp (KLAC) closed down more than -3%. Also, Applied Materials (AMAT) closed down more than -2% after saying its net revenue for fiscal year 2026 is set to decrease by $600 million due to a new rule by the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security. In addition, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) closed down more than -2%, and Intel (INTC) and Texas Instruments (TXN) closed down more than -1%.
Weakness in most of the Magnificent Seven technology stocks was a drag on the overall market. Meta Platforms (META) closed down more than -2%, and Tesla (TSLA) and Amazon.com (AMZN) closed down more than -1%. Also, Nvidia (NVDA) closed down -0.67%.
Palantir Technologies (PLTR) closed down more than -7% to lead losers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after Reuters reported that an Army memo stated the company's battlefield communications network has serious "fundamental security" flaws.
Hecla Mining (HL) closed down more than -1% after Roth Capital Partners downgraded the stock to sell from neutral with a price target of $8.75.
Earnings Reports(10/6/2025)
Aehr Test Systems (AEHR), Constellation Brands Inc (STZ).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Settle Mixed as Tech Rally Loses Steam

The best performing sector as of midday Friday is the Utilities sector, up 1.4%. Within that group, NextEra Energy Inc (Symbol: NEE) and Sempra (Symbol: SRE) are two large stocks leading the way, showing a gain of 2.7% and 2.6%, respectively. Among utilities ETFs, one ETF following the sector is the Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (Symbol: XLU), which is up 1.5% on the day, and up 20.04% year-to-date. NextEra Energy Inc, meanwhile, is up 14.34% year-to-date, and Sempra is up 6.65% year-to-date. Combined, NEE and SRE make up approximately 16.2% of the underlying holdings of XLU.
The next best performing sector is the Healthcare sector, up 1.1%. Among large Healthcare stocks, The Cigna Group (Symbol: CI) and Centene Corp (Symbol: CNC) are the most notable, showing a gain of 5.1% and 4.3%, respectively. One ETF closely tracking Healthcare stocks is the Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV), which is up 1.4% in midday trading, and up 6.86% on a year-to-date basis. The Cigna Group, meanwhile, is up 14.69% year-to-date, and Centene Corp, is down 36.60% year-to-date. Combined, CI and CNC make up approximately 1.9% of the underlying holdings of XLV.
Comparing these stocks and ETFs on a trailing twelve month basis, below is a relative stock price performance chart, with each of the symbols shown in a different color as labeled in the legend at the bottom:
Here's a snapshot of how the S&P 500 components within the various sectors are faring in afternoon trading on Friday. As you can see, seven sectors are up on the day, while two sectors are down.
Technology & Communications
-0.1%
Also see:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Friday Sector Leaders: Utilities, Healthcare

Humana (HUM) shares soared 4% in the last trading session to close at $256.62. The move was backed by solid volume with far more shares changing hands than in a normal session. This compares to the stock's 20.9% loss over the past four weeks.
Humana stock witnessed a price rise, which might be the result of the company reporting progress in its Medicare star ratings. Per multiple reports, HUM announced that around 20% of its current membership—roughly 1.2 million individuals—are now enrolled in plans rated 4 stars or higher for 2026. Importantly, the company significantly boosted the proportion of members in 4.5-star plans, rising to 14% for 2026 from just 3% in 2025.
The health insurer’s Medicare plans stand out for their breadth, flexibility and strong competitive positioning. Through the Medicare business, the company offers a wide variety of Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, and Supplement plans in the United States, supported by an extensive provider network and strategic partnerships that enhance care coordination. Its Medicare Advantage offerings emphasize integrated care, chronic condition management, and preventive services.
This health insurer is expected to post quarterly earnings of $2.88 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -30.8%. Revenues are expected to be $31.92 billion, up 9% from the year-ago quarter.
While earnings and revenue growth expectations are important in evaluating the potential strength in a stock, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
For Humana, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. And a stock's price usually doesn't keep moving higher in the absence of any trend in earnings estimate revisions. So, make sure to keep an eye on HUM going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.
The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Humana is a member of the Zacks Medical - HMOs industry. One other stock in the same industry, Cigna (CI), finished the last trading session 1.8% higher at $296.98. CI has returned -2.9% over the past month.
For Cigna, the consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report has changed -0.1% over the past month to $7.7. This represents a change of +2.5% from what the company reported a year ago. Cigna currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Humana (HUM) Moves 4.0% Higher: Will This Strength Last?

