Breaking Down Humana Inc. (HUM) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

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Understanding Humana Inc. (HUM) Revenue Streams

Understanding Humana Inc.’s Revenue Streams

Premiums Revenue

Consolidated premiums revenue increased $2.9 billion, or 11.4%, from $25.1 billion in the 2023 quarter to $28.0 billion in the 2024 quarter. For the nine-month period, it grew $8.2 billion, or 10.8%, from $76.1 billion in 2023 to $84.4 billion in 2024.

Primary Drivers of Revenue Growth

  • Increased per member Medicare premiums.
  • Membership growth in Medicare Advantage and state-based contracts.
  • Offset by declines in group commercial medical and stand-alone PDP membership.

Services Revenue

Consolidated services revenue increased $87 million, or 8.6%, from $1.0 billion in the 2023 quarter to $1.1 billion in the 2024 quarter. For the nine-month period, services revenue increased $272 million, or 9.1%, from $3.0 billion in 2023 to $3.3 billion in 2024.

Investment Income

Investment income rose $35 million, or 11.4%, from $308 million in the 2023 quarter to $343 million in the 2024 quarter. For the nine-month period, it increased $154 million, or 19.9%, from $775 million in 2023 to $929 million in 2024.

Revenue Breakdown by Segment

Segment 2024 Q3 Revenue (in millions) 2023 Q3 Revenue (in millions) Change (in millions) Percentage Change
Insurance Premiums $27,951 $25,099 $2,852 11.4%
Services Revenue $1,103 $1,016 $87 8.6%
Investment Income $343 $308 $35 11.4%
Total Revenue $29,397 $26,423 $2,974 11.3%

Year-over-Year Revenue Growth Rate

The overall revenue growth rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023 was 11.3%, with total revenues reaching $29.4 billion from $26.4 billion in the prior year.

Contribution of Different Business Segments to Overall Revenue

The primary revenue sources contributing to overall revenue include:

  • Individual Medicare Advantage: $21,856 million
  • Group Medicare Advantage: $1,913 million
  • Medicare stand-alone PDP: $721 million
  • State-based contracts and other: $2,921 million

The total contribution from Medicare segments accounted for a substantial portion of the overall premiums revenue.

Significant Changes in Revenue Streams

Notable changes include:

  • Membership Growth: Individual Medicare Advantage membership increased by 284,800 members, or 5.3%.
  • Decline in Medicare stand-alone PDP membership: Decreased by 570,100 members, or 19.8%.
  • Exit from Employer Group Commercial Medical Products business: Resulted in a 93.7% decline in commercial fully-insured medical membership.

These shifts highlight the evolving landscape of the company's revenue streams, emphasizing the importance of Medicare-related products as core growth drivers.




A Deep Dive into Humana Inc. (HUM) Profitability

Profitability Metrics

Gross Profit Margin: For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the gross profit margin was approximately 10.0%, down from 12.5% in the same period of 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the gross profit margin was 10.2%, compared to 12.7% for the same period in 2023.

Operating Profit Margin: The operating profit margin for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was 0.8%, a decrease from 2.9% in the corresponding quarter of 2023. Over the nine-month period, the operating profit margin fell to 2.2% from 3.5%.

Net Profit Margin: The net profit margin for the third quarter of 2024 was 1.7%, down from 3.3% in 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the net profit margin was 2.2%, compared to 3.9% for the same period in 2023.

Trends in Profitability Over Time

Net income attributable to the company for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $480 million, or $3.98 per diluted share, compared to $830 million, or $6.71 per diluted share for the same period in 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $1.9 billion, or $15.72 per diluted share, down from $3.0 billion, or $24.26 per diluted share in 2023.

These trends indicate a significant decline in profitability metrics, with net income showing a decrease of 42.2% year-over-year for the quarter and 37.3% for the nine-month period.

Comparison of Profitability Ratios with Industry Averages

The average gross profit margin in the healthcare insurance industry is around 15%, indicating that the company's margin of 10.0% is below industry standards. The operating margin average for the industry stands at 5%, which again shows that the company is underperforming with its 0.8% operating profit margin. In terms of net profit margin, the industry average is approximately 4%, suggesting that the company's 1.7% margin is relatively competitive but still below the industry benchmark.

