<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Stock Blog Hub &#187; HUM</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.stockbloghub.com/tag/hum/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com</link>
	<description>Start Your Investing Research Here!</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 20:22:08 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2</generator>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Attention Shifts to Jobs &#8211; Earnings Preview</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/04/28/hum-attention-shifts-to-jobs-earnings-preview/99859</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/04/28/hum-attention-shifts-to-jobs-earnings-preview/99859#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Apr 2012 20:04:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ADM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ADP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AIG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ALL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Allstate Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American Greetings Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American International Group Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Archer-Daniels-Midland Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Automatic Data Processing Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Avon Products Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AVP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cablevision Systems Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CBS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CBS Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CMCSA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Comcast Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVS Caremark Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Estee Lauder Companies Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KFT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kraft Foods Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[L]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loews Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mastercard Incorporated]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nyse Euronext Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NYX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PFE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pfizer Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sara Lee Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SLE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Time Warner Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TWX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[V]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[VIAB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Viacom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Visa Inc]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=99859</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Earnings Preview – Week of April 30th The focus this week will be on the labor market, with the April non-farm payroll report coming out on Friday. Many will be hoping that this report will provide confirmation that last month’s disappointment was just a one-off event and the positive trend line of the preceding months is still in place. Jobs aside, we are still in the midst of the first quarter 2012 reporting season, though we have crossed the mid-point of the cycle with about 60% of the results already in. With another 124 S&#38;P 500 companies reporting results in the coming week, we will have results from roughly 84% of the companies by the end of this week. The first quarter earnings season has turned out to be much ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/04/28/hum-attention-shifts-to-jobs-earnings-preview/99859/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNH) Health Insurance Stock Outlook &#8211; April 2012 &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/04/20/unh-health-insurance-stock-outlook-april-2012-industry-outlook/99299</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/04/20/unh-health-insurance-stock-outlook-april-2012-industry-outlook/99299#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:15:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AGP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AMERIGROUP Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Centene Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CNC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coventry Health Care Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gartner Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Genworth Financial Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GNW]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Net Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HIT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hitachi Limited]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HNT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mastercard Incorporated]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miller Industries Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MOH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Molina Healthcare Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=99299</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Though the U.S. Health insurance industry continues to be relatively immune to economic difficulties, it has been still grappling with fundamental changes and consequent growth pangs. The industry has been facing its share of problems related to a sluggish economic recovery, uncertainty surrounding the health care reform law and increased regulatory control. Despite the odds, the industry remains profitable, with the top six players &#8212; UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH), CIGNA Corp. (CI), WellPoint Inc. (WLP), Aetna Inc. (AET), Humana Inc. (HUM), Coventry Health Care Inc. (CVH) &#8212; reporting year-over-year earnings growth in FY11. About the Industry The U.S. Health and Medical Insurance industry is an integral part of the U.S. economy. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. health expenditures account for about 18% of the country’s ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/04/20/unh-health-insurance-stock-outlook-april-2012-industry-outlook/99299/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CSCO) Slow Data Week Ahead &#8211; Earnings Preview</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/02/07/csco-slow-data-week-ahead-earnings-preview/91363</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/02/07/csco-slow-data-week-ahead-earnings-preview/91363#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:02:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Networking & Communication Devices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CEG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cisco Systems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Constellation Energy Group Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CSCO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVS Caremark Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DIS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IFF]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[International Flavors & Fragrances Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Montpelier Re Holdings Limited]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MRH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PEP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pepsico Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pioneer Natural Resources Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PXD]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Coca-Cola Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Time Warner Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TWX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Walt Disney Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[YUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yum! Brands Inc.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=91363</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Earnings Preview 2/3/12 Earnings season will be in full swing next week, with 507 firms scheduled to report, and 69 of those will be members of the S&#38;P 500.  By the end of the week we will be almost three quarters done with earnings season. Many large and significant companies will be reporting.  They include Cisco (CSCO), CVS (CVS), Disney (DIS), Humana (HUM), Coca-Cola  (KO), PepsiCo (PEP), Time Warner (TWX) and Yum Brands (YUM). Unlike last week, it will be a relatively quiet week for economic data.  