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.

Cigna Group’s assessment looks rather cautiously positive, but not strong enough to justify aggressively raising the target price. The company trades noticeably cheaper than the industry on P/E, P/S, P/B, and P/FCF, which points to potential undervaluation and supports the investment case. At the same time, the low multiples do not look entirely “free”: profitability and liquidity are weaker than industry benchmarks, which limits the scope for re-rating. ROE remains at an acceptable level and has improved compared with earlier periods, indicating a normal return on equity. ROA and net margin, by contrast, remain low relative to the sector, so the quality of earnings cannot be called outstanding. Operating margin is also significantly below the industry median, although operating profit and EBITDA themselves look stable and do not show any sharp deterioration. Revenue and earnings are large in absolute terms and generally stable, which is important for an insurance and healthcare business with a broad base. Debt burden is moderate in absolute terms, but the debt/equity ratio is above the industry median, and current and quick liquidity are weak, which adds caution. A negative signal is also the absence of dividend yield in TTM, although in prior periods it was modest, meaning shareholder returns are not currently supported by payouts. The company’s strength lies in the combination of a large-scale business, high gross margin, and low market multiples. Its weakness is more modest operating efficiency and liquidity, which is likely why the market discounts earnings quality and the balance sheet. Overall, the fundamentals justify a moderately lower valuation rather than the current operational forecast, but without a sharp downward re-rating. For an investor, this looks like a story of good relative cheapness, but with a constraint in the form of margin quality and the balance sheet.

The Cigna Group

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, significantly down. The bulls are confused.

Сильный индекс, без изменений. Рынок на стороне быков.

Strong index, flat. The market is on the bulls' side.

Средний индекс, незначительно упал. Приток средств в лонги снизился, но остается положительным.

Medium index, slightly down. The inflow of funds into longs has decreased, but remains positive.

CI looks undervalued on multiples, but weak liquidity and low margins limit the upside from a rerating.

The Cigna Group CI is set to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 30, before the opening bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter’s earnings is currently pegged at $7.58 per share on revenues of $71.4 billion.
The second-quarter earnings estimate remained stable over the past 30 days. The bottom-line projection indicates a year-over-year increase of 5.3%. Also, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly revenues suggests year-over-year growth of 6.4%.
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For full-year 2026, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cigna’s revenues is pegged at $287.1 billion, implying an increase of 4.5% year over year. Also, the consensus mark for 2026 EPS is pegged at $30.39, signaling growth of 1.8% year over year.
Cigna beat the earnings estimates in each of the last four quarters, with the average surprise being 1.9%. This is depicted in the figure below.
Cigna Group Price and EPS Surprise
Q2 Earnings Whispers for Cigna
Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for the company this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. However, that’s not the case here.
CI currently has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #3. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
What’s Shaping Cigna’s Q2 Results?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for pharmacy revenues indicates a 6.6% improvement from the prior-year quarter’s number. Also, the consensus estimate for premiums revenues signals 8.1% year-over-year growth.
The consensus mark for revenues from the overall Evernorth Health Services segment is pegged at $61.6 billion, indicating 6.5% growth from the prior-year quarter’s figure. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cigna Healthcare revenues suggests a 5.4% increase. The consensus estimate for pre-tax adjusted income from Cigna Healthcare indicates a 12.3% increase from a year ago.
However, the consensus mark for fees and other revenues implies a 1.3% decrease from the year-ago quarter. The consensus mark for Cigna’s total insured healthcare medical customers is pegged at 3.7 million, indicating a decline from 3.8 million a year ago.
The consensus estimate for pre-tax adjusted income from Evernorth indicates a 4.4% decrease from a year ago. The consensus mark for the medical care ratio or MCR is pegged at 84.45%, up from 83.20% a year ago.
Stocks That Warrant a Look
While an earnings beat looks uncertain for Cigna, here are some companies from the broader Medical space that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this time around:
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. PMN has an Earnings ESP of +13.30% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate calls for ProMIS to report a loss of $1.45 per share for the to-be-reported quarter, indicating an 80% year-over-year improvement. PMN has witnessed one upward revision against no downward movement over the past 60 days.
Cardinal Health, Inc. CAH has an Earnings ESP of +1.24% and a Zacks Rank of 2 at present.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cardinal Health’s bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter predicts 16.4% year-over-year growth. Its earnings beat estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 10.3%. The consensus estimate for CAH’s revenues is pegged at $65.6 billion, a 9.1% increase from the year-ago period.
Alcon Inc. ALC has an Earnings ESP of +3.13% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Alcon’s bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter indicates a 1.3% increase from a year ago. The company’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, with an average surprise of 3.7%. The consensus estimate for ALC’s revenues is pegged at $2.8 billion, signaling a 7.3% increase.
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Will Declining Medical Customers Affect Cigna's Q2 Earnings?