Analysis of Operational Efficiency

Benefit Expense Ratio: The consolidated benefit ratio increased by 330 basis points from 86.6% for the third quarter of 2023 to 89.9% for the third quarter of 2024. For the nine months, it increased by 300 basis points from 86.2% to 89.2%.

Operating Cost Ratio: The operating cost ratio improved, decreasing from 12.5% in Q3 2023 to 11.5% in Q3 2024. For the nine-month period, it fell from 11.8% to 10.9%.

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change (%)
Gross Profit Margin 10.0% 12.5% -20.0%
Operating Profit Margin 0.8% 2.9% -72.4%
Net Profit Margin 1.7% 3.3% -48.5%
Benefit Expense Ratio 89.9% 86.6% +3.3%
Operating Cost Ratio 11.5% 12.5% -8.0%

Overall, the analysis indicates that while the company has achieved some improvements in operational efficiency, significant challenges remain in terms of profitability metrics, particularly when compared against industry averages.




Debt vs. Equity: How Humana Inc. (HUM) Finances Its Growth

Debt vs. Equity: How Humana Inc. Finances Its Growth

Humana Inc. has a substantial debt level, comprising both short-term and long-term obligations. As of September 30, 2024, the company's total short-term debt amounted to $1,136 million, while total long-term debt reached $11,886 million. This reflects an increase from $10,213 million at the end of 2023.

Debt Type Amount (in millions) Interest Rate (%) Due Date
Short-term Debt $1,136 N/A N/A
Long-term Debt $11,886 N/A N/A

The debt-to-equity ratio stands at 42.3% as of September 30, 2024, indicating a relatively balanced approach compared to the industry average, which typically ranges from 30% to 50%. This ratio suggests that the company is employing a mix of debt and equity to finance its operations while maintaining a conservative leverage position.

In March 2024, Humana issued $1.3 billion of 5.375% unsecured senior notes due April 15, 2031, and $1.0 billion of 5.750% unsecured senior notes due April 15, 2054. The net proceeds from these issuances were approximately $2.2 billion, which were utilized for general corporate purposes and the repayment of existing indebtedness, including borrowings under their commercial paper program.

The company's current credit ratings are BBB from Standard & Poor’s and Baa2 from Moody’s Investors Services. These ratings reflect a stable outlook, allowing for favorable borrowing conditions. However, a downgrade by S&P to BB+ or by Moody’s to Ba1 would trigger an interest rate increase of 25 basis points on certain senior notes.

Humana strategically balances its financing between debt and equity to optimize its capital structure. As of September 30, 2024, the company's total stockholders' equity was approximately $17,624 million, giving it a solid foundation to support its debt obligations.

The following table summarizes Humana's debt structure as of September 30, 2024:

Debt Instrument Principal Amount (in millions) Interest Rate (%) Due Date
Senior Notes $11,886 Varies 2025 - 2054
Commercial Paper $0 N/A N/A

In summary, Humana's debt and equity structure reflects a well-managed approach to financing, ensuring sufficient liquidity while maintaining a manageable level of debt relative to its equity base. This balance is crucial for sustaining growth and navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry.




Assessing Humana Inc. (HUM) Liquidity

Assessing Humana Inc.'s Liquidity

Current Ratio: As of September 30, 2024, the current ratio was 1.1, indicating that the company has sufficient short-term assets to cover its short-term liabilities.

Quick Ratio: The quick ratio stood at 0.9, suggesting potential concerns regarding liquidity as it is below the ideal benchmark of 1.0.

Working Capital Trends

At September 30, 2024, working capital was $4.3 billion, a decrease from $5.2 billion at December 31, 2023. The reduction primarily reflects increased liabilities due to higher benefit expenses.

