We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
Humana (HUM) Includes Methodist Healthcare in its Network
Read MoreHide Full Article
Humana Inc. (HUM - Free Report) recently entered into an agreement with Methodist Healthcare to provide better service to its patients. This, in turn, will help deliver a more proactive and wellness-focused health care experience.
The latest network agreement, which became effective on Jan 1, 2017, includes Humana Medicare Advantage members. The new coverage will include all Methodist Healthcare adult hospitals.
The agreement will allow Humana’s Medicare Advantage members in Memphis to gain access to Methodist Healthcare’s network of reputed health care providers and facilities. The addition of Methodist Healthcare to Humana’s growing Medicare business will offer the existing Medicare Advantage members a strong provider network. Further, the agreement will be an important step in Humana’s continued growth in the market.
Interestingly, Humana’s Medicare Advantage business has been delivering a strong performance. This is mainly due to the operating initiatives that have resulted in favorable prior period medical claims development and lower current-year utilization. This has also enabled the company to return to its targeted margin levels sooner than expected.
Shares of Humana have gained 5.82% since the release of fourth-quarter results, outperforming the Zacks categorized Health Maintenance Organization industry’s growth of 3.68%. Solid bottom-line improvement mainly contributed to the outperformance. Robust growth in the individual Medicare Advantage (MA) business as well as higher operating earnings in the Healthcare Services segment were primarily responsible for the upside. Moving ahead, strong capital management and strategic initiatives undertaken by the company are expected to drive the stock higher.
Aclaris Therapeutics focuses on identifying, developing, and commercializing topical drugs to address various needs in dermatology. The company delivered positive surprises in two of the last four quarters with an average beat of 6.21%.
WellCare Health provides managed care services for government-sponsored health care programs. The company delivered positive surprises in all of the last four quarters with an average beat of 62.73%.
The Joint Corp. develops, owns, operates, franchises, supports, and manages chiropractic clinics in the United States. The company delivered a positive surprise in two of the last four quarters but with an average negative surprise of 5.20%.
Everything You Need to Know About Snapchat BEFORE It Goes Public
You may be curious about the buzz surrounding Snap Inc.'s IPO on March 2. With the company expected to be valued around $22 billion, it is expected to be the largest IPO since 2014. But should you snap up this tech stock on Day 1? In the 2017 IPO Watch List, you'll get an inside look at Snap's exciting prospects and potential challenges. You'll also learn about 4 other exciting tech companies with jaw-dropping growth. Each could go public in the coming months. Imagine being in the first wave of investors to jump on a company with almost unlimited growth potential? This Special Report gives you the latest scoop. Download this IPO Watch List today for free >>
Unique Zacks Analysis of Your Chosen Ticker
Pick one free report - opportunity may be withdrawn at any time
Image: Bigstock
Humana (HUM) Includes Methodist Healthcare in its Network
Humana Inc. (HUM - Free Report) recently entered into an agreement with Methodist Healthcare to provide better service to its patients. This, in turn, will help deliver a more proactive and wellness-focused health care experience.
The latest network agreement, which became effective on Jan 1, 2017, includes Humana Medicare Advantage members. The new coverage will include all Methodist Healthcare adult hospitals.
The agreement will allow Humana’s Medicare Advantage members in Memphis to gain access to Methodist Healthcare’s network of reputed health care providers and facilities. The addition of Methodist Healthcare to Humana’s growing Medicare business will offer the existing Medicare Advantage members a strong provider network. Further, the agreement will be an important step in Humana’s continued growth in the market.
Interestingly, Humana’s Medicare Advantage business has been delivering a strong performance. This is mainly due to the operating initiatives that have resulted in favorable prior period medical claims development and lower current-year utilization. This has also enabled the company to return to its targeted margin levels sooner than expected.
Shares of Humana have gained 5.82% since the release of fourth-quarter results, outperforming the Zacks categorized Health Maintenance Organization industry’s growth of 3.68%. Solid bottom-line improvement mainly contributed to the outperformance. Robust growth in the individual Medicare Advantage (MA) business as well as higher operating earnings in the Healthcare Services segment were primarily responsible for the upside. Moving ahead, strong capital management and strategic initiatives undertaken by the company are expected to drive the stock higher.
Stocks to Consider
Some better-ranked stocks from the medical sector include Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. (ACRS - Free Report) , WellCare Health Plans, Inc. and The Joint Corp. (JYNT - Free Report) . Each of these stocks holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Aclaris Therapeutics focuses on identifying, developing, and commercializing topical drugs to address various needs in dermatology. The company delivered positive surprises in two of the last four quarters with an average beat of 6.21%.
WellCare Health provides managed care services for government-sponsored health care programs. The company delivered positive surprises in all of the last four quarters with an average beat of 62.73%.
The Joint Corp. develops, owns, operates, franchises, supports, and manages chiropractic clinics in the United States. The company delivered a positive surprise in two of the last four quarters but with an average negative surprise of 5.20%.
Everything You Need to Know About Snapchat BEFORE It Goes Public
You may be curious about the buzz surrounding Snap Inc.'s IPO on March 2. With the company expected to be valued around $22 billion, it is expected to be the largest IPO since 2014. But should you snap up this tech stock on Day 1? In the 2017 IPO Watch List, you'll get an inside look at Snap's exciting prospects and potential challenges. You'll also learn about 4 other exciting tech companies with jaw-dropping growth. Each could go public in the coming months. Imagine being in the first wave of investors to jump on a company with almost unlimited growth potential? This Special Report gives you the latest scoop. Download this IPO Watch List today for free >>