The upcoming report from Cigna (CI) is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $7.58 per share, indicating an increase of 5.3% compared to the year-ago period. Analysts forecast revenues of $71.43 billion, representing an increase of 6.4% year over year.
Over the last 30 days, there has been no revision in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter. This signifies the covering analysts' collective reconsideration of their initial forecasts over the course of this timeframe.
Ahead of a company's earnings disclosure, it is crucial to give due consideration to changes in earnings estimates. These revisions serve as a noteworthy factor in predicting potential investor reactions to the stock. Numerous empirical studies consistently demonstrate a strong relationship between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While it's common for investors to rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates for assessing how the business may have performed during the quarter, exploring analysts' forecasts for key metrics can yield valuable insights.
Bearing this in mind, let's now explore the average estimates of specific Cigna metrics that are commonly monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Revenues- Evernorth Health Services' reaching $61.57 billion. The estimate suggests a change of +6.5% year over year.
Analysts forecast 'Revenues- Cigna Healthcare' to reach $11.39 billion. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +5.4%.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Revenues- Cigna Healthcare- Premiums- U.S. Commercial - Total' will reach $8.43 billion. The estimate indicates a change of +5.8% from the prior-year quarter.
The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Revenues- Evernorth Health Services- Pharmacy' will likely reach $56.91 billion. The estimate points to a change of +5.4% from the year-ago quarter.
Analysts predict that the 'Medical Care Ratio - Cigna Healthcare' will reach 84.5%. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 83.2% in the same quarter of the previous year.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Covered Lives By Market Segment - Medical Customers - International Health' should come in at 1.71 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 1.69 million.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Medical Customers - U.S. Healthcare' at 16.60 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 16.36 million.
Analysts expect 'Medical Customers - Total' to come in at 18.32 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 18.05 million in the same quarter of the previous year.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Healthcare Medical Customers - Insured - U.S. Healthcare' of 2.50 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 2.57 million.
The consensus estimate for 'Healthcare Medical Customers - Administrative services only - U.S. Healthcare' stands at 14.10 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 13.78 million.
Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Medical Customer Relationships - Behavioral Care' should arrive at 26.28 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 23.85 million in the same quarter of the previous year.
It is projected by analysts that the 'Healthcare Medical Customers - Administrative services only - Total' will reach 14.61 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 14.22 million.
View all Key Company Metrics for Cigna here>>>
Over the past month, Cigna shares have recorded returns of +2.4% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.8% change. Based on its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), CI will likely exhibit a performance that aligns with the overall market in the upcoming period. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
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Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
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Seeking Clues to Cigna (CI) Q2 Earnings? A Peek Into Wall Street Projections for Key Metrics

The IBM board of directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $1.69 per common share, to stockholders of record on August 10, 2026. With payment of the September 10, 2026 dividend, IBM will have paid consecutive quarterly dividends every year since 1916.
The Lockheed Martin board of directors has authorized a third quarter 2026 dividend of $3.45 per share. The dividend is payable on September 25, 2026, to holders of record as of the close of business on September 1, 2026. Lockheed Martin continues to invest in programs that are driving our backlog, while maintaining our historical practice of disciplined and dynamic capital allocation.
SiriusXM today announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share of common stock. This regular quarterly dividend is payable in cash on August 26, 2026, to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 10, 2026.
The Board of Directors of The Cigna Group today declared a cash dividend of $1.56 per share of its common stock, payable on September 23, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 8, 2026.
BlackRock today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $5.73 per share of common stock, payable September 22, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 8, 2026.
Comcast announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 a share on the company's common stock. The quarterly dividend is payable on October 28, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 7, 2026.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Daily Dividend Report: IBM,LMT,SIRI,CI,BLK,CMCSA

