CVS, Humana Report Continued High Utilization, MLR Increases

CVS Health Corp. beat Wall Street’s consensus second-quarter earnings projections, but it raised concerns among analysts by lowering its earnings guidance for 2024. Humana Inc., meanwhile, also beat the Street’s second-quarter earnings estimate. Both firms reported that this year’s high utilization levels in Medicare Advantage — a source of consternation for investors — persisted. 

Overall, CVS took in $88.9 billion in the second quarter, up $8.2 billion year over year. However, its quarterly, year-over-year operating income decreased by $521 million to $4.48 billion; adjusted earnings per share (EPS) amounted to $2.21, down from the second quarter of 2022’s $2.53. CVS confirmed its full-year EPS guidance of $8.50 to $8.70.