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CVS vs HUM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? CVS Health (CVS) vs. Humana (HUM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CVS is a diversified, vertically integrated healthcare company spanning retail pharmacy, pharmacy benefit management (PBM), and health insurance, while HUM is a more concentrated Medicare Advantage insurer complemented by its CenterWell care-delivery platform.
- Humana has delivered substantially stronger relative momentum over the past year, while CVS Health's recovery has been more uneven and recently pulled back.
- Both companies are anchored to Medicare-related policy and reimbursement risk, but Humana carries greater single-segment concentration.
- CVS Health offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield, while Humana trades at a materially richer earnings multiple.
- Analyst sentiment has recently improved for both names, with Humana receiving an upgrade to Overweight and CVS Health drawing raised price targets.
Introduction
Healthcare is one of the most policy-sensitive corners of the equity market, and few comparisons capture its competing business models better than CVS and HUM. One is a sprawling, vertically integrated healthcare conglomerate; the other is a focused Medicare Advantage (the private-insurance alternative to traditional Medicare) specialist. For investors and traders evaluating relative performance, market positioning, and risk exposure, this stock comparison offers a clear view of two distinct ways to gain exposure to managed care and health services. The contrast between diversification and concentration makes the pair especially relevant for those weighing growth momentum against income and stability.
CVS Overview and Recent Performance
CVS Health Corporation operates across three linked businesses: its retail pharmacy network, the CVS Caremark pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), which negotiates drug pricing on behalf of health plans, and the Aetna health insurance unit. This integrated structure is intended to smooth earnings across different parts of the healthcare value chain.
In recent market activity, CVS Health shares have shown a mixed tape. The stock climbed sharply over the trailing 12 months but entered a period of consolidation in recent weeks, including a notable stretch of consecutive daily declines amid renewed concern over rising healthcare costs and regulatory pressure. That pullback trimmed its year-to-date gain, leaving it lagging the broader market over the near term. Recent developments have included a proposed settlement with the Federal Trade Commission related to insulin pricing, a smaller data-privacy settlement, and the launch of a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1, a class of weight-loss and diabetes drugs) access program offering lower-cost cash options. Management has also raised full-year earnings guidance and highlighted improving Aetna medical benefit ratios, signaling progress on its margin-recovery plan.
HUM Overview and Recent Performance
HUM (Humana Inc.) is one of the largest providers of Medicare Advantage plans in the United States, supplemented by CenterWell, its senior-focused primary care, pharmacy, and home-health platform. The company's fortunes are closely tied to enrollment trends, government reimbursement rates, and quality Star Ratings.
Humana has been among the stronger performers in the managed-care group over the past year, with its shares up substantially on a year-to-date basis and trading near their 52-week high. Recent momentum received a further lift when Barclays upgraded the stock to Overweight and raised its price target, helping push the shares higher in a single session. The company continues to grow individual Medicare Advantage membership at a double-digit pace and is executing a multiyear margin-restoration plan targeting a return to a 3% pretax margin by 2028, including planned exits from roughly 600,000 lower-return plans. However, near-term sentiment has also been tempered by guidance that reflected a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings revision and an unchanged adjusted outlook, as well as lingering Star Ratings headwinds.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies differ most sharply in business-model focus. CVS spreads risk across retail, PBM, and insurance segments, which can cushion weakness in any single area but also dilutes exposure to fast-growing markets. HUM concentrates its economics in Medicare Advantage, giving it more direct leverage to senior demographic growth and reimbursement policy.
