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CI vs CVS
Which Stock Would AI Choose? The Cigna Group (CI) vs. CVS Health (CVS) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CI (The Cigna Group) delivers steadier profitability, aggressive share buybacks, and a reliable dividend, but faces pharmacy-benefit transition risk and regulatory scrutiny.
- CVS (CVS Health) has shown stronger recent momentum after a run of beat-and-raise quarters and improved medical-cost control, though PBM and Medicare headwinds persist.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: CVS is the favored ticker of the two, based on trend consistency, improving earnings trajectory, and relative momentum.
- Explore CI Major News and CI Today's Price Move, plus CVS Major News and CVS Today's Price Move, for real-time updates and headline coverage.
- Discover curated, data-driven strategies on the Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Healthcare giants The Cigna Group (CI) and CVS Health (CVS) operate in overlapping markets, yet their stock comparisons reveal very different investment profiles. Cigna skews toward pharmacy benefit management (PBM, the businesses that manage prescription-drug coverage and pricing) and employer-sponsored insurance, while CVS combines a large PBM, the Aetna insurance arm, and a national retail pharmacy network. Investors weighing these two names are essentially comparing a capital-returning, margin-focused model against a diversified turnaround story. This comparison is most relevant to traders and investors tracking healthcare sector rotation, relative performance, and market positioning across value and momentum styles.
CI Overview and Recent Performance
The Cigna Group generates revenue through two core segments: Evernorth Health Services (its PBM and specialty pharmacy business) and Cigna Healthcare. In recent quarters, CI has delivered solid results — first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS, a measure of profit per share) reached $7.79 on roughly $68.5 billion in revenue, beating expectations and prompting a full-year guidance raise to at least $30.35 per share. Management has also outlined a portfolio reshaping, including plans to exit the individual exchange business by the end of 2026 and a review of its eviCore unit, alongside a leadership transition that installed Brian Evanko as CEO effective July 1, 2026.
Despite steady profitability, the shares have traded roughly flat to slightly lower year to date, underperforming the broader healthcare sector. Sentiment has been weighed down by PBM regulatory uncertainty, client membership declines, and questions around the company's "rebate-free" Signature pharmacy model. A $3 billion modernization program and a long-term target of 10–14% annual EPS growth through 2030 have provided a longer-horizon catalyst, but near-term momentum has cooled.
CVS Overview and Recent Performance
CVS Health operates across three divisions: Health Care Benefits (led by Aetna), Health Services (including the Caremark PBM), and Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness. The company has been executing a multi-year turnaround after a difficult 2024–2025 stretch. In recent quarters, CVS posted a beat-and-raise streak — first-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $2.57 on about $100.4 billion in revenue, followed by second-quarter revenue of roughly $106.1 billion and adjusted EPS of $2.58. Management has raised full-year 2026 guidance twice, to a range of $7.90 to $8.10 per share.
A key driver has been improving medical cost control: Aetna's medical loss ratio (MLR, the share of premium revenue spent on medical claims) came in well below expectations at 84.6% in the first quarter. The stock has rallied more than 50% over the past year, though momentum has recently pulled back amid disclosed headwinds, including expected Caremark membership declines and continued 340B program pressure into 2027.
Trending AI Robots
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies differ most clearly in business model and risk profile. CI is an asset-light, high-margin operator focused on employer coverage and specialty pharmacy, returning substantial capital through buybacks and a roughly 2.3% dividend yield. Its challenge is execution risk around the PBM transition and a portfolio restructuring that adds moving parts. By contrast, CVS is a vertically integrated conglomerate whose fortunes hinge on the Aetna insurance recovery, Medicare Advantage reimbursement, and retail pharmacy economics. Its turnaround is further along but carries regulatory and reimbursement sensitivity, including 340B and PBM pricing reform.
On momentum, CVS holds the advantage with a five-quarter beat streak and improving MLR, while CI offers greater stability, lower volatility, and stronger analyst conviction on valuation. The trade-off is effectively turnaround upside versus steady, compounding quality.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would currently favor CVS in a head-to-head comparison with CI. The rationale rests on trend consistency — CVS's multi-quarter earnings momentum and improved medical-cost discipline signal a more constructive near-term trajectory — as well as stronger relative price performance over the past year. That said, the preference is probabilistic rather than definitive: Cigna's lower volatility, robust capital returns, and undemanding valuation could regain favor if PBM uncertainty resolves. Investors should weigh CVS's turnaround catalysts against CI's stability when assessing market positioning.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CI is a Buy and CVS is a Buy.