Period Current Assets (in millions) Current Liabilities (in millions) Working Capital (in millions)
September 30, 2024 $9,200 $4,900 $4,300
December 31, 2023 $9,800 $4,600 $5,200

Cash Flow Statements Overview

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, cash flows from operating activities totaled $3.5 billion, a significant decrease from $11.1 billion in the same period of 2023. This decline was largely due to the absence of early Medicare premium remittances.

Cash flows from investing activities resulted in a net outflow of $2.9 billion in 2024, compared to $2.6 billion in 2023.

Cash flows from financing activities showed a net outflow of $183 million in 2024 versus an inflow of $1.6 billion in 2023.

Cash Flow Type 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions)
Operating Activities $3,494 $11,115
Investing Activities ($2,889) ($2,610)
Financing Activities ($183) $1,582

Potential Liquidity Concerns or Strengths

Despite the solid current ratio, the quick ratio indicates potential liquidity challenges. The significant drop in cash flows from operating activities raises concerns regarding future cash generation capabilities. However, cash and cash equivalents were reported at $5.1 billion as of September 30, 2024, an increase from $4.7 billion at the end of 2023, reflecting a strong cash position that could mitigate short-term liquidity risks.




Is Humana Inc. (HUM) Overvalued or Undervalued?

Valuation Analysis

To assess whether the company is overvalued or undervalued, we will analyze key financial ratios, stock price trends, dividend yields, and analyst consensus.

Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio

The P/E ratio as of September 30, 2024, is 24.1, compared to a P/E ratio of 22.3 for the same period in 2023. This increase indicates that the market has higher expectations for future earnings growth.

Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio

The P/B ratio stands at 4.2 for 2024, up from 3.8 in 2023. This suggests that the stock is valued significantly higher than its book value, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s future prospects.

Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) Ratio

The EV/EBITDA ratio is reported at 12.5 as of the latest quarter, indicating a premium valuation compared to the industry average of 11.0.

Stock Price Trends

Over the last 12 months, the stock price has fluctuated between a low of $300 and a high of $450. As of September 30, 2024, the stock price is $384.65.

Dividend Yield and Payout Ratio

The current dividend yield is 0.92%, with total dividends paid in 2024 amounting to $323 million. The payout ratio is approximately 20.5% of earnings, indicating a sustainable dividend policy.

Analyst Consensus on Stock Valuation

As of October 2024, the analyst consensus is as follows:

  • Buy: 12 analysts
  • Hold: 8 analysts
  • Sell: 2 analysts
Metric 2024 Value 2023 Value
P/E Ratio 24.1 22.3
P/B Ratio 4.2 3.8
EV/EBITDA Ratio 12.5 N/A
Stock Price (Sept 30, 2024) $384.65 N/A
Dividend Yield 0.92% N/A
Payout Ratio 20.5% N/A
Analyst Consensus (Buy/Hold/Sell) 12/8/2 N/A



Key Risks Facing Humana Inc. (HUM)

Key Risks Facing Humana Inc.

Humana Inc. faces various internal and external risks that could impact its financial health. The following outlines the key risks identified:

Industry Competition

The competitive landscape in the healthcare industry remains intense. The company has seen a decline in its Medicare stand-alone PDP membership by 570,100 members, or 19.8%, from September 30, 2023, to September 30, 2024, primarily due to intensified competition in the Medicare stand-alone PDP offerings.

Regulatory Changes

Humana operates in a highly regulated industry, which can lead to operational challenges. The company is dependent on dividends and administrative expense reimbursements from its subsidiaries, which are subject to regulatory restrictions. As of September 30, 2024, cash and cash equivalents at the parent company were $609 million, an increase from $510 million at December 31, 2023.

Market Conditions

Market fluctuations and economic conditions can significantly affect the company's operations. The interest expense increased by $55 million, or 48.2%, from $114 million in the 2023 quarter to $169 million in the 2024 quarter, largely due to rising interest rates.

Operational Risks

Operational challenges include managing costs and maintaining profitability. The consolidated benefit ratio increased by 330 basis points from 86.6% for the 2023 quarter to 89.9% for the 2024 quarter, reflecting higher medical cost trends.

