Jefferies Lowers Numbers On Humana (HUM) After Q4, Keeps Buy Rating

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HUM Hot Sheet

Rating Summary:
8 Buy, 2 Hold, 0 Sell

Rating Trend: Down

Down

Today's Overall Ratings:
Up: 20 | Down: 11 | New: 38

Jefferies lowered estimates and its price target on Humana (NYSE: HUM) from $111 to $103, but kept its Buy rating, following Q4 results.

The firm comments, "MCOs have traded poorly following earnings releases this season. HUM was no exception. 2011 finished strong, operating trends (especially MA membership) have positive momentum, and we got a teaser '12 EPS guidance raise. We would use recent weakness as a buying opportunity now that HUM is ~$10 off its mid-January high."

The firm cut Q1 EPS from $1.74 to $1.47, FY12 from $7.99 to $7.89 and FY13 from $8.90 to $8.83.

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Humana click here. For more ratings news on Humana click here.

Shares of Humana closed at $85.25 yesterday, with a 52 week range of $57.70-$96.46.

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