Honestly, if you've been tracking the healthcare sector lately, you know it's been a wild ride. Humana Inc. (HUM) is sitting right in the center of that storm. As of today, January 17, 2026, the market is digesting a lot of moving parts. We aren't just talking about a ticker symbol; we’re talking about one of the biggest players in Medicare Advantage trying to find its footing after a brutal couple of years.
Humana's stock price today per share closed at $273.38. That’s a drop of about 3.7% from the previous session. It’s a bit of a sting, especially since the stock opened slightly higher at $282.44. You've probably noticed the volatility if you're holding a position or even just watching from the sidelines. The day's range was tight but heavy, hitting a low of $271.57.
The Reality Behind the $273.38 Price Tag
Why the dip? It’s rarely one single thing. Most people look at the daily chart and see red, but the "why" is usually buried in Medicare Advantage (MA) headlines. This week, the buzz has been all about a renewed partnership with Graves Gilbert and an expansion into cancer care through Atlas Oncology.
Good news, right? Sorta.
The market is a tough critic. While these partnerships are great for long-term growth, the immediate concern for most analysts is margin compression. Humana is basically a giant ship trying to turn around in a narrow canal. They’ve spent the last year cutting costs—selling off office buildings in places like San Antonio for $11.3 million—but the "Value Story" is still being written.
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The Analyst Divide: Is it a Buy?
If you ask ten different analysts what the fair value of HUM is, you’ll get ten different answers. It’s kind of a mess.
- The Bulls: Some are looking at a high target of $345.00. They see the 2026 recovery as the real deal.
- The Bears: Others are pinning it down near $215.00, worried that rising medical costs will eat Humana alive.
- The Middle Ground: The consensus target is hovering around $293.37.
Basically, we are trading at a discount to that average target right now. But a "discount" is only a deal if the company actually hits its earnings targets. Currently, the P/E ratio is sitting at 25.6x. That’s actually a bit "richer" than some of its peers like CVS or Cigna.
What Most People Get Wrong About Humana
A lot of folks get confused between HUM (Humana) and HUMA (Humacyte). It sounds silly, but in the heat of a trading day, people trip up.
Humacyte is a tiny biotech company trading around $1.11. Humana is a multi-billion dollar insurance titan. If you’re looking for "hum stock price today per share" and seeing two wildly different numbers, make sure you're looking at the NYSE-listed Humana.
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Humana's dividend yield is currently 1.30%. It’s not a massive "dividend aristocrat" play, but it’s a nice kickback for those willing to wait out the volatility. The company just saw a 9.9% return over the last month, which suggests that the long-term "unhealthy" trend might be shifting into a "yellow" zone of recovery.
Performance vs. the S&P 500
Let’s be real: Humana has been an underperformer for a while. In 2024, it tanked 44% while the S&P 500 was up over 23%. That’s a massive gap.
However, 2025 showed signs of life. The stock had a 5-day winning streak in October that saw it rocket 21%. Right now, we are seeing a "pullback" within what many hope is a new uptrend.
The 2026 Outlook: What to Watch Next
The real "make or break" for the share price will be the upcoming earnings calls. We’re looking for a stabilized "Benefit Expense Ratio." If that number stays high, the stock stays low. It's that simple.
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Investors are also watching the options market. February 2026 contracts are showing a lot of interest around the $255 and $265 strike prices. This suggests that traders are bracing for some movement—either a solid floor at $255 or a breakout past $265.
Actionable Insights for Investors:
- Check your ticker. Always ensure you are looking at NYSE: HUM, not the penny-stock biotech HUMA.
- Watch the $270 support. Today's low of $271.57 is a key level. If it breaks below $270, we might see a test of the $250s.
- Mind the "Hold" consensus. Most institutional analysts are in "wait and see" mode. There are 9 "Hold" ratings compared to 8 "Buys."
- Monitor Medicare Advantage policy updates. Any changes in government reimbursement rates for 2027 (which get teased early) will move this stock more than any office building sale.
Humana is a story of a legacy giant trying to regain its footing. Today's price of $273.38 reflects that uncertainty. It's not a "get rich quick" play, but for those who believe the Medicare Advantage market isn't going anywhere, this dip might just be another chapter in the valuation story.
Next Steps for You:
- Verify the real-time bid/ask spread before placing any limit orders, as volatility in the $270 range is currently high.
- Review the recent 8-K filings regarding the Atlas Oncology partnership to see how it might impact 2026 revenue projections.
- Compare the P/E ratios of HUM against UnitedHealth (UNH) to see if the current "rich" valuation is justified by the sector average.