Financial Risks

Financial health is impacted by debt levels and interest rates. The total long-term debt stood at $11.886 billion as of September 30, 2024. A downgrade in the company's credit rating could increase interest expenses, with a potential increase of 25 basis points for a downgrade from S&P to BB+.

Strategic Risks

The company has planned to exit the Employer Group Commercial Medical Products business, which has led to a decrease of 383,400 members, or 93.7%, in commercial fully-insured medical membership. This strategic shift may impact revenue streams and overall market presence.

Mitigation Strategies

To address these risks, Humana has implemented several strategies, including:

  • Enhancing member engagement through integrated care delivery models.
  • Adjusting pricing and benefit designs to manage medical cost trends.
  • Maintaining sufficient liquidity with cash balances and investment securities.
Risk Factor Details
Membership Decline Medicare stand-alone PDP decreased by 570,100 members, or 19.8%.
Increased Interest Expense Interest expense rose by $55 million, or 48.2%.
Benefit Ratio Increase Benefit ratio increased by 330 basis points to 89.9%.
Total Long-term Debt Total long-term debt as of September 30, 2024, was $11.886 billion.
Commercial Membership Exit Exit from Employer Group Commercial Medical Products led to a decrease of 383,400 members.



Future Growth Prospects for Humana Inc. (HUM)

Future Growth Prospects for Humana Inc.

Analysis of Key Growth Drivers

Product innovations and strategic market expansions remain pivotal for future growth. The company has seen a significant increase in premiums revenue, which rose by $2.9 billion, or 11.4%, from $25.1 billion in Q3 2023 to $28.0 billion in Q3 2024. This growth is attributed primarily to higher per member Medicare premiums and an increase in Medicare Advantage and state-based contracts membership.

Additionally, consolidated services revenue increased by $87 million, or 8.6%, from $1.0 billion in Q3 2023 to $1.1 billion in Q3 2024, driven by growth in the primary care business.

Future Revenue Growth Projections and Earnings Estimates

The company anticipates continued growth in Medicare Advantage membership, which increased by 284,800 members, or 5.3%, from September 30, 2023, to September 30, 2024. This segment is projected to remain a key driver of revenue, with individual Medicare Advantage membership reaching 5,659,200 by Q3 2024.

Overall, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income attributable to the company was $1.9 billion, or $15.72 per diluted common share, compared to $3.0 billion, or $24.26 per diluted common share in the same period of 2023.

Strategic Initiatives or Partnerships that May Drive Future Growth

The company has implemented an integrated care delivery model that combines quality care with high member engagement and sophisticated data analytics. Approximately 70% of individual Medicare Advantage members are now in value-based relationships, up from 69% a year prior. This shift is expected to enhance care coordination and patient outcomes, potentially increasing member retention and attracting new clients.

Moreover, the company recently issued $1.3 billion of unsecured senior notes due April 15, 2031, and $1.0 billion due April 15, 2054, with net proceeds used for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment and funding for growth initiatives.

Competitive Advantages that Position the Company for Growth

Humana’s competitive advantage lies in its strong presence in the Medicare Advantage market, where significant membership growth has been observed. As of September 30, 2024, the company reported a total Medicare membership of 8,521,600, despite a 19.8% decrease in Medicare stand-alone PDP membership, reflecting strategic decisions to focus on more profitable segments.

Additionally, the company benefits from a diversified portfolio that includes military services, specialty benefits, and state-based contracts, contributing to a robust revenue stream.

Metrics Q3 2023 Q3 2024 Change ($) Change (%)
Premiums Revenue $25.1 billion $28.0 billion $2.9 billion 11.4%
Services Revenue $1.0 billion $1.1 billion $87 million 8.6%
Net Income (9M) $3.0 billion $1.9 billion ($1.1 billion) (35.2%)
Individual Medicare Advantage Membership 5,374,400 5,659,200 284,800 5.3%
Total Medicare Membership 8,770,500 8,521,600 (248,900) (2.8%)

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Article updated on 8 Nov 2024

Resources:

  • Humana Inc. (HUM) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of Humana Inc. (HUM)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • SEC Filings – View Humana Inc. (HUM)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.