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CNC vs HUM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Centene Corporation (CNC) vs. Humana Inc. (HUM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CNC (Centene Corporation) and HUM (Humana Inc.) are both recovering managed care insurers, but they are recovering through very different channels: Centene through Medicaid and Marketplace margin repair, and Humana through a Medicare Advantage turnaround.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, valuation support, and earnings momentum, Tickeron's AI currently favors CNC in this stock comparison.
- Both names have delivered strong relative performance in recent weeks, yet their risk profiles diverge sharply: CNC trades at a modest forward multiple while HUM carries a much richer valuation.
- CNC has beaten earnings estimates and raised guidance repeatedly, while HUM has been driven higher by a single, powerful regulatory catalyst.
- For deeper coverage, explore CNC Major News, CNC Today's Price Move, HUM Major News, and HUM Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated strategies are positioning across these and thousands of other tickers, explore the curated Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Centene Corporation (CNC) and Humana Inc. (HUM) sit at the center of one of the market's most closely watched themes: the recovery of U.S. government-sponsored health insurance. Both companies were battered by rising medical costs in recent years, and both have staged sharp rallies as conditions normalized. This stock comparison is relevant to investors and traders seeking to understand how two managed care organizations (MCOs) with overlapping but distinct business models are positioned, how their relative performance has diverged, and where trend, valuation, and catalysts currently point.
CNC Overview and Recent Performance
Centene Corporation is one of the largest U.S. managed care organizations, with most of its membership concentrated in Medicaid, Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, and Medicare plans. In recent quarters, CNC has delivered a notable turnaround. Its most recent quarterly report showed revenue of roughly $50.65 billion and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.58, far above analyst consensus, prompting management to raise full-year adjusted EPS guidance to more than $5.20. The company's health benefits ratio (HBR), which measures medical costs as a share of premium revenue, has improved meaningfully, and debt has been reduced to about $15 billion. Sentiment has shifted from fear of prolonged losses toward confidence in margin recovery, driving the stock sharply higher over the past year. The main pressure point is membership attrition in Medicaid as state eligibility reviews continue.
HUM Overview and Recent Performance
Humana Inc. is a leading health insurer specializing in Medicare Advantage (MA), the privately administered alternative to traditional Medicare, alongside primary care and home-health services through its CenterWell division. In recent weeks, HUM has been propelled by a major regulatory catalyst: new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings showed roughly 95% of its MA members in plans rated four stars or higher for 2027, a sharp improvement that reopens access to federal quality bonus payments. The announcement triggered a double-digit single-day rally and multiple analyst upgrades, and Humana has reaffirmed 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of at least $9.00. The turnaround is powerful but event-driven, and near-term earnings remain under pressure from the lingering 2026 Star Ratings headwind.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron maintains a marketplace of hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively monitor and trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, and performance record. Because not every bot suits every market regime, Tickeron curates only the strongest performers into its Trending AI Robots section. These selected bots span a range of approaches and statistics, from short-term momentum strategies to longer-horizon trend systems, and they trade diverse sets of tickers including healthcare names like CNC and HUM. For traders who want to see which automated strategies are currently best aligned with market conditions, the Trending AI Robots page offers a focused, continuously updated starting point.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies overlap in government-sponsored insurance but diverge in their core exposures. CNC is anchored in Medicaid and Marketplace plans, making it highly sensitive to state reimbursement rates and federal eligibility policy. HUM is overwhelmingly a Medicare Advantage business, so its fortunes hinge on CMS rate decisions and Star Ratings. On valuation, the contrast is stark: CNC trades at a forward price-to-earnings multiple well below the industry average, while HUM trades at a premium. On momentum, both have posted large year-to-date gains, but CNC's advance has been supported by repeated earnings beats and guidance raises, whereas HUM's move has been concentrated around a single ratings announcement. Risk profiles also differ: CNC faces ongoing Medicaid membership declines, while HUM faces a near-term earnings reset before its quality-bonus benefits fully materialize in 2028.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing trend consistency, valuation support, earnings momentum, and balance sheet improvement, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward CNC as the more favorable setup in this stock comparison. The case rests on a more diversified recovery that is being confirmed quarter after quarter through beats and upward revisions, supported by a comparatively undemanding valuation and reduced leverage. HUM's Star Ratings catalyst is significant, but its benefits are back-loaded and the shares already carry a richer multiple. This assessment reflects a probabilistic, trend-based view of current positioning rather than a definitive prediction of future prices.