We will get the Job Opening and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), which will provide some more detail to the December jobs picture.  We will also find out if Consumer Credit (not including mortgages) expanded in December.  The only other reports of significance, other ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/02/07/csco-slow-data-week-ahead-earnings-preview/91363/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(WLP) These Healthcare Insurance Stocks Are Ready to Rise</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/01/31/wlp-these-healthcare-insurance-stocks-are-ready-to-rise/28975</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/01/31/wlp-these-healthcare-insurance-stocks-are-ready-to-rise/28975#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:47:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>InvestmentU</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AEE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ameren Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coventry Health Care Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HealthSpring Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PCG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PEG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PG & E Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Service Enterprise Group Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UAM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Universal American Corp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=28975</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Marc Lichtenfeld, Healthcare Expert Wednesday, February 24, 2010: Issue #1203 Healthcare Reform 2.0 is here – this time without as much pork. Good thing, too. Pork is loaded with cholesterol, which increases heart disease, healthcare costs and… well, you get the idea. The President released his revised plan for healthcare reform earlier this week. And while the new proposal is similar to the Senate’s on Christmas Eve, it eliminates some of the pork to Nebraska and other special interests. I’m not going to politicize, though. I’ll leave that to the wackos on talk radio and cable “news” programs. I’ll just focus on what the plan means to health insurers – and investors. Stemming the Tide of Health Insurance Premium Hikes Obama has stated that his proposal is an opening ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/01/31/wlp-these-healthcare-insurance-stocks-are-ready-to-rise/28975/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HS) HealthSpring Shareholders Approve CIGNA Merger</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/01/22/hs-healthspring-shareholders-approve-cigna-merger/90396</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/01/22/hs-healthspring-shareholders-approve-cigna-merger/90396#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:55:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HealthSpring Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=90396</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The acquisition of HealthSpring Inc. (HS) by CIGNA Corp. (CI) has received the approval of the former company&#8217;s shareholders. The approval came from approximately 83% of the shareholders, at a special meeting held on January 12, 2012. The acquisition was announced by Cigna in October last year. HealthSpring’s vast Medicare business with a trusted brand name made it the best fit for Cigna, which intends to foray into the rapidly growing Medicare Advantage business. With this acquisition, valued at approximately $3.8 billion, Cigna will get access to 800,000 Medicare prescription customers and 340,000 Medicare advantage customers. Cigna, the fourth largest health insurer in U.S., had been historically biased towards commercial business (primarily self funded) and averse to government businesses (Medicare and Medicaid). But it is now targeting the government businesses. This shift ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2012/01/22/hs-healthspring-shareholders-approve-cigna-merger/90396/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(AET) Health Insurance Stock Review &#8211; December 2011 &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/15/aet-health-insurance-stock-review-dec-2011-industry-outlook/88751</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/15/aet-health-insurance-stock-review-dec-2011-industry-outlook/88751#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:01:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AGP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AMERIGROUP Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Centene Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CNC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coventry Health Care Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Genworth Financial Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GNW]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Net Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HNT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miller Industries Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MOH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Molina Healthcare Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=88751</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Health and Medical Insurance industry is an integral part of the U.S. economy. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. health expenditures account for about 18% of U.S. GDP. Money spent per person on healthcare in the United States is more than in any other nation in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Despite rapidly growing spending on healthcare over the past few decades, health insurance industry has been characterized by growing premium, limited policy choice and lack of transparency. Over the past 10 years, health insurance premiums have persistently increased, outpacing the growth of wages and cost of living. The surge in premiums &#8212; due mostly to complex connections among health insurance companies, health care providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and the medical technology industry ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/15/aet-health-insurance-stock-review-dec-2011-industry-outlook/88751/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CI) Cigna Rating Affirmed by A.M. Best</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/07/ci-cigna-rating-affirmed-by-a-m-best/88173</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/07/ci-cigna-rating-affirmed-by-a-m-best/88173#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:51:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AirShares EU Carbon Allowances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ASO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miller Industries Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=88173</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As a part of its annual rating review process, rating agency A.M. Best undertook its rating action on CIGNA Corp. (CI). The action resulted in affirmation of the company’s issuer credit rating (ICR) of “bbb” and financial strength rating of “A”, with a stable outlook. The rating agency acknowledged Cigna’s solid operating performance due to lower medical utilization, favorable prior year reserve release and strong specialty earnings. The rating agency is also positive on Cigna’s differentiated product segment – 11% commercial fully insured (11%), experience rated members (8%) and administrative services only (ASO) (81%). Cigna’s vast exposure to the ASO business increases its prominence amongst its peers, as this line of business is growing tremendously. Additionally, the company is expected to see continued increase in demand for ASO products as ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/07/ci-cigna-rating-affirmed-by-a-m-best/88173/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(WLP) Health Insurers Cut Third Quarter Lobbying Costs</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/06/wlp-health-insurers-cut-third-quarter-lobbying-costs/88069</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/06/wlp-health-insurers-cut-third-quarter-lobbying-costs/88069#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:37:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miller Industries Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=88069</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Most of the leading health insurance companies reduced their lobbying costs in the third quarter of 2011, compared with the second quarter, although many recorded a year-over-year increase. WellPoint Inc. (WLP), the