ZACKS·2025-10-22 15:25Core Insights - UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) and Humana Inc. (HUM) are leading players in the health insurance sector, particularly in Medicare Advantage (MA) and pharmacy benefit management, which are crucial as the U.S. population ages [1][2] - Investors are closely monitoring both companies due to demographic trends, utilization shifts, and policy reforms affecting the industry [2][3] UnitedHealth Overview - UnitedHealth has a market capitalization of $330.1 billion and operates through UnitedHealthcare and Optum, providing a diversified business model that offers stability [4] - In the latest quarter, UnitedHealth reported revenues of $111.6 billion, a 12.9% increase year-over-year, driven by domestic commercial membership growth and Optum Rx performance [5] - The company's medical care ratio increased to 89.4%, up from 85.1% a year earlier, indicating rising medical costs impacting margins [5][6] - Optum generated $67.2 billion in revenues, up 6.9% year-over-year, but faces near-term challenges in its Optum Health unit [6] - UnitedHealth's long-term debt-to-capital ratio is 43.7%, slightly higher than Humana's 40.8%, indicating higher leverage [7] Humana Overview - Humana, with a market cap of $34.2 billion, specializes in Medicare Advantage and has shown signs of stabilization, with its benefit ratio improving to 88.7% in the first half of 2025 [8] - The company reported adjusted revenues of $32.4 billion, a 10.2% increase year-over-year, supported by state-based contracts and CenterWell performance [9] - Humana's focus on value-based care and operational efficiency is yielding positive results, with expanding CenterWell primary care centers enhancing profitability [11][12] Comparative Analysis - UnitedHealth's diversification provides stability, but it faces margin pressures from rising medical costs, while Humana's improved benefit ratio and growth in CenterWell indicate stronger cost control [10] - Humana trades at a forward P/E of 20.81X, below UnitedHealth's 21.29X, suggesting a relative discount despite a stronger projected rebound in 2025 [15] - Year-to-date, Humana's shares have gained 16.4%, contrasting with UnitedHealth's 27.8% decline, indicating improving investor confidence in Humana's turnaround efforts [17][18] Conclusion - UnitedHealth remains the most diversified player in the industry, but faces challenges from regulatory scrutiny and margin pressures [19] - Humana is regaining momentum through disciplined cost control and a focused strategy on Medicare Advantage, positioning it favorably for future growth [20][21]