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.
Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores?
The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value Score
Finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth Score
Growth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
Momentum Score
Momentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM Score
If you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
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The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Cigna (CI)
Headquartered in Bloomfield, CT and formed in 1982, Cigna Corporation has rebranded itself as The Cigna Group. The company was formed as a result of a merger between Connecticut General Life Insurance Company and Insurance Company of North America. Cigna completed its combination with Express Scripts Holding Company by 2018-end. Shares of the new combined company trade on the NYSE under the stock ticker symbol “CI.”
CI is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
Momentum investors should take note of this Medical stock. CI has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 2.6% over the past four weeks.
One analyst revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.01 to $30.39 per share. CI also boasts an average earnings surprise of +1.9%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, CI should be on investors' short list.
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Why Cigna (CI) is a Top Momentum Stock for the Long-Term

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (Symbol: FEX) where we have detected an approximate $270.6 million dollar outflow -- that's a 14.7% decrease week over week (from 13,600,002 to 11,600,002). Among the largest underlying components of FEX, in trading today Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. (Symbol: CTSH) is off about 2.9%, Accenture plc (Symbol: ACN) is off about 2%, and The Cigna Group (Symbol: CI) is up by about 1.2%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the FEX Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of FEX, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, FEX's low point in its 52 week range is $109.18 per share, with $140.125 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $135.25. 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.
Further FEX Research:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