largest health insurer based on membership, spent $870,000 on lobbying in the third quarter, up 9% from the prior-year quarter. However, the cost was down by a substantial 34% from the second quarter of 2011. The second-largest health insurer based on membership and largest in terms of total revenue, UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH), also recorded a significant 18% year-over-year hike to $650,000, while it witnessed a sizeable 24% decline from the prior quarter. Meanwhile, CIGNA Corporation (CI), the fourth largest health insurer on the basis of membership, bucked the trend by reducing its lobbying cost by a considerable ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/06/wlp-health-insurers-cut-third-quarter-lobbying-costs/88069/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana to Buy SeniorBridge</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/01/hum-humana-to-buy-seniorbridge/87805</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/01/hum-humana-to-buy-seniorbridge/87805#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:15:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American Shared Hospital Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AMS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=87805</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Yesterday, Humana Inc. (HUM) announced an agreement to acquire chronic-care provider SeniorBridge for an undisclosed amount. However, the purchase is subject to state and federal regulatory approvals. SeniorBridge is an 11-year old New York-based healthcare provider, which offers in-home care to seniors with chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and congestive heart failure. It has a network of 1,500 care managers in the U.S. SeniorBridge’s projected revenue for 2011 is $72 million. However, the deal is not likely to have any material impact on the 2011 earnings of Humana as it is expected to culminate in the first half of 2012. Further, the acquisition will expand Humana’s Health and Well Being segment, which provides primary care, pharmacy, integrated wellness, and home care services. While SeniorBridge currently concentrates on ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/12/01/hum-humana-to-buy-seniorbridge/87805/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNH) UnitedHealth Group Provides 2012 Guidance</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/30/unh-unitedhealth-group-provides-2012-guidance/87734</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/30/unh-unitedhealth-group-provides-2012-guidance/87734#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:28:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=87734</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On Monday, through a brief press release, health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH) announced its earnings outlook for the full year 2012. The company expects the earnings to be in the range of $4.55 to $4.75. It also affirmed its 2011 full year guidance of $4.52 to $4.57. While the upper range of UnitedHealth’s 2012 earnings guidance is in tune with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, its 2011 guidance is meeting the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.55, at the midpoint range. UnitedHealth, the largest insurer on the basis of revenue, also expects its 2012 revenues in the range of $107.0 billion to $108.0 billion, up approximately 6.5% from the 2011 revenue guidance of more than $101 billion. The 2012 EPS guidance reflects a 2.2% of year-over-year increase (calculated at the mid-point ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/30/unh-unitedhealth-group-provides-2012-guidance/87734/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNH) UnitedHealth Group Acquires Medicare Advantage Business</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/28/unh-unitedhealth-group-acquires-medicare-advantage-business/87571</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/28/unh-unitedhealth-group-acquires-medicare-advantage-business/87571#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:12:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HealthSpring Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mastercard Incorporated]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=87571</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On Tuesday, UnitedHealthcare, a division of UnitedHealth Group (UNH), announced its plan to acquire XLHealth Corp, a sponsor of Medicare Advantage health plans. With this acquisition, the company is expected to remain a step ahead of its competitors including WellPoint Inc. (WLP)and Aetna Inc. (AET) in acquiring Medicare Advantage (MA) business. Also, as the MA business is expected to grow considerably over the next five years, the latest acquisition will be a big advantage for the company to strengthen its financials. The all-cash deal, which is valued at approximately $2 billion, is expected to close in the first half of 2012. Immediately after the closure, the deal will be accretive to UnitedHealth Group’s earnings. UnitedHealth currently enjoys the leading position in the MA market with 18.4% market share, followed by ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/28/unh-unitedhealth-group-acquires-medicare-advantage-business/87571/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(LH) Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings Earnings Scorecard</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/03/lh-laboratory-corporation-of-america-holdings-earnings-scorecard/86241</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/03/lh-laboratory-corporation-of-america-holdings-earnings-scorecard/86241#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:12:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medical Laboratories & Research]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DGX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quest Diagnostics Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=86241</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The announcement of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings’ (LH) third quarter fiscal 2011 results, as on October 20, 2011, has led analysts to revise their estimates lower for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2011. Third Quarter Highlights LabCorp reported adjusted EPS of $1.61 (excluding amortization, restructuring and other special charges) for the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The result was higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.60 and the previous year&#8217;s adjusted EPS of $1.58. Revenues increased 10% year over year to $1,404.5 million, marginally missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,408 million. Testing volume (measured by requisitions) and revenue per requisition increased 2.1% and 7.8%, respectively. LabCorp updated its guidance for fiscal 2011. The company now expects a 10.5?11% revenue growth (previous guidance of 9.5?11.5%) resulting in adjusted EPS ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/11/03/lh-laboratory-corporation-of-america-holdings-earnings-scorecard/86241/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(FSR) Humana Rating Affirmed By A.M. Best</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/22/fsr-humana-rating-affirmed-by-a-m-best/83879</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/22/fsr-humana-rating-affirmed-by-a-m-best/83879#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:06:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property & Casualty Insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Limited]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FSR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=83879</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The rating agency A.M.Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength ratings (FSR) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of the health insurer Humana Inc. (HUM) and conferred a debt rating of “bbb” to the company. All the ratings carry a stable outlook, indicating the company’s stable financial and market trends, and a likelihood that the company&#8217;s rating would change over an intermediate period. However, A.M. Best’s rating action reflects a combination of positive and negative factors. The agency views positively Humana’s efforts of maintaining its revenue growth and developing its Medicare Advantage membership base. A modest leverage (18.0% at the end of June 30, 2011) relative to its other peers  such as UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH), CIGNA Inc. (CI), Aetna Inc. (AET), WellPoint Inc. (WLP), along with sufficient capital flexibility, ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/22/fsr-humana-rating-affirmed-by-a-m-best/83879/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Gets Customer-centric</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/21/ci-cigna-gets-customer-centric/83707</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/21/ci-cigna-gets-customer-centric/83707#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:07:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=83707</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In a bid to provide specialized customer service, health insurer CIGNA Corp. (CI) has announced a national brand campaign, with the theme “GO YOU”.  