Advertisement
ELV vs HUM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Elevance Health (ELV) vs. Humana (HUM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- ELV is a diversified health-benefits company spanning commercial, Medicare, Medicaid, and pharmacy services, while HUM is heavily concentrated in Medicare Advantage (private Medicare plans).
- Both stocks have outperformed the broader market over the past year, but HUM delivered a far sharper rally, fueled by a recovery in its Medicare Advantage Star Ratings and improved federal rate outlook.
- ELV has advanced more steadily, supported by resilient earnings and diversified revenue streams, including its Carelon services and pharmacy (PBM) businesses.
- HUM carries higher valuation risk after its surge, while ELV faces ongoing Medicaid margin pressure and regulatory uncertainty.
- Sentiment has improved for both names, with multiple sell-side firms raising ratings and price targets in recent months.
Introduction
Investors comparing managed-care and health-insurance stocks often weigh diversification against focus, and few pairings illustrate that trade-off better than ELV and HUM. Elevance Health operates a broad portfolio spanning employer, Medicare, Medicaid, and pharmacy-services businesses, while Humana has staked much of its franchise on Medicare Advantage. This stock comparison is relevant for both long-term investors assessing relative market positioning and active traders monitoring relative performance and momentum. With shifting federal policy, evolving medical cost trends, and divergent price momentum, understanding how these two health insurers differ can clarify where each stands in the current market environment.
ELV Overview and Recent Performance
Elevance Health is one of the largest health-benefits companies in the United States, organized around its Health Benefits segment plus Carelon, which includes CarelonRx (a pharmacy benefit manager, or PBM) and Carelon Services. This structure gives the company revenue diversification beyond premium-driven insurance. In recent quarters, ELV reported earnings that exceeded analyst expectations and raised its full-year adjusted earnings-per-share (EPS) outlook, citing favorable claims experience and stronger-than-expected Medicare results. Over the past year the stock has risen roughly 25%, a steadier advance than its peer. Sentiment has been lifted by a series of analyst upgrades and rising price targets, while persistent Medicaid margin pressure and uncertainty around government-program membership remain the principal headwinds. Management has framed the current period as a trough for Medicaid margins, with gradual recovery expected.
HUM Overview and Recent Performance
Humana is a leading Medicare-focused health insurer, with the majority of its business tied to individual and group Medicare Advantage plans, complemented by its CenterWell primary-care and pharmacy operations. After a difficult multiyear stretch, HUM has staged a powerful recovery in recent market activity. A sharp improvement in its Medicare Advantage Star Ratings—an important quality metric that affects federal bonus payments—combined with a more supportive rate notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), drove a substantial rerating. The stock's year-to-date gain has been among the strongest in the managed-care group, and its one-year total return has significantly outpaced the sector. Recent quarters showed earnings and revenue beats, membership growth, and improving operating-cost ratios, though benefit-ratio deterioration and a rich valuation have tempered some enthusiasm.
Trending AI Robots
For traders seeking a data-driven edge, Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page offers a curated view of the platform's most compelling automated strategies. Tickeron hosts hundreds of AI Trading Bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance statistics, and set of symbols. Because market conditions are always shifting, only a subset of these bots—those best suited to the current environment—earn a place in the Trending section. This curation helps users quickly identify strategies demonstrating strong recent performance and alignment with prevailing market dynamics. Whether you track momentum, mean reversion, or longer-term trend strategies, exploring the Trending AI Robots page can help you find automated approaches that match your objectives.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The core contrast between these two stocks is diversification versus concentration. ELV spreads risk across commercial employer plans, Medicaid, Medicare, and pharmacy services, which historically provides more stable earnings but also exposes it to broad regulatory and utilization pressures. HUM, by contrast, concentrates its risk in Medicare Advantage, making it highly sensitive to Star Ratings, CMS rate decisions, and senior medical-cost trends.
On momentum, HUM has been the standout, benefiting from a catalyst-driven rerating that sent its valuation well above sector averages. ELV has moved higher more gradually, with its relative performance reflecting steady execution rather than a single catalyst. Risk profiles also differ: HUM now carries elevated valuation risk if its margin-recovery plan stumbles, while ELV's main risk lies in slower-than-expected Medicaid margin improvement. Both face sector-wide medical-cost and policy uncertainty, but the trade-off is clear—HUM offers higher beta (sensitivity to market moves) and momentum, while ELV offers broader diversification and a more defensive profile.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor HUM in the current environment, primarily because of its stronger trend consistency and catalyst-driven momentum. The combination of a sharp positive trend, meaningful fundamental catalysts in the form of Star Ratings recovery and improved federal funding, and robust recent relative performance aligns with the characteristics quantitative models tend to reward. That said, the verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive: ELV presents a more stable, diversified profile with steadier trend characteristics, which may appeal to strategies prioritizing lower volatility. As always, the appropriate choice depends on the specific objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance of each strategy or investor.
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 ELV is a Hold and HUM is a StrongBuy.
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.
HUM in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 02, 2026
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. In 40 of 54 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
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 51 of 77 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
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 34 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
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 +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%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 174 of 239 cases where HUM Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 73%.
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 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 43 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 67%.
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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 4 (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 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 Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued 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 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 (2.631) is normal, around the industry mean (3.582). P/E Ratio (39.417) is within average values for comparable stocks, (130.390). HUM's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.304) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.786). Dividend Yield (0.008) 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 82, 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.
ELV | HUM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 28 | 26 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 65 Fair valued | 83 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 77 | 91 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 99 | 98 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 16 | 4 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 14 | 6 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | 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.
ELV's Valuation (65) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as HUM (83). This means that ELV’s stock grew similarly to HUM’s over the last 12 months.
ELV's Profit vs Risk Rating (77) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as HUM (91). This means that ELV’s stock grew similarly to HUM’s over the last 12 months.
HUM's SMR Rating (98) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as ELV (99). This means that HUM’s stock grew similarly to ELV’s over the last 12 months.
HUM's Price Growth Rating (4) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as ELV (16). This means that HUM’s stock grew similarly to ELV’s over the last 12 months.
HUM's P/E Growth Rating (6) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as ELV (14). This means that HUM’s stock grew similarly to ELV’s over the last 12 months.
| ELV | HUM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 67% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 66% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 69% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 65% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 57% | 3 days ago 63% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 22 days ago 56% | 1 day ago 66% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 71% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 3 days ago 73% |
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).
ELV’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while HUM’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- ELV’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.
ELV’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while HUM’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ELV’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- HUM’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
ELV (@Managed Health Care) experienced а +3.93% price change this week, while HUM (@Managed Health Care) price change was -2.60% 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
ELV is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
HUM is expected to report earnings on Nov 06, 2026.
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.
Advertisement
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.
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.