Relative performance has favored Humana. Its shares have posted a stronger one-year and year-to-date return, while CVS Health's advance has been more volatile and has recently consolidated. Valuation reflects that gap: Humana trades at a premium earnings multiple, whereas CVS Health screens cheaper and offers a much higher dividend yield, appealing to income-oriented investors. On risk, both face Medicare reimbursement and regulatory exposure, but Humana's reliance on Star Ratings and a single government program represents more concentrated downside. CVS Health's diversified cash flows, by contrast, support a steadier income stream but have also been tied to litigation and margin pressures across its Aetna and PBM segments.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, recent momentum, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely tilt toward HUM in the current environment. Humana's stronger trend persistence, proximity to its 52-week high, and constructive analyst revisions suggest more sustained positive momentum, even as its concentrated policy risk warrants caution. CVS Health's improving Aetna margins and higher yield are notable strengths, but its recent consolidation and more uneven price action indicate less decisive trend alignment at present. This assessment reflects probabilistic signal analysis rather than a definitive forecast, and relative positioning could shift as new catalysts emerge.
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 CVS is a Hold and HUM is a Hold.
Momentum Indicator for CVS turns positive, indicating new upward trend
CVS saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 13, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 88 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 61 of the 88 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where CVS's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 19 of 30 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CVS just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where CVS's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 51 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
CVS moved above its 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +5.75% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CVS advanced for three days, in 230 of 344 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
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%.
CVS 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 CVS 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 21 (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: CVS's P/B Ratio (1.482) is slightly lower than the industry average of (3.448). P/E Ratio (24.178) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.060). 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 (0.029) as compared to the industry average of (0.009). P/S Ratio (0.283) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 30 (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 47 (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 74 (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.
Aroon Indicator for HUM shows an upward move is likely
HUM's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on September 18, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 239 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 172 of the 239 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 02, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on HUM as a result. In 55 of 77 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HUM just turned positive on October 05, 2026. Looking at past instances where HUM's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 50 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
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 14 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 67%.
Following a +2.81% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HUM advanced for three days, in 218 of 349 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for HUM moved out of overbought territory on October 13, 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 21 of the 31 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 68%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 45 of 64 cases where HUM's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
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 66%.
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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 3 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 5 (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 5 (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 83 (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 (2.582) is normal, around the industry mean (3.448). P/E Ratio (38.685) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.060). 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 93 (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 84, 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.
CVS | HUM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 8 | 27 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 21 Undervalued | 83 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 74 | 93 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 81 | 98 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 47 | 5 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 30 | 5 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 3 |
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 (21) in the Drugstore Chains industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HUM (83) in the Managed Health Care industry. This means that CVS’s stock grew somewhat faster than HUM’s over the last 12 months.
CVS's Profit vs Risk Rating (74) in the Drugstore Chains industry is in the same range as HUM (93) in the Managed Health Care industry. This means that CVS’s stock grew similarly to HUM’s over the last 12 months.
CVS's SMR Rating (81) in the Drugstore Chains industry is in the same range as HUM (98) in the Managed Health Care industry. This means that CVS’s stock grew similarly to HUM’s over the last 12 months.
HUM's Price Growth Rating (5) in the Managed Health Care industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CVS (47) in the Drugstore Chains industry. This means that HUM’s stock grew somewhat faster than CVS’s over the last 12 months.
HUM's P/E Growth Rating (5) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as CVS (30) in the Drugstore Chains industry. This means that HUM’s stock grew similarly to CVS’s over the last 12 months.
| CVS | HUM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 63% | 4 days ago 68% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 66% | 4 days ago 70% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 69% | 4 days ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 61% | 4 days ago 70% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 63% | 4 days ago 66% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 60% | 4 days ago 64% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 67% | 5 days ago 62% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 11 days ago 61% | 12 days ago 66% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 68% | 4 days ago 63% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 59% | 4 days ago 72% |
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).
CVS’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while HUM’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CVS’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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.
CVS’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while HUM’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CVS’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- HUM’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CVS (@Managed Health Care) experienced а +7.20% price change this week, while HUM (@Managed Health Care) price change was -4.33% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Managed Health Care industry was +0.15%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +3.20%, and the average quarterly price growth was +40.17%.
Reported Earning Dates
CVS is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
HUM is expected to report earnings on Nov 06, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Managed Health Care (+0.15% 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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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 65% 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.
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.