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 CNC is a Hold and HUM is a Hold.
CNC sees MACD Histogram crosses below signal line
CNC saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on October 28, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 50 instances where the indicator turned negative. In 36 of the 50 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for CNC moved out of overbought territory on October 16, 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 31 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 22 of the 31 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 71%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 39 of 61 cases where CNC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CNC as a result. In 59 of 92 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CNC 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 64%.
CNC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 12, 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.
Bullish Trend Analysis
CNC moved above its 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CNC 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 21 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 48%.
Following a +2.40% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CNC advanced for three days, in 188 of 307 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 138 of 213 cases where CNC Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 65%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 14 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. CNC’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 46 (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: CNC's P/B Ratio (1.457) is slightly lower than the industry average of (3.359). P/E Ratio (-6.440) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.681). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.754) is also within normal values, averaging (0.786). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.160) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to 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.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CNC’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 83, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 95 (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.
HUM's RSI Indicator peaks and leaves overbought zone
The 10-day RSI Oscillator for HUM moved out of overbought territory on October 13, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. Traders may want to look at selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 31 instances where the indicator moved out of the overbought zone. In 22 of the 31 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move down at 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 02, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on HUM as a result. In 48 of 77 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for HUM turned negative on October 26, 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 50 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 31 of the 50 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 62%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HUM 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 65%.
HUM 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.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 34 of 53 cases where HUM'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 64%.
HUM moved above its 50-day moving average on October 02, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for HUM crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 06, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 16 of 21 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 76%.
Following a +3.44% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HUM advanced for three days, in 218 of 347 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 6 (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 6 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. HUM’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 78 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued 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 (2.565) is normal, around the industry mean (3.359). P/E Ratio (38.428) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.681). HUM's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.304) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.786). Dividend Yield (0.009) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.319) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 91 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. HUM’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 83, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 98 (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.
CNC | HUM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 86 | 82 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 46 Fair valued | 78 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 94 | 91 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 95 | 98 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 14 | 6 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 48 | 6 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 50 |
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.
CNC's Valuation (46) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as HUM (78). This means that CNC’s stock grew similarly to HUM’s over the last 12 months.
HUM's Profit vs Risk Rating (91) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as CNC (94). This means that HUM’s stock grew similarly to CNC’s over the last 12 months.
CNC's SMR Rating (95) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as HUM (98). This means that CNC’s stock grew similarly to HUM’s over the last 12 months.
HUM's Price Growth Rating (6) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as CNC (14). This means that HUM’s stock grew similarly to CNC’s over the last 12 months.
HUM's P/E Growth Rating (6) in the Managed Health Care industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CNC (48). This means that HUM’s stock grew somewhat faster than CNC’s over the last 12 months.
| CNC | HUM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 62% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 62% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 20 days ago 61% | 15 days ago 63% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 65% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 70% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | N/A |
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).
CNC’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while HUM’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CNC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- HUM’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.
CNC’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while HUM’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CNC’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- HUM’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
CNC (@Managed Health Care) experienced а -1.79% price change this week, while HUM (@Managed Health Care) price change was +0.94% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Managed Health Care industry was -0.72%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +6.10%, and the average quarterly price growth was +21.30%.
Reported Earning Dates
CNC is expected to report earnings on Feb 09, 2027.
HUM is expected to report earnings on Nov 06, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Managed Health Care (-0.72% 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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CNC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CNC has been loosely correlated with ELV. These tickers have moved in lockstep 59% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CNC jumps, then ELV could also see price increases.
HUM and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HUM 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 HUM jumps, then UNH could also see price increases.