Humana Exceeds Earnings Expectations, Sticks to Profit Forecast

WHO:

CNBC - Humana is a health insurer and one of the largest Medicare Advantage providers serving people aged 65 and older as well as people with disabilities.

CNBC - Celeste Mellet is the CFO of Humana.

WHAT:

Bloomberg Markets - Humana maintained its yearly profit guidance despite a strong second quarter.

CNBC - Humana reported second-quarter earnings per share of $7.61 adjusted, exceeding the expected $7.22.

CNBC - Humana's revenue for the second quarter was $40.87 billion, surpassing the expected $40.61 billion.

CNBC - Humana's second-quarter net income was $694 million, or $5.73 per share, compared to $545 million, or $4.51 per share, in the same period a year ago.

CNBC - Humana's medical benefit ratio for the second quarter was 91.2%, in line with analysts' expectations.

WHERE:

CNBC - Humana operates in the health insurance sector, specifically focusing on Medicare Advantage plans.

WHEN:

CNBC - Humana expects its adjusted profit outlook for 2026 to be at least $9 per share.

CNBC - Humana anticipates changes to its 2027 Medicare Advantage plans to improve profitability.

WHY:

CNBC - The unchanged profit outlook was viewed as a disappointment by Cantor Fitzgerald analysts due to recent earnings beats and guidance raises by other insurers.

CNBC - Humana's medical costs are stabilizing, with slight favorability noted in the inpatient space among members receiving care from value-based providers.

HOW:

CNBC - Humana's earnings beat was driven by strength across its insurance business and CenterWell healthcare services unit.

CNBC - Humana is focusing on expanding membership, improving quality ratings of its Medicare Advantage plans, maintaining pricing discipline, and controlling costs to boost earnings.

(UPDATED July 29, 2026 19:32 UTC)

Humana, one of the largest Medicare Advantage providers, has reported strong second-quarter earnings, with adjusted earnings per share of $7.61, surpassing expectations of $7.22, and revenue of $40.87 billion, which also exceeded forecasts. The company's net income for the quarter was $694 million, or $5.73 per share, a significant increase from $545 million, or $4.51 per share, in the same period last year, while its medical benefit ratio remained stable at 91.2%. Looking ahead, Humana expects its adjusted profit outlook for 2026 to be at least $9 per share and is planning changes to its 2027 Medicare Advantage plans to enhance profitability.