FEX, CTSH, ACN, CI: ETF Outflow Alert

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Wednesday closed up +0.38%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +0.29%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.28%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) rose +0.35%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) fell -0.30%.
Stock indexes settled mixed on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 posting a 6-week high. The broader market garnered support from Wednesday’s US economic news, which showed that June producer prices rose less than expected and the July Empire manufacturing survey rose more than expected.
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Strength in technology stocks also bolstered the broader market, following strong earnings from ASML, which offered fresh evidence of the relentless demand for chips needed for the global artificial intelligence buildout. ASML is the only maker of sophisticated lithography machines needed to manufacture advanced semiconductors. Also, Apple closed up more than 4% to lead the Magnificent Seven technology stocks higher after China approved the rollout of Apple's generative artificial intelligence feature.
However, the Nasdaq 100 settled lower on Wednesday amid a rout in chipmakers. Also, health insurance stocks were under pressure after Elevance Health plunged following its updated guidance that fell short of the second-quarter beat.
US MBA mortgage applications fell -2.7% in the week ended July 10, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -7.3% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index up +3.5%. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose +7 bp to 6.65% from 6.58% in the prior week.
US Jun PPI final demand eased to +5.5% y/y from +6.0% y/y, weaker than expectations of +6.2% y/y. Jun PPI ex food and energy rose +4.7% y/y, weaker than expectations of +5.1% y/y.
The US Jul Empire manufacturing survey of general business conditions rose +9.9 to 15.6, stronger than expectations of 9.2.
Dovish comments on Wednesday from New York Fed President John Williams were supportive for stocks and bonds when he said, "Inflation is unquestionably too high, but there are encouraging reasons to expect that inflation has peaked and should edge down in coming quarters."
The Fed Beige Book was mixed for stocks as it stated that economic activity in the 12 Fed regions increased at a slight to moderate pace in the 6 weeks to July 6, unchanged from June's summary. Most regions reported little to no change in employment and, "consumer prices continued to rise, with several districts reporting their contacts saw greater price sensitivity among their customers."
Chinese economic news was mixed for global growth prospects. On the negative side, China's Q2 GDP rose +4.3% y/y, slightly weaker than expectations of +4.4% y/y and the smallest increase in 3.5 years. Also, Jun new home prices fell by -0.15% m/m, marking the 37th consecutive month of declines. On the positive side, China's industrial production rose 5.3% y/y, stronger than the expected 4.6% y/y. Also, Jun retail sales unexpectedly rose +1.0% y/y, stronger than expectations of -0.1% y/y. In addition, the Jun surveyed jobless rate unexpectedly fell -0.1 to 5.0%, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of no change at 5.1%.
On the negative side, geopolitical risks are ramping up, as the interim peace deal between the US and Iran has effectively collapsed. The US maintained its naval blockade of Iran and launched another wave of airstrikes on Iran on Wednesday, the fifth straight day of attacks. President Trump pledged to intensify the bombardment until Iran stops attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz and agrees to open the waterway. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Kuwait.
The outlook for strong Q2 earnings, which will begin this week, is a bullish factor for stocks. Forecasts compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence suggest Q2 earnings may increase by +23%, close to Q1’s blowout earnings of +30%, which was more than double the +12% analysts had expected. AI spending is expected to account for most of earnings, with AI infrastructure stocks set to contribute nearly 60% of the S&P 500's earnings-per-share growth in Q2.
The markets are discounting a 10% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on July 28-29.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Wednesday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed down -0.23%. China's Shanghai Composite closed down -0.29%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average closed up +1.49%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) on Wednesday closed up +12 ticks, and the 10-year T-note yield fell -4.8 bp to 4.541%. T-notes recovered from early losses on Wednesday and moved higher after US Jun producer prices rose less than expected, a dovish factor for Fed policy. T-notes added to their gains on Wednesday when New York Fed President John Williams said, “there are encouraging reasons to expect that inflation has peaked and should edge down in coming quarters." T-notes initially moved lower on Wednesday’s strength in WTI crude oil prices, which boosts inflation expectations and is bearish for T-notes.
