What a brutal six months it’s been for Humana. The stock has dropped 41.1% and now trades at $175.98, rattling many shareholders. This was partly due to its softer quarterly results and might have investors contemplating their next move.
Given the weaker price action, is this a buying opportunity for HUM? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.
Why Are We Positive On HUM?
With over 80% of its revenue derived from federal government contracts, Humana (NYSE: HUM) provides health insurance plans and healthcare services to approximately 17 million members, with a strong focus on Medicare Advantage plans for seniors.
1. Long-Term Revenue Growth Shows Momentum
A company’s long-term performance is an indicator of its overall quality. Any business can put up a good quarter or two, but the best consistently grow over the long haul. Thankfully, Humana’s 11.2% annualized revenue growth over the last five years was decent. Its growth was slightly above the average healthcare company and shows its offerings resonate with customers.
2. Economies of Scale Give It Negotiating Leverage with Suppliers
Larger companies benefit from economies of scale, where fixed costs like infrastructure, technology, and administration are spread over a higher volume of goods or services, reducing the cost per unit. Scale can also lead to bargaining power with suppliers, greater brand recognition, and more investment firepower. A virtuous cycle can ensue if a scaled company plays its cards right.
With $129.8 billion in revenue over the past 12 months, Humana is one of the most scaled enterprises in healthcare. This is particularly important because health insurance providers companies are volume-driven businesses due to their low margins.
3. Stellar ROIC Showcases Lucrative Growth Opportunities
Growth gives us insight into a company’s long-term potential, but how capital-efficient was that growth? A company’s ROIC explains this by showing how much operating profit it makes compared to the money it has raised (debt and equity).
Humana’s five-year average ROIC was 32.9%, placing it among the best healthcare companies. This illustrates its management team’s ability to invest in highly profitable ventures and produce tangible results for shareholders.
Final Judgment
These are just a few reasons Humana is a high-quality business worth owning. After the recent drawdown, the stock trades at 18.6× forward P/E (or $175.98 per share). Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.
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