CI sees its 50-day moving average cross bullishly above its 200-day moving average
The 50-day moving average for CI moved above the 200-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This could be a long-term bullish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an upward trend.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 31 of 51 cases where CI's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 10, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CI as a result. In 64 of 94 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
CI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 07, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 16 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 62%.
Following a +3.25% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CI advanced for three days, in 224 of 355 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 169 of 276 cases where CI Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 61%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for CI moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 36 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 21 of the 36 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 58%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CI turned negative on October 29, 2026. 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 51 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 30 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 59%.
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 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
CI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 14, 2026. 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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 33 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. CI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 37 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 52 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 (1.820) is normal, around the industry mean (3.520). P/E Ratio (12.077) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.353). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.739) is also within normal values, averaging (0.786). CI has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.021) as compared to the industry average of (0.009). P/S Ratio (0.264) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable 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.
CVS's RSI Indicator recovers from oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for CVS moved out of oversold territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 32 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 22 of the 32 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
CVS moved above its 50-day moving average on November 11, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +5.01% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CVS advanced for three days, in 222 of 335 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
CVS may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 173 of 253 cases where CVS Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 68%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 29, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CVS as a result. In 46 of 86 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CVS turned negative on November 02, 2026. 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 51 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 29 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 57%.
The 10-day moving average for CVS crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 11 of 20 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 55%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CVS declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 49 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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: CVS's P/B Ratio (1.346) is slightly lower than the industry average of (3.520). P/E Ratio (21.950) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.353). CVS's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.206) is slightly lower than the industry average of (0.786). CVS has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.032) as compared to the industry average of (0.009). P/S Ratio (0.283) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 51 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. CVS’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CVS’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 81 (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 Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average 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.
CI | CVS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 68 | 38 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 52 Fair valued | 49 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 43 | 75 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 55 | 81 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 33 | 51 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 37 | 97 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CVS's Valuation (49) in the Drugstore Chains industry is in the same range as CI (52) in the Managed Health Care industry. This means that CVS’s stock grew similarly to CI’s over the last 12 months.
CI's Profit vs Risk Rating (43) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as CVS (75) in the Drugstore Chains industry. This means that CI’s stock grew similarly to CVS’s over the last 12 months.
CI's SMR Rating (55) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as CVS (81) in the Drugstore Chains industry. This means that CI’s stock grew similarly to CVS’s over the last 12 months.
CI's Price Growth Rating (33) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as CVS (51) in the Drugstore Chains industry. This means that CI’s stock grew similarly to CVS’s over the last 12 months.
CI's P/E Growth Rating (37) in the Managed Health Care industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CVS (97) in the Drugstore Chains industry. This means that CI’s stock grew somewhat faster than CVS’s over the last 12 months.
| CI | CVS | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 68% | 1 day ago 53% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 57% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 63% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | 1 day ago 60% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 1 day ago 66% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 56% | 10 days ago 61% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 68% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CI’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while CVS’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- CI’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- CVS’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CI’s TA Score shows that 7 TA indicator(s) are bullish while CVS’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CI’s TA Score: 7 bullish, 4 bearish.
- CVS’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
CI (@Managed Health Care) experienced а -1.30% price change this week, while CVS (@Managed Health Care) price change was -2.63% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Managed Health Care industry was +1.18%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +4.70%, and the average quarterly price growth was +16.65%.
Reported Earning Dates
CI is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
CVS is expected to report earnings on Feb 17, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Managed Health Care (+1.18% weekly)Managed healthcare industry focuses on providing health/medical and disability insurance plans, generally intended to reduce the cost of for-profit health care. The insurance products might be provided through employer-paid (fully or partly) insurance and benefit programs, or through Medicare/Medicaid. Some of the largest providers of managed health care include Aetna, Humana Inc., and Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare.
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CI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CI has been loosely correlated with ELV. These tickers have moved in lockstep 51% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CI jumps, then ELV could also see price increases.
CVS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CVS has been loosely correlated with UNH. These tickers have moved in lockstep 59% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CVS jumps, then UNH could also see price increases.