European government bond yields were mixed on Wednesday. The 10-year German bund yield rose to a 1.75-month high of 3.148% and finished up +0.8 bp to 3.122%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell -4.0 bp to 4.937%.
Eurozone May industrial production unexpectedly fell -0.2% m/m, weaker than expectations of a+0.2% m/m increase.
ECB Governing Council member and Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel said, "The development of energy prices is a decisive factor in determining the future inflation outlook, and monetary policy will maintain its vigilant stance."
Swaps are discounting a 6% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on July 23.
US Stock Movers
Strength in the Magnificent Seven technology stocks was a supportive factor for the overall market on Wednesday. Apple (AAPL) closed up more than +4% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones industrials after Bloomberg News reported the company received government approval to roll out its Apple Intelligence generative artificial intelligence feature in China. Also, Alphabet (GOOGL), Amazon.com (AMZN), and Meta Platforms (META) closed up more than +3%. In addition, Microsoft (MSFT) closed up more than +2% and Nvidia (NVDA) closed up +0.33%. Bucking the trend, Tesla (TSLA) closed down -0.46%.
Software stocks settled higher on Wednesday, recovering some of Tuesday’s sharp losses. Thomson Reuters (TRI) closed up more than +4%, and Atlassian Corp (TEAM) and Oracle (ORCL) closed up more than +3%. Also, Adobe Systems (ADBE), Workday (WDAY), and Autodesk (ADSK) closed up more than +1%.
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks were under pressure on Wednesday, a negative factor for the broader market. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) closed down more than -2%. Western Digital (WDC) closed down more than -8% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100, and Sandisk (SNDK) and Micron Technology (MU) closed down more than -6%. Also, Marvel Technology (MRVL) closed down more than -7%, and Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) closed down more than -5%. In addition, Intel (INTC) closed down more than -4%, and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Lam Research (LRCX) closed down more than -3%.
Elevance Health (ELV) closed down more than -8% to lead health insurance stocks lower after Evercore ISI said the company’s updated guidance was “lower” than the beat in the second quarter. Also, Molina Healthcare (MOH) and Centene (CNC) closed down more than -3%, and Cigna Group (CI) and UnitedHealth Group (UNH) closed down more than -1%.
PayPal Holdings (PYPL) closed up more than +17% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after Reuters reported Stripe and Advent International have made a joint offer to buy the company for $53 billion, or $60.50 per share.
Karman Holdings (KRMN) closed up more than +6% after S&P Dow Jones Indices reported that the company will replace BrightSpring Health Services in the S&P SmallCap 600 effective before the opening of trading on Friday, July 17.
BlackRock (BLK) closed up more than +6% after reporting Q2 adjusted EPS of $13.91, well above the consensus of $12.66.
Lionsgate Studios (LION) is up more than +6% after Reuters reported the company is exploring a sale and has attracted takeover interest from Bollore Group.
Cintas (CTAS) closed up more than +4% after reporting Q2 revenue of $2.91 billion, better than the consensus of $2.87 billion, and forecasting 2027 revenue of $12.10 billion to $12.25 billion, the midpoint above the consensus of $12.12 billion.
3M Co (MMM) closed up more than +2% after announcing a strategic partnership with Microsoft focused on AI data center infrastructure and enterprise transformation.
Pentair Plc (PNR) closed down -15% to lead losses in the S&P 500 after cutting its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to $4.60 to $4.80 from a previous forecast of $5.30 to $5.40, well below the consensus of $5.33.
Phoenix Education Partners (PXED) closed down more than -12% after cutting its 2026 net revenue forecast to $1.02 billion to $1.03 billion from a previous estimate of $1.03 billion to $1.04 billion.
Progressive Corp (PGR) closed down more than -9% after reporting Q2 net premiums written were $21.08 billion, below the consensus of $21.29 billion.
Travelers Cos (TRV) closed down more than -2% after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock to underweight from equal weight with a price target of $290.
Earnings Reports(7/16/2026)
Abbott Laboratories (ABT), Alcoa Corp (AA), Citizens Financial Group Inc (CFG), Commerce Bancshares Inc/MO (CBSH), FNB Corp/PA (FNB), General Electric Co (GE), Intuitive Surgical Inc (ISRG), Netflix Inc (NFLX), Prologis Inc (PLD), State Street Corp (STT), UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH), US Bancorp (USB).
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.

Broader Market Settles Higher as Positive Inflation News Outweighs Chip Rout

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +0.23%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.26%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.31%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) are up +0.27%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) are up +0.21%.
Stock indexes are moving higher today, with the S&P 500 posting a 1-month high following today’s US economic news, which showed that June producer prices rose less than expected and the July Empire manufacturing survey rose more than expected.
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Strength in technology stocks is also positive for the broader market, following strong earnings results from ASML, which offered fresh evidence of the relentless demand for chips needed for the global artificial intelligence buildout. ASML is the only maker of sophisticated lithography machines needed to manufacture advanced semiconductors.
Gains in the broader market are limited today amid weakness in chipmakers. Also, health insurance stocks are under pressure after Elevance Health plunged as its updated guidance fell short of the second-quarter beat.
US MBA mortgage applications fell -2.7% in the week ended July 10, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -7.3% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index up +3.5%. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose +7 bp to 6.65% from 6.58% in the prior week.
US Jun PPI final demand eased to +5.5% y/y from +6.0% y/y, weaker than expectations of +6.2% y/y. Jun PPI ex food and energy rose +4.7% y/y, weaker than expectations of +5.1% y/y.
The US Jul Empire manufacturing survey of general business conditions rose +9.9 to 15.6, stronger than expectations of 9.2.
Dovish comments today from New York Fed President John Williams were supportive for stocks and bonds when he said, "Inflation is unquestionably too high, but there are encouraging reasons to expect that inflation has peaked and should edge down in coming quarters."
Chinese economic news was mixed for global growth prospects. On the negative side, China's Q2 GDP rose +4.3% y/y, slightly weaker than expectations of +4.4% y/y and the smallest increase in 3.5 years. Also, Jun new home prices fell by -0.15% m/m, marking the 37th consecutive month of declines. On the positive side, China's industrial production rose 5.3% y/y, stronger than the expected 4.6% y/y. Also, Jun retail sales unexpectedly rose +1.0% y/y, stronger than expectations of -0.1% y/y. In addition, the Jun surveyed jobless rate unexpectedly fell -0.1 to 5.0%, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of no change at 5.1%.
On the negative side, WTI crude oil (CLQ26) is up nearly +1%, adding to this week’s +10% surge, as the interim peace deal between the US and Iran has effectively collapsed. The US maintained its naval blockade of Iran and launched another wave of airstrikes on Iran today, the fifth straight day of attacks. President Trump pledged to intensify the bombardment until Iran stops attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz and agrees to open the waterway. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Kuwait.
The outlook for strong Q2 earnings, which will begin this week, is a bullish factor for stocks. Forecasts compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence suggest Q2 earnings may increase by +23%, close to Q1’s blowout earnings of +30%, which was more than double the +12% analysts had expected. AI spending is expected to account for most of earnings, with AI infrastructure stocks set to contribute nearly 60% of the S&P 500's earnings-per-share growth in Q2.
The markets are discounting a 10% chance of a +25 bp rate hike at the next FOMC meeting on July 28-29.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.02%. China's Shanghai Composite closed down -0.29%. Japan's Nikkei-225 Stock Average closed up +1.49%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU6) today are up +5 ticks, and the 10-year T-note yield is down -2.6 bp to 4.563%. T-notes recovered from early losses today and moved higher after US Jun producer prices rose less than expected, a dovish factor for Fed policy. T-notes added to their gains today when New York Fed President John Williams said, “there are encouraging reasons to expect that inflation has peaked and should edge down in coming quarters." T-notes initially moved lower on today’s strength in WTI crude oil prices, which boosts inflation expectations and is bearish for T-notes.
European government bond yields are mixed today. The 10-year German bund yield rose to a 1.75-month high of 3.148% and is up +2.4 bp to 3.138%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -0.5 bp to 4.972%.
Eurozone May industrial production unexpectedly fell -0.2% m/m, weaker than expectations of a+0.2% m/m increase.
ECB Governing Council member and Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel said, "The development of energy prices is a decisive factor in determining the future inflation outlook, and monetary policy will maintain its vigilant stance."
Swaps are discounting a 7% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on July 23.
US Stock Movers
Software stocks are climbing today, recovering some of Tuesday’s sharp losses. Atlassian Corp (TEAM) and Thomson Reuters (TRI) are up more than +4%, and Adobe Systems (ADBE) is up more than +3%. Also, Workday (WDAY) is up more than +2%, and ServiceNow (NOW), Oracle (ORCL), Salesforce (CRM), Autodesk (ADSK), and Microsoft (MSFT) are up more than +1%.
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks are under pressure today, a negative factor for the broader market. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) is down -0.28%. Sandisk (SNDK) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100, and Western Digital is down more than -3%. Also, Micron Technology (MU), Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX), and Marvel Technology (MRVL) are down more than -2%, and Lam Research (LRCX), Applied Materials (AMAT), and KLA Corp (KLAC) are down more than -1%.
Elevance Health (ELV) is down more than -8% to lead health insurance stocks lower after Evercore ISI said the company’s updated guidance was “lower” than the beat in the second quarter. Also, Centene (CNC) and Molina Healthcare (MOH) are down more than -3%, and Humana (HUM), Cardinal Health (CAH), and Cigna Group (CI) are down more than -1%.
PayPal Holdings (PYPL) is up more than +15% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after Reuters reported Stripe and Advent International have made a joint offer to buy the company for $53 billion, or $60.50 per share.
BlackRock (BLK) is up more than +7% after reporting Q2 adjusted EPS of $13.91, well above the consensus of $12.66.
Karman Holdings (KRMN) is up more than +7% after S&P Dow Jones Indices reported that the company will replace BrightSpring Health Services in the S&P SmallCap 600 effective before the opening of trading on Friday, July 17.
Lionsgate Studios (LION) is up more than +6% after Reuters reported the company is exploring a sale and has attracted takeover interest from Bollore Group.
Cintas (CTAS) is up more than +5% after reporting Q2 revenue of $2.91 billion, better than the consensus of $2.87 billion, and forecasting 2027 revenue of $12.10 billion to $12.25 billion, the midpoint above the consensus of $12.12 billion.
3M Co (MMM) is up more than +3% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after announcing a strategic partnership with Microsoft focused on AI data center infrastructure and enterprise transformation.
Pentair Plc (PNR) is down more than -17% to lead losses in the S&P 500 after cutting its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to $4.60 to $4.80 from a previous forecast of $5.30 to $5.40, well below the consensus of $5.33.
Phoenix Education Partners (PXED) is down more than -11% after cutting its 2026 net revenue forecast to $1.02 billion to $1.03 billion from a previous estimate of $1.03 billion to $1.04 billion.
Travelers Cos (TRV) is down more than -2% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock to underweight from equal weight with a price target of $290.
Earnings Reports(7/15/2026)
Bank of New York Mellon Corp/The (BNY), BlackRock Inc (BLK), Cintas Corp (CTAS), Conagra Brands Inc (CAG), Elevance Health Inc (ELV), First Horizon Corp (FHN), JB Hunt Transport Services Inc (JBHT), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), M&T Bank Corp (MTB), Morgan Stanley (MS), PNC Financial Services Group Inc (PNC), Progressive Corp/The (PGR), United Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL).
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 Supported By Favorable Inflation News

