According to a group of Citigroup analysts, Cigna is "one of the most compelling stocks and stories" they have seen across 20 years on the sell side.
The group of analysts feels that the health services company has the right goals coupled with a strong historical performance, a solid strategy, improved positioning, and a balanced growth outlook – while having a low valuation.
Analyst Ralph Giacobbe mentioned that Cigna is trading at a 27% discount to peers and 49% discount to the market.
Citigroup gave Cigna shares a “buy” rating. It set a $203 target price on the shares, which would be 11 times the 2020 estimate. The target indicates upside of 31% from Wednesday's close price.
However, Giacobbe did mention that the outlook is not without a few risks, such as a potential unexpected increase in healthcare-costs, heated competition from peers, the risks inherent in integrating Express Scripts, and general headline risks from the focus on drug pricing and the evolving pharmacy-benefit-manager model.
The 10-day moving average for CI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on December 04, 2024. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where CI's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, of 25 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are .
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
Following a 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CI advanced for three days, in of 343 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on December 06, 2024. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CI as a result. In of 97 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CI turned negative on December 06, 2024. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In of the 49 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at .
CI moved below its 50-day moving average on December 04, 2024 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 50-day moving average for CI moved below the 200-day moving average on November 14, 2024. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CI declined for three days, the price rose further in of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
CI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 11, 2024. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 78, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.234) is normal, around the industry mean (3.063). P/E Ratio (20.936) is within average values for comparable stocks, (17.509). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.928) is also within normal values, averaging (1.089). Dividend Yield (0.014) settles around the average of (0.020) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.554) is also within normal values, averaging (0.684).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. CI’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows
a provider of health insurance services
Industry ManagedHealthCare