The campaign chiefly focuses on providing user-friendly programs along with delivering unique customer service. The advertisement kicked off yesterday on print, television and the web and is expected to grab instant attention. Though the company has not yet disclosed the cost of the campaign, we expect it to be one of the most significant in the company’s history. For customer convenience, Cigna has put up a worldwide customers service arrangement which will be available 24/7 throughout the year. Customers will also be able to use their mobile phones with the application “Cigna Mobile” that will help them to locate physicians, hospitals, urgent care facilities, dentists, and ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/21/ci-cigna-gets-customer-centric/83707/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Incorporated &#8211; Bull of the Day</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/21/hum-humana-incorporated-bull-of-the-day-4/83712</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/21/hum-humana-incorporated-bull-of-the-day-4/83712#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:14:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=83712</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Humana, Inc.&#8217;s (HUM) second-quarter earnings modestly beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate, owing to improved consolidated premiums and ASO fees that also drove the benefit ratio along with improvement in medical and specialty memberships. Humana benefits from the new rule in health care reform, which led to an efficient deployment of capital. The upcoming AMS acquisition is further expected to enhance the company&#8217;s Medicare coverage. Overall, we expect an upside to Humana shares on the basis of higher membership, surplus cash flows generation, favorable prior-period claims development, and higher projected segment earnings. Our six-month target price of $89.00 equates to 11.6x our earnings estimate for 2011. Combined with the $1.00 per share annual dividend, this target price implies an expected total return of 20.7% over that period. This is consistent with ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/21/hum-humana-incorporated-bull-of-the-day-4/83712/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Incorporated &#8211; Bull of the Day</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/11/hum-humana-incorporated-bull-of-the-day-3/82688</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/11/hum-humana-incorporated-bull-of-the-day-3/82688#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 Sep 2011 19:52:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=82688</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Humana, Inc.&#8217;s (HUM) second-quarter earnings modestly beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate, owing to improved consolidated premiums and ASO fees that also drove the benefit ratio along with improvement in medical and specialty memberships. Humana benefits from the new rule in health care reform, which led to an efficient deployment of capital. The upcoming AMS acquisition is further expected to enhance the company&#8217;s Medicare coverage. Overall, we expect an upside to Humana shares on the basis of higher membership, surplus cash flows generation, favorable prior-period claims development, and higher projected segment earnings. Our six-month target price of $89.00 equates to 11.6x our earnings estimate for 2011. Combined with the $1.00 per share annual dividend, this target price implies an expected total return of 20.7% over that period. This is consistent with ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/09/11/hum-humana-incorporated-bull-of-the-day-3/82688/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Analyst Reiterates Shares at Outperform</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/15/ci-cigna-analyst-reiterates-shares-at-outperform/81319</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/15/ci-cigna-analyst-reiterates-shares-at-outperform/81319#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:16:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=81319</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We are reiterating our Outperform recommendation on the shares of CIGNA Corp. (CI) following the company&#8217;s second quarter results. Earnings of $1.53 per share outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.29 as well as earnings of $1.38 per share reported in the comparable period last year. Better-than-expected results were aided by strong earnings from across the board, along with lower share count compared with the year-ago quarter. CIGNA has witnessed year-to-date membership growth of 1.3%, adjusting for the planned non-strategic exits. For the past one and a half years, CIGNA has been recording a continued uptick in demand for ASO products as well as incentive and engagement-based programs, and it expects the trend to continue growing in 2012. Management anticipates the medical membership growth for full-year 2011 to be approximately ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/15/ci-cigna-analyst-reiterates-shares-at-outperform/81319/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(ACOR) Company News for August 2, 2011 &#8211; Corporate Summary</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/02/acor-company-news-for-august-2-2011-corporate-summary/80405</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/02/acor-company-news-for-august-2-2011-corporate-summary/80405#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:23:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Biotechnology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ACOR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Acorda Therapeutics Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ALL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Allstate Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Auxilium Pharmaceuticals Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AUXL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HAE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Haemonetics Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JAZZ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KEG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Key Energy Services Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Old National BanCorporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ONB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PAET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PAETEC Holding Corporation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=80405</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[•    Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) reported Q2 loss of $1.23, lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.53 per share. Revenues for the quarter increased by 5% year-over-year to $8.08 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.91 billion•    Auxilium Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:AUXL) posted a Q2 loss of $0.11 per share, less than the analysts&#8217; estimate for a loss of $0.19 per share. Revenues for the quarter increased 30.5% year-over-year to $65.9 million •    Humana (NYSE:HUM) reported Q2 EPS of $2.50, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.07 per share. Revenues increased 8.1% year-over-year to $9.28 billion, lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.32 billion •    Acorda Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ACOR) posted Q2 EPS of $0.01. Revenues for the pharma company rose 52.6% year-over-year to $65.3 million •    Share prices of Old National ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/08/02/acor-company-news-for-august-2-2011-corporate-summary/80405/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Headquarters Shifted to