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated UNH is navigating a more challenging operating environment as elevated healthcare utilization, rising Medicare Advantage costs and tighter reimbursement have pressured margins. It has shifted its focus from rapid enrollment growth to stronger earnings quality. Now the key question for investors is whether this strategic reset can restore earnings momentum.
Rather than pursuing enrollment growth at any cost, UnitedHealth is taking a more disciplined approach by repricing Medicare Advantage plans, exiting less profitable markets and focusing on restoring margins and long-term profitability. Early signs suggest the strategy is gaining traction. In the first quarter of 2026, adjusted earnings topped expectations, while the Medical Care Ratio (MCR) improved 90 basis points year over year to 83.9%, reflecting better control over medical costs. It also raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook and expects net margin to improve to around 3.6% in 2026 from 2.7% in 2025.
UnitedHealth's turnaround isn't just about cutting costs and improving profitability. Optum remains a key growth driver as UnitedHealth expands value-based care, specialty pharmacy and technology-enabled services. These businesses should support margin expansion and more durable earnings growth over time.
The company is also reinventing its PBM business by introducing a transparent, fee-based pricing model that moves away from the traditional rebate-driven system. Together with ongoing investments in Optum's care delivery and technology capabilities, these initiatives could strengthen customer relationships, support sustainable earnings growth and create long-term value for investors.
How Are UNH's Peers Positioned?
UnitedHealth isn't alone in adapting to a tougher healthcare environment. Peers from the Medical space, including The Cigna Group CI and Elevance Health, Inc. ELV, are also prioritizing operational efficiency and higher-quality growth.
Cigna Group continues to strengthen its healthcare services business, with Evernorth driving growth through specialty pharmacy and AI-powered care solutions. The recent launch of Pharmacy Forward highlights Cigna's focus on simplifying specialty care while supporting long-term earnings growth.
Elevance Health remains focused on disciplined pricing, medical cost management and expanding ELV's Carelon health services platform. Continued investments in value-based care and integrated healthcare services should help improve operating efficiency and support steady long-term growth despite ongoing industry cost pressures.
UNH’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Shares of UnitedHealth have risen 40.1% in the past 12 months compared with the industry’s 42.1%. growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, UNH trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 21.71X compared with the industry average of 18.52X. UNH carries a Value Score of B.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UnitedHealth’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $18.32 per share, implying a 12.1% increase from the year-ago period’s level.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
UNH currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
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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 Bets on Profitability Over Growth: Will It Pay Off?

Key Points
Vanguard research projects that value stocks and bonds could be good buys for the next few years.
The Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF has outperformed the S&P 500 index over the past year and looks cheap by its P/E ratio.
Despite a few tough years for bond investors, the Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF has delivered a return near 4% over the past year.
Recent Vanguard research is bullish on the U.S. economy. The company's recent market commentary, published in June, projects 3% U.S. GDP growth in 2027, which would likely be good news for U.S. stocks, along with lower core inflation of 2.7% in 2027, which could be good news for bond prices.
The company's research says that value stocks in the U.S. could be a good buy. These companies are poised to benefit from artificial intelligence (AI) productivity gains without bearing the up-front costs of AI data centers and capital expenditures (capex).
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If you agree with the general direction of Vanguard's forecasts for 2027, how should you invest today? The research didn't recommend any specific stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). But two popular Vanguard ETFs -- the Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (NYSEMKT: VFVA) and the Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (NASDAQ: BND) -- could be good choices if you want to invest in value stocks and bonds.
Let's look at these two Vanguard ETFs and see if they could be a good fit for your portfolio.
Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF (VFVA): 649 stocks, eight years of 10.6% annualized returns
The Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF is an actively managed fund that invests in U.S. stocks that have lower market valuations relative to their fundamentals. Its portfolio of 649 stocks includes large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap value stocks. This ETF gained 12.9% in the first half of the year and 28.1% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 index.
This fund is well-diversified by sector. If you're concerned that typical S&P 500 ETFs have gotten too top-heavy with major tech stocks, the Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF can put your money to work in other parts of the economy. The fund's top five sector holdings are financials (23.5% of the fund), consumer discretionary (18.5%), healthcare (14.7%), technology (12.6%), and industrials (10.7%).
The ETF is also well-diversified across its holdings of value stocks, without being top-heavy with just a few names. The portfolio's top five stock holdings are:
The fund charges an expense ratio of 0.13%, which is higher than many low-cost Vanguard ETFs, but still quite low for an actively managed fund. And it pays decent dividends, with a trailing 12-month yield of 1.93%.
Value stocks don't always beat the market. For the past eight years, since this fund was established in February 2018, it has delivered average annual returns of 10.6%, significantly underperforming the S&P 500:
But this value stock ETF's future could be bright. Its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio at recent prices is 11, which is a significant discount to the S&P 500 index's P/E multiple around 25.
Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND): More than 11,000 bonds, 3.1% annualized returns for 19 years
Some investors might have raised their eyebrows when reading Vanguard's research projections about bonds being a good buy. The past few years have been tough for bond investors. The Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF has delivered only an 0.1% average annual return for the past five years.
But over the long term, this bond ETF's performance has been a lot stronger. From the fund's inception in April 2007 through June 30, this bond ETF has delivered average annual returns of 3.1% and a 3.7% return in the past year.
This is an ultra-low-cost bond ETF with an expense ratio of 0.03%, and it holds a well-diversified portfolio of 11,455 bonds, with a broad mix of U.S. government bonds and corporate bonds. If Vanguard's research projections are correct and inflation (and interest rates) decline over the next few years, that could be good news for investors who buy bonds today.
No one knows for sure which sectors, stocks, assets, or ETFs will outperform in the future. But if you believe that the productivity (and profit) gains from the AI boom will spread throughout the economy, and that interest rates could come down from today's levels, this value stock ETF and low-cost bond ETF could be good picks for a long-term investor's diversified portfolio.
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Ben Gran has positions in Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bristol Myers Squibb and Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF. The Motley Fool recommends CVS Health, EOG Resources, and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Vanguard Is Bullish on Value Stocks and Fixed Income. Are These 2 ETFs a Good Buy?