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +0.40%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.84%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.07%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ25) are up +0.37%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ25) are up +0.04%.
Stock indexes are moving higher today, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrials posting new all-time highs. Chip makers and AI-infrastructure stocks are rallying today, leading the broader market higher on optimism that growth in the AI sector will translate into corporate profits. Stocks are climbing today despite the US government being shut down for a third day. Stock indexes fell back from their best levels after the Sep ISM services index dropped more than expected to a 4-month low.
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The government shutdown means a delay in the release of government reports, including today’s monthly payroll report. A prolonged shutdown could also delay the government’s inflation data, scheduled for release on October 15.
The White House has warned that if the government shutdown lingered, it would trigger widespread dismissals of employees in government programs that don’t align with President Trump’s priorities. Bloomberg Economics estimates that 640,000 federal workers will be furloughed during a shutdown, which would expand jobless claims and push the unemployment rate up to 4.7%.
The US Sep S&P composite PMI was revised upward by +0.3 to 53.9 from the previously reported 53.6.
The US Sep ISM services index fell -2.0 to a 4-month low of 50.0, weaker than expectations of 51.7. The Sep ISM services price paid sub-index unexpectedly rose +0.2 to 69.4, higher than expectations of a decline to 68.0.
Comments today from Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee were hawkish and negative for stocks as he cautioned against the Fed front-loading too many interest rate cuts, saying, “The uptick of inflation that we’ve been seeing, coupled with the jobs, payroll numbers deteriorating, have put the Fed in a bit of a sticky spot where you’re getting deterioration of both sides of the mandate at the same time.”
Rising corporate earnings expectations are a bullish backdrop for stocks. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, more than 22% of companies in the S&P 500 provided guidance for their Q3 earnings results that are expected to beat analysts’ expectations, the highest in a year. Also, S&P companies are expected to post +6.9% earnings growth in Q3, up from +6.7% as of the end of May.
The markets are pricing in a 98% chance of a -25 bp rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on Oct 28-29.
Overseas stock markets today are higher. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +0.01%. China’s Shanghai Composite did not trade and is closed for the week-long Lunar New Year holiday. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +1.85%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ5) today are down -7 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +3.5 bp to 4.117%. Dec T-notes gave up an early advance and turned lower today due to hawkish comments from Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, who cautioned against the Fed front-loading too many interest rate cuts. T-notes were also pressured after the Sep ISM services price paid sub-index unexpectedly rose, a sign of price pressures in the service sector.
Dec T-notes initially moved higher today and matched their 1-week high, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 2-week low of 4.077%. T-notes garnered support after the Sep ISM services index fell more than expected to a 4-month low. The ongoing US government shutdown is also boosting T-notes on concerns that a protracted shutdown could weaken the economy, a supportive factor for T-notes.
European government bond yields are mixed today. The 10-year German bund yield rebounded from a 2-week low of 2.690% and is up +0.4 bp at 2.703%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -1.4 bp to 4.696%.
Eurozone Sep PPI fell -0.3% m/m and -0.6% y/y, weaker than expectations of -0.1% m/m and -0.4% y/y, with the -0.6% y/y fall the largest year-over-year decline in 9 months.
The UK Sep S&P composite PMI was revised downward by -0.9 to a 5-month low of 50.1 from the previously reported 51.0.
ECB Governing Council member Wunsch stated that ECB policymakers have found the “perfect calibration” for interest rates and policy settings, which are appropriate to ensure that consumer prices rise in line with the 2% target in the medium term.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on October 30.
US Stock Movers
Chip makers and AI-infrastructure stocks are moving higher today and are supporting gains in the broader market. Micron Technology (MU) is up more than +3%, and Microchip Technology (MCHP) is up more than +2%. Also, GlobalFoundries (GFS), ON Semiconductor Corp (ON), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), Analog Devices (ADI), and Texas Instruments (TXN) are up more than +1%.
Humana (HUM) is up more than +5% and added to Thursday’s +4% jump to lead managed health care companies higher and gainers in the S&P 500 after it reaffirmed its earnings guidance for 2025. Also, Cigna Group (CI) is up more than +5%, and Centene (CNC) and Elevance Health (ELV) are up more than +4%. In addition, Molina Healthcare (MOH) is up more than +3% and UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is up more than +3% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Fair Isaac Corp (FICO) is up more than +4%, adding to Thursday’s +17% surge after announcing it will sell credit scores directly to mortgage resellers, reducing their reliance on credit bureaus.
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings (KNX) is up more than +4% after Stifel upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $45.
Zillow Group (ZG) is up more than +3% after Gordon Haskett upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $90.
Southwest Airlines (LUV) is up more than +2% after Susquehanna Financial raised its price target on the stock to $35 from $30.
Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) is up more than +2% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $48.
Entergy (ETR) is up more than +2% after Scotiabank upgraded the stock to sector outperform from sector perform with a price target of $105.
Occidental Petroleum (OXY) is up more than +1% after Mizuho Securities upgraded the stock to outperform from neutral with a price target of $60.
US-listed Macau-linked casino stocks are sliding today after Citigroup said national passenger data from China’s travel ministry for the first two days of the Golden Week holiday was weaker than expected. Wynn Resorts Ltd (WYNN) is down more than -6% to lead losers in the S&P 500. Also, Las Vegas Sands (LVS) is down more than -5%, and MGM Resorts International (MGM) is down more than -2%.
Palantir Technologies (PLTR) is down more than -3% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after Reuters reported that an Army memo said the company’s battlefield communications network has serious “fundamental security” flaws.
Applied Materials (AMAT) is down more than -2% after saying its net revenue for fiscal year 2026 is set to decrease by $600 million due to a new rule by the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
Hecla Mining (HL) is down more than -3% after Roth Capital Partners downgraded the stock to sell from neutral with a price target of $8.75.
Corteva (CTVA) is down nearly -1% after KeyBanc Capital Markets downgraded the stock to sector weight from overweight.
Earnings Reports(10/3/2025)
C&F Financial Corp (CFFI), Lifecore Biomedical Inc (LFCR), Pathward Financial Inc (CASH).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Supported by AI Spending Boom

Among the underlying components of the S&P 500 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in The Cigna Group (Symbol: CI), where a total of 8,338 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 833,800 underlying shares. That amounts to about 57.5% of CI's average daily trading volume over the past month of 1.5 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $315 strike call option expiring October 24, 2025, with 2,686 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 268,600 underlying shares of CI. Below is a chart showing CI's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $315 strike highlighted in orange:
International Business Machines Corp (Symbol: IBM) options are showing a volume of 29,797 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 3.0 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 55.7% of IBM's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 5.4 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $290 strike call option expiring October 03, 2025, with 2,238 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 223,800 underlying shares of IBM. Below is a chart showing IBM's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $290 strike highlighted in orange:
And NextEra Energy Inc (Symbol: NEE) options are showing a volume of 52,269 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 5.2 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 51.6% of NEE's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 10.1 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $79 strike call option expiring October 03, 2025, with 4,352 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 435,200 underlying shares of NEE. Below is a chart showing NEE's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $79 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for CI options, IBM options, or NEE options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Also see:
NVIV market cap history
Institutional Holders of MCMJ
VTS Average Annual Return
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Notable Friday Option Activity: CI, IBM, NEE

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF (Symbol: VFLO) where we have detected an approximate $1.6 billion dollar inflow -- that's a 33.7% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 124,850,000 to 166,970,000). Among the largest underlying components of VFLO, in trading today Expedia Group Inc (Symbol: EXPE) is off about 0.5%, The Cigna Group (Symbol: CI) is down about 0.7%, and Horton Inc (Symbol: DHI) is lower by about 2.4%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the VFLO Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of VFLO, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, VFLO's low point in its 52 week range is $29.48 per share, with $37.985 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $37.29. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Also see:
MBII market cap history
EGO shares outstanding history
CALC Videos
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

The Cigna Group

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