Connecticut</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/07/15/ci-cigna-headquarters-shifted-to-connecticut/79096</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/07/15/ci-cigna-headquarters-shifted-to-connecticut/79096#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:51:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=79096</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Health insurer CIGNA Corp. (CI) recently revealed plans shift to its headquarters to Bloomfield, Connecticut after it was nominated to receive economic benefits from the state government in exchange for new job creations. The CIGNA base will move from Philadelphia, where it has been stationed since 1982. CIGNA would be the first to receive $50 million of economic benefits from Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy under the “First Five” program, a job creation initiative, passed by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community in June 2011. The salient feature of the “First Five” program is that it would offer a variety of tax credits and other economic incentives to the first five businesses each year that create at least 200 new jobs within two years or invest at least $25 ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/07/15/ci-cigna-headquarters-shifted-to-connecticut/79096/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(AET) Aetna Takes Over Prodigy Health Group</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/30/aet-aetna-takes-over-prodigy-health-group/78042</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/30/aet-aetna-takes-over-prodigy-health-group/78042#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:37:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flagstone Reinsurance Holdings Limited]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FSR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=78042</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Aetna Inc. (AET) has recently revealed that it has completed the acquisition of Prodigy Health Group, which was announced back in April. New York-based Prodigy sells self funded plans to employers that employ about 100-5000 individuals. The acquisition, valued at $600 million, will add Prodigy’s self funded market to Aetna’s domain. Self-funded plans are the ones in which employers assumes the risk and pay the claims, and the job of the insurer is limited to administering the whole process. Prodigy’s market spans across 15 states in the U.S. Through this market, Aetna plans to strengthen its position in the small-to-mid-sized segment by offering Administrative Services Only plans, which have become popular of late with higher premium levels charged by insurance companies. During January, Aetna completed the purchase of Medicity, a ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/30/aet-aetna-takes-over-prodigy-health-group/78042/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNH) UnitedHealth Group Takes Department of Defense to Court</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/29/unh-unitedhealth-group-takes-department-of-defense-to-court/77643</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/29/unh-unitedhealth-group-takes-department-of-defense-to-court/77643#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:05:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=77643</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[UnitedHealthcare, a division of UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH) sued the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims after it lost the $23.5 billion 5-year Tricare South contract to Humana Inc. (HUM). The Tricare South contract covers 3 million military members and their families in 11 southern states. In July 2009, UnitedHealth won the contract form Humana. But after continuous protests by Humana, DoD reviewed its decision and awarded the $23.5 billion 5-year contract to Humana in February 2011. Updating the TRICARE West Region contract, earlier, in April 2011, DoD invited fresh bids for TRICARE West Region contract after UnitedHealthcare’s Military &#38; Veterans business raised an objection. As such, UnitedHealth will get another chance to win a $17 billion contract to provide health benefits to soldiers ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/06/29/unh-unitedhealth-group-takes-department-of-defense-to-court/77643/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Incorporated &#8211; Bull of the Day</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/05/24/hum-humana-incorporated-bull-of-the-day-2/74769</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/05/24/hum-humana-incorporated-bull-of-the-day-2/74769#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2011 18:21:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=74769</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Humana Inc. (HUM) posted strong first quarter earnings, beating both the Zacks Consensus Estimate and the prior-year earnings, owing to improved performance in the Employer Group and Health and Well-Being Services business segments. Humana benefited from the new rule of the health care reform, which led to an increase in the share repurchase authorization and Humana&#8217;s 2011 outlook. Humana also initiated a cash dividend to its shareholders on the strong outlook. The company&#8217;s medical and specialty membership hiked on better-than-expected sales at the end of the quarter. Overall, we believe that the increase reflects surplus cash flows generation, favorable prior-period claims development, and higher projected earnings for the company&#8217;s segments. We retain our Outperform recommendation on Humana shares. HUMANA INC NEW (HUM): Free Stock Analysis Report Zacks Investment Research]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/05/24/hum-humana-incorporated-bull-of-the-day-2/74769/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(WLP) WellPoint Quarterly Earnings Outshine &#8211; Company Increases Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/05/03/wlp-wellpoint-quarterly-earnings-outshine-company-increases-outlook/72615</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/05/03/wlp-wellpoint-quarterly-earnings-outshine-company-increases-outlook/72615#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2011 19:07:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESRX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Express Scripts Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=72615</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc. (WLP) reported its first-quarter income from continuing operations of $891.0 million or $2.35 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.87. This also compares favorably with the income of $871.9 million or earnings of $1.95 in the year-ago quarter. The improved showing was attributable to higher operating cash flows and the implementation of organizational changes in health care. Besides, the jump in medical enrollment also contributed to the increase. WellPoint’s income from continuing operations excludes net investment gains of $35.6 million after-tax, or 9 cents per share in the first quarter of 2011; while net operating income in the first quarter of 2010 excludes net investment gains of $18.6 million after-tax or 4 cents per share, which was partially offset by an intangible asset impairment charge of ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/05/03/wlp-wellpoint-quarterly-earnings-outshine-company-increases-outlook/72615/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CEPH) Stock Market News for May 3, 2011 &#8211; Market News</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/05/03/ceph-stock-market-news-for-may-3-2011-market-news/73016</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/05/03/ceph-stock-market-news-for-may-3-2011-market-news/73016#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2011 17:53:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Drug Manufacturers - Other]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CEPH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cephalon Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chesapeake Energy Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CHK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community Health Systems Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CYH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DISH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dish Network Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ICE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Intercontinental Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nasdaq OMX Group Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NDAQ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nyse Euronext Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NYX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tenet Healthcare Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TEVA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THC]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=73016</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Late on Sunday, US President Barack Obama declared: “I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice….After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.” The press briefing instantly led to celebrations among citizens and the cheer was expected to be carried into the markets. However, the news of the death of the al-Qaida chief failed to sustain the gains for long. Combined with economic data and merger and acquisition news, markets rallied in the morning session, but thereafter declined modestly to end in the red. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dropped less than 0.1% to settle at 12,807.36. The Standard &#38; Poor 500 shed 0.2% to close at ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/05/03/ceph-stock-market-news-for-may-3-2011-market-news/73016/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana to Pay Dividend &#8211; Raises Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/04/29/hum-humana-to-pay-dividend-raises-outlook/72777</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/04/29/hum-humana-to-pay-dividend-raises-outlook/72777#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:56:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Polypore International Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PPO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=72777</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As a result of the health care sector&#8217;s latest restrictions, Humana Inc. (HUM) plans to offer a quarterly dividend, besides raising the fiscal year 2011 forecast. Accordingly, Humana’s Board has initiated a quarterly cash dividend of 25 cents per share, payable on July 28 to shareholders of record on June 30. On an annual basis, the payout will represent a yield of nearly 1.4% based on April 25&#8242;s closing stock price. Humana is expected to spend about $42.5 million per quarter on its new dividend. Moreover, Humana has also decided to replace its share repurchase authorization of up to $250 million with an authorization for repurchases of up to $1 billion by June 30, 2013. In addition to the dividend declaration and the increase of the stock buyback plan, Humana ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/04/29/hum-humana-to-pay-dividend-raises-outlook/72777/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNH) UnitedHealth Contests DoD TRICARE West Region Contract</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/04/12/unh-unitedhealth-contests-dod-tricare-west-region-contract/71211</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/04/12/unh-unitedhealth-contests-dod-tricare-west-region-contract/71211#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:03:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=71211</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) will invite fresh bids for the TRICARE West Region contract after UnitedHealthcare’s Military &#38; Veterans business raised an objection. UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH) will get another chance to win the  $17 billion contract to provide health benefits to soldiers in 21 western states, including Minnesota. In 2009, UnitedHealth lost the six-year contract to Triwest Alliance. Lately, in March, UnitedHealth raised an objection over the Tricare contract it had initially won but was later awarded to its competitor Humana Inc (HUM). Initially, UnitedHealth won the Tricare contract in July 2009. But after continuous protests by Humana, the DoD reviewed their decision and awarded the $23.5 billion 5-year contract to Humana. The two contracts combined would are worth more than $40 billion over six years, including ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/04/12/unh-unitedhealth-contests-dod-tricare-west-region-contract/71211/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Analyst Increases Shares to Outperform</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/04/03/hum-humana-analyst-increases-shares-to-outperform/70429</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/04/03/hum-humana-analyst-increases-shares-to-outperform/70429#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 18:28:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Polypore International Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PPO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wal-Mart Stores Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WMT]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=70429</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On the back of strong fourth quarter results, we recently upgraded Humana, Inc. (HUM) to Outperform. The company reported a strong fourth quarter on the heels of improved performance in its operations, lower commercial medical cost trends and surplus cash flow generation in 2010, which also resulted in share buybacks. Results outshone the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 85 cents. Humana recently completed the acquisition of Concentra Inc. for $790 million in cash on December 22, 2010. Consequently, Humana expects an increase in its consolidated revenue for 2011. Concentra produces approximately $800 million of revenues annually from 240 workplace health-care facilities and more than 300 medical centers in 42 states. Moreover, the acquisition will provide access to Humana’s medical members in certain geographical areas. With the closure of the acquisition of Concentra, ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/04/03/hum-humana-analyst-increases-shares-to-outperform/70429/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Incorporated &#8211; Bull of the Day</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/03/04/hum-humana-incorporated-bull-of-the-day/68061</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/03/04/hum-humana-incorporated-bull-of-the-day/68061#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:00:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=68061</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We are upgrading our recommendation on Humana, Inc. (HUM) from Neutral to Outperform owing to higher Medicare Advantage membership on better-than-expected sales at the end of 2010. This also led to increase in Humana&#8217;s 2011 outlook, coupled with the stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) offerings during the recently completed 2011 open enrollment period. Humana posted impressive fourth quarter earnings, surpassing both the Zacks Consensus Estimate and the prior-year earnings, on the back of improved performance in the company&#8217;s operations, lower commercial medical cost trends and surplus cash flows generation in 2010, which also resulted in share buybacks. Further, the launch of Humana Walmart-PDP enhanced the company&#8217;s membership in prescription coverage plans and mail-order drug business. Our six-month target price of $76.00 equates to 12.1x our earnings estimate for 2011. This ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/03/04/hum-humana-incorporated-bull-of-the-day/68061/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNH) Health Insurance Industry Outlook &#8211; Febuary 2011 &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/unh-health-insurance-industry-outlook-febuary-2011-industry-outlook/66583</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/unh-health-insurance-industry-outlook-febuary-2011-industry-outlook/66583#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:22:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miller Industries Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MLR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=66583</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Health insurance companies finished 2010 strongly gaining from a drop in medical utilization by members, driven primarily by the extremely weak labor market. Bad weather also kept them indoors during the final quarter of the year. We believe utilization will remain soft in 2011, which will act as a tailwind for the industry. Looking at past trends when unemployment increased rapidly in 2008, utilization factor did not see a proportionate drop, indicating that it typically lags the former. Thus, even as the employment scenario improves in 2011, we do not expect an increase in utilization activity until 2012. Insurers are also buoyed by low flu claims in 2010, but 2011 is predicted to witness normal flu activity, which might increase medical utilization. For health insurers high flu activity translates to ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/unh-health-insurance-industry-outlook-febuary-2011-industry-outlook/66583/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Quarterly Earnings Report Outshines Expectations</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/hum-humana-quarterly-earnings-report-outshines-expectations/66496</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/hum-humana-quarterly-earnings-report-outshines-expectations/66496#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:03:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wal-Mart Stores Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WMT]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=66496</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Humana Inc. (HUM) reported its fourth-quarter operating earnings (excluding special items) of $1.65 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 80 cents. This also compares favorably with earnings of $1.48 in the year-ago quarter. The operating earnings exclude the incremental expenses of $1.02 per share in the fourth quarter, partially offset by improved year-over-year performance in the company’s operations. The incremental expenses in the reported quarter includes reserves strengthening for Humana’s closed block of long-term care business, incremental spending associated with the change in Medicare Advantage enrollment periods, the launch of the Humana Walmart-Preferred Rx Plan with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), a contribution to The Humana Foundation, and transaction costs associated with the company’s acquisition of Concentra Inc. In fiscal 2010, operating earnings were $7.18 per share, exceeding the ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/02/08/hum-humana-quarterly-earnings-report-outshines-expectations/66496/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(AAPL) Company News for January 18, 2011 &#8211; Corporate Summary</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/01/19/aapl-company-news-for-january-18-2011-corporate-summary/65300</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/01/19/aapl-company-news-for-january-18-2011-corporate-summary/65300#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:12:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Computers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AAPL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apple Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boeing Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[C]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Citigroup Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CMA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Comerica Incorporated]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DAL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Delta Air Lines Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Deutsche Bank AG]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Glaxosmithkline plc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goldman Sachs Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GSK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JPM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JPMorgan Chase & Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Piper Jaffray Companies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PJC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SBIB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sterling Bancshares Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Symantec Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SYMC]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=65300</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[• Comerica (NYSE:CMA) has plans to purchase Sterling Bancshares (NASDAQ:SBIB) for $1.03 billion for a deal worth $10 per share • GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) reported charges of $3.4 billion in the fourth quarter to settle lawsuits and fines from earlier sales practices, mostly because of its diabetes drug Avandia • Boeing (NYSE:BA) reported a resumption of certified testing of its long-delayed 787 Dreamliner on Monday, almost three years behind its expected schedule • Delta Airlines (NYSE:DAL) has reported airlines earnings numbers, with a fourth quarter showing of $0.19, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.26, on revenues of $7.8 billion ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.687 billion • According to Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC), weakness in Apple’s  (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares due to absence of CEO Steve Jobs&#8217; because of health related issues offers a fantastic buying ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2011/01/19/aapl-company-news-for-january-18-2011-corporate-summary/65300/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana to Diversify &#8211; Agrees to Aquire Concentra</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/23/hum-humana-to-diversify-agrees-to-aquire-concentra/60309</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/23/hum-humana-to-diversify-agrees-to-aquire-concentra/60309#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:49:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wal-Mart Stores Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WMT]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=60309</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Amidst the concerns regarding funding cuts and the impact of the U.S. health care reform, Humana Inc. (HUM) has agreed to acquire Concentra, Inc. for $790 million in cash, to diversify and expand its footprint into medical services nationwide. Concentra is a private health care company based in Addison, Texas, which provides occupational medicine, urgent care, physical therapy and wellness services. Further, it produces approximately $800 million of revenues annually from 240 workplace health-care facilities and more than 300 medical centers in 42 states. The deal is expected to close in December, 2010 and add slightly to Humana’s earnings by the end of December 31, 2011, though the regulatory approval is still pending. Humana believes that the acquisition of Concentra will increase Humana’s focus on its core businesses as a ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/23/hum-humana-to-diversify-agrees-to-aquire-concentra/60309/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana See Rise in Doctor Visits Causing Earnings Drop in 2011</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/19/hum-humana-see-rise-in-doctor-visits-causing-earnings-drop-in-2011/60052</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/19/hum-humana-see-rise-in-doctor-visits-causing-earnings-drop-in-2011/60052#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:14:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wal-Mart Stores Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WMT]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=60052</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On the expectation of the rise in doctor visits and medical procedures, Humana Inc. (HUM) lowered its 2011 earnings forecast to $5.35-$5.55 per share, down from the 2010 expectation of $6.40-$6.50. During the third-quarter, Humana increased its 2010 earnings outlook to $6.40 &#8211; $6.50 per share, from its previous guidance of $5.65 &#8211; $5.75, which reflected improved operating performance and the expectation of a Tricare contract extension from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012. However, Humana does not expect to win the Tricare South Region contract in early 2012, which would surely impact the projected 2011 earnings. Besides for 2011, Humana predicts an increase in the Medicare membership and medical costs to incline towards higher levels in its Commercial segment. Moreover, Humana targets a 5% pretax operating margin for ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/19/hum-humana-see-rise-in-doctor-visits-causing-earnings-drop-in-2011/60052/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(AMAT) Company News for November 18, 2010 &#8211; Corporate Summary</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/18/amat-company-news-for-november-18-2010-corporate-summary/59883</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/18/amat-company-news-for-november-18-2010-corporate-summary/59883#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:06:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Semiconductor Equipment & Materials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AMAT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Applied Materials Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Helmerich & Payne Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sears