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CI vs ELV
Which Stock Would AI Choose? The Cigna Group (CI) vs. Elevance Health (ELV) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- The Cigna Group (CI) and Elevance Health (ELV) are both U.S. healthcare benefits leaders, but they pursue structurally different models: CI leans heavily into pharmacy benefit and specialty services, while ELV is anchored in health benefits membership plus its Carelon services platform.
- Both companies raised their full-year earnings guidance in their most recent quarterly reports, reflecting stronger-than-expected results and improving execution.
- CI is reshaping its portfolio (exiting individual exchange plans, reviewing its eviCore unit) while targeting 10–14% annual earnings per share (EPS) growth through 2030.
- ELV carries greater exposure to government programs (Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act plans), where medical-cost and regulatory pressures remain a central risk.
- Market sentiment has tilted constructive for both names in recent weeks, with several analysts upgrading or reiterating positive ratings on each stock.
Introduction
Investors comparing CI and ELV are weighing two of the largest, most recognizable companies in U.S. managed care, yet the two businesses generate value in very different ways. This stock comparison is most relevant to traders and longer-term investors evaluating relative performance, growth drivers, and risk profiles within the healthcare sector. Where CI has transformed into a diversified health services giant built around its Evernorth pharmacy business, ELV remains more directly tied to insurance membership and government-program dynamics. Understanding these contrasts can help clarify each company's market positioning in the current environment.
CI Overview and Recent Performance
The Cigna Group operates through two main segments: Evernorth Health Services, which includes pharmacy benefit management (PBM) and specialty care services, and Cigna Healthcare, its medical benefits business. Evernorth is the dominant revenue driver, contributing the large majority of quarterly revenue. In its most recent quarter, CI reported total revenue of roughly $68.5 billion, up about 5% year over year, and adjusted EPS that exceeded analyst expectations, prompting management to modestly raise its full-year outlook.
Recent market activity has been shaped by a deliberate portfolio reshaping. CI previously divested its Medicare business and has since announced plans to exit the individual health insurance exchange market while conducting a strategic review of its eviCore utilization-management unit. At the same time, the company has emphasized specialty pharmacy growth, biosimilar adoption, and a new rebate-free PBM model called Signature. These moves have supported a constructive tone among analysts, with several reiterating buy ratings and price targets that imply meaningful upside from recent trading levels.
ELV Overview and Recent Performance
Elevance Health is a health benefits company serving roughly 45 million medical members across commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, complemented by its Carelon platform, which spans pharmacy (CarelonRx) and health services (Carelon Services). In its most recent quarterly report, ELV delivered operating revenue of about $49.5 billion, up modestly year over year, with adjusted EPS of $12.58 that beat expectations. Management subsequently raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to at least $26.75.
Sentiment around ELV has improved in recent weeks, with at least two prominent investment banks upgrading the stock to buy ratings. The company's earnings strength has been supported by favorable claims experience, growth in Carelon, and disciplined cost management. However, the investment narrative remains balanced by headwinds: Medicaid margins are expected to remain under pressure this year before a recovery, and the company recorded a sizable accrual tied to a regulatory notice on historical risk-adjustment data. These factors keep government-program exposure a key focus for investors.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two companies lies in their business mix. CI generates most of its revenue from pharmacy and care services rather than insurance underwriting, which gives it a differentiated, asset-light earnings stream but also exposes it to scrutiny of PBM economics and pricing transparency. ELV, by comparison, is a more traditional benefits company whose results hinge on membership trends and the medical cost ratio in government and commercial plans.
Growth drivers also differ. CI is leaning on specialty pharmacy, biosimilars, and technology investments to sustain double-digit EPS growth. ELV is banking on a Medicaid margin recovery, continued Carelon expansion, and pricing discipline. On risk, CI faces regulatory and execution risk around its PBM transition and portfolio changes, while ELV faces elevated medical-cost trends and policy uncertainty in government programs. Both offer shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks, though their relative valuations and market capitalizations reflect these differing profiles.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely view both stocks constructively but for different reasons. CI currently shows relatively consistent trend and momentum characteristics, supported by earnings beats, a raised outlook, and a diversified, services-heavy model that may offer more stable catalysts. ELV demonstrates improving momentum and favorable analyst revisions, yet its heavier government-program exposure introduces greater sensitivity to cost-trend and regulatory developments. On balance, the AI would tend to favor CI for trend consistency and relative stability, while recognizing ELV as a higher-beta recovery story. This assessment reflects probabilistic positioning rather than a definitive outcome.
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 ELV is a Hold.
CI in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 07, 2026
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. In 38 of 52 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 06, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CI as a result. In 61 of 95 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CI just turned positive on October 07, 2026. Looking at past instances where CI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
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%.
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.
Following a +4.39% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CI advanced for three days, in 222 of 354 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 6 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 10 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
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 55%.
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.
The Aroon Indicator for CI entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 24 (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 (1.958) is normal, around the industry mean (3.582). P/E Ratio (12.994) is within average values for comparable stocks, (130.390). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.739) is also within normal values, averaging (0.786). CI has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.020) as compared to the industry average of (0.009). P/S Ratio (0.264) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 26 (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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 41 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock slightly better than average.
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.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 73 (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.
ELV in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 06, 2026
ELV moved above its 50-day moving average on October 06, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 39 of 55 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ELV as a result. In 65 of 97 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ELV just turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where ELV's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
The 10-day moving average for ELV crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 15 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 60%.
Following a +2.78% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ELV advanced for three days, in 182 of 321 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 11 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ELV 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%.
ELV broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 09, 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.
The Aroon Indicator for ELV entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 14 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 16 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. ELV’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 65 (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 (2.152) is normal, around the industry mean (3.582). P/E Ratio (19.642) is within average values for comparable stocks, (130.390). ELV's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.291) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.786). Dividend Yield (0.015) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.453) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 77 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ELV’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 82, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 99 (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.
CI | ELV | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 36 | 28 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 24 Undervalued | 65 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 41 | 77 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 55 | 99 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 26 | 16 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 73 | 14 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 85 |
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.
CI's Valuation (24) in the Managed Health Care industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ELV (65). This means that CI’s stock grew somewhat faster than ELV’s over the last 12 months.
CI's Profit vs Risk Rating (41) in the Managed Health Care industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ELV (77). This means that CI’s stock grew somewhat faster than ELV’s over the last 12 months.
CI's SMR Rating (55) in the Managed Health Care industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ELV (99). This means that CI’s stock grew somewhat faster than ELV’s over the last 12 months.
ELV's Price Growth Rating (16) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as CI (26). This means that ELV’s stock grew similarly to CI’s over the last 12 months.
ELV's P/E Growth Rating (14) in the Managed Health Care industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CI (73). This means that ELV’s stock grew somewhat faster than CI’s over the last 12 months.
| CI | ELV | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 67% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 64% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 60% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 63% | 3 days ago 57% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 22 days ago 55% | 22 days ago 56% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | 1 day ago 70% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 51% |
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 2 FA rating(s) are green while ELV’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CI’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- ELV’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ELV’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CI’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 5 bearish.
- ELV’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
CI (@Managed Health Care) experienced а +5.71% price change this week, while ELV (@Managed Health Care) price change was +3.93% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Managed Health Care industry was +2.49%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +10.42%, and the average quarterly price growth was +42.97%.
Reported Earning Dates
CI is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
ELV is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Managed Health Care (+2.49% 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 CVS. These tickers have moved in lockstep 52% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CI jumps, then CVS could also see price increases.
ELV and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ELV has been closely correlated with UNH. These tickers have moved in lockstep 67% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ELV jumps, then UNH could also see price increases.