The Cigna Group’s CI health services division, Evernorth, has launched Pharmacy Forward, an AI-powered specialty pharmacy initiative designed to simplify and accelerate the prescription journey for patients with complex conditions. Backed by a $100 million investment through 2028, the program will first roll out through Accredo Specialty Pharmacy. By using artificial intelligence across prescription intake, clinical support and fulfilment, the platform aims to reduce delays, improve communication and help patients start treatment sooner.
The platform is expected to make specialty pharmacy operations more efficient for both patients and healthcare providers. Pharmacy Forward is projected to cut prescription processing times in half while reducing clinicians' administrative work. It also expands personalized digital support to improve medication adherence. Another advantage is its logistics network, with 90% of Accredo patients living within a one-day ground delivery radius. The initiative is expected to generate nearly $400 million in cumulative value by the end of 2028.
The launch fits into Cigna's broader plan to expand Evernorth Health Services, a key growth driver. The company has been investing in technology to simplify pharmacy services, improve efficiency and encourage biosimilar adoption. The strategy is already showing results. In the first quarter of 2026, Evernorth's adjusted revenues rose 9% year over year to $58.4 billion, while pretax adjusted earnings in its Specialty and Care Services business increased 20%.
Pharmacy Forward highlights Cigna's continued push to grow its healthcare services business beyond traditional insurance. Although the investment is unlikely to have a meaningful impact on near-term earnings, it could strengthen Evernorth's position in the growing specialty pharmacy market by improving efficiency and patient experience. Combined with higher adjusted EPS guidance for 2026 and the leadership of CEO Brian Evanko, the initiative reinforces Cigna's long-term growth strategy.
Cigna’s Stock Price Performance
Shares of Cigna have gained 0.7% year to date compared with the industry’s 25.2% gain over the same period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Cigna’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks
CI currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the broader Medical space are UnitedHealth Group Incorporated UNH, Elevance Health, Inc. ELV and CVS Health Corporation CVS, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UnitedHealth Group’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $18.32 per share, indicating 12.05% year-over-year growth. UNH beat earnings estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, with the average surprise being 0.8%. The consensus estimate for 2026 revenues is pinned at $443.7 billion.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Elevance Health’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $26.86 per share, which has witnessed one upward revision in the past 30 days, with no movement in the opposite direction. ELV beat earnings estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, with the average surprise being 10.6%. The consensus estimate for 2026 revenues is pinned at $ 194.24 billion.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CVS Health’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $7.44 per share, indicating 10.22% year-over-year growth. CVS beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 16.8%. The consensus estimate for 2026 revenues is pinned at $409 billion, implying 1.7% year-over-year growth.
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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.

The Cigna Group

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