Holdings Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SHLD]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SJM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SPLS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Staples]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The J. M. Smucker Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Williams-Sonoma Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WSM]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=59883</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[• GM (NYSE:GM) priced its IPO at the upper end of its range at $33 per share, and expanded the number of shares being offered to 478 million • Sears Holdings (NASDAQ:SHLD) reported a wider third quarter loss than expected at $1.98 versus the expected $1.07, on revenues of $9.68 billion, off projections of $9.95 billion • Staples (NASDAQ:SPLS) posted one-cent besting third quarter results of $0.41, on in-line revenues of $6.5 billion • Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) announced nickel-better fiscal fourth quarter earnings of $0.36 on revenues of $2.89 billion, up from estimates of $2.6 billion • Helmerich &#38; Payne (NYSE:HP) reported better-than-expected fiscal fourth quarter earnings of $0.77, up from estimates of $0.70, on revenues of $559 million, up from estimates of $510 million • JM Smucker (NYSE:SJM) reported fiscal second quarter earnings of $1.38 ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/18/amat-company-news-for-november-18-2010-corporate-summary/59883/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(WLP) WellPoint Earnings Reports Outshines &#8211; Forecast Raised</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/07/wlp-wellpoint-earnings-reports-outshines-forecast-raised/57978</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/07/wlp-wellpoint-earnings-reports-outshines-forecast-raised/57978#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:26:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESRX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Express Scripts Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=57978</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc. (WLP) reported its third-quarter income from continuing operations of $701.2 million or $1.74 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.58. However, this compares unfavorably with the income of $850.5 million or earnings of $1.78 in the year-ago quarter. The improved showing was attributable to higher-than-expected favorable reserve development and continued strong performance in administrative expense management. WellPoint’s income from continuing operations excludes net investment gains of $37.9 million after-tax, or approximately 10 cents per share in the reported quarter, while it excludes net investment gains of $14.1 million after-tax or 3 cents per share and an impairment charge of $134.4 million after-tax, or 28 cents per share in the prior year quarter. Including these one-time items, WellPoint reported a net income of $739.1 million or $1.84 ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/07/wlp-wellpoint-earnings-reports-outshines-forecast-raised/57978/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(MOH) Molina Healthcare Outshines Street Estimates</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/03/moh-molina-healthcare-outshines-street-estimates/56861</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/03/moh-molina-healthcare-outshines-street-estimates/56861#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:41:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coventry Health Care Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MOH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Molina Healthcare Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UIS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unisys Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=56861</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Molina Healthcare Inc. (MOH) reported its third quarter income from continuing operations of $16.2 million or 57 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 49 cents. The better-than-expected results in the quarter were driven by higher operating revenues coupled with ramped-up enrollment and increased focus on medical costs. Also, Molina’s reported results were much higher than the income of $8.6 million or earnings of 33 cents in the year-ago quarter. Quarterly Results Total operating revenues in the reported quarter climbed 13.4% year over year to $1.04 billion, which exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.03 billion. Molina’s investment income also surged to $1.8 million from $1.7 million a year ago. Premium revenues of Molina in the third quarter of 2010 increased 9.9% to $1.01 billion. The rise was ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/03/moh-molina-healthcare-outshines-street-estimates/56861/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(CI) CIGNA Quarterly Earnings Beat Estimates</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/03/ci-cigna-quarterly-earnings-beat-estimates/57458</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/03/ci-cigna-quarterly-earnings-beat-estimates/57458#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:14:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coventry Health Care Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CVH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=57458</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[CIGNA Corp.’s (CI) third quarter earnings of $1.10 per share were ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.06. The insurer earned $1.13 per share last year. Better-than-expected results came in due to improved contribution from Health Care, Disability &#38; Life and International segments. CIGNA’s net income declined 6.7% year over year to $307 million, due to $44 million of losses incurred on its run-off business operations – Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits and Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefits. The fourth-largest commercial health insurer reported total revenue of $5.3 billion, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.2 billion. It was also up 18% from $4.5 billion in the prior-year quarter, driven by higher business retention coupled with new account sales. Consolidated premiums and fees increased 15% to $4.6 billion, led by ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/03/ci-cigna-quarterly-earnings-beat-estimates/57458/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(AAPL) Company News for November 1, 2010 &#8211; Corporate Summary</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/01/aapl-company-news-for-november-1-2010-corporate-summary/57200</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/01/aapl-company-news-for-november-1-2010-corporate-summary/57200#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:59:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Personal Computers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AAPL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ACI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Apple Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arch Coal Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Baker Hughes Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BHI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CNA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CNA Financial Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cooper Tire & Rubber Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Corning Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CTB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EBAY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eBay Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GLW]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[L]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Loews Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MOT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motorola Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Simon Property Group Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SPG]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=57200</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[• Baker Hughes (NYSE:BHI) posted third quarter earnings of $0.54, $0.07 better-than-expected, on an 83% revenue surge to $4.1 billion, up from Street estimates of $3.8 billion • Humana (NYSE:HUM) beat estimates by $0.35 with third quarter adjusted earnings of $2.01, versus estimates of $1.66, on an inline, 9.2% revenue increase to $8.4 billion • Corning (NYSE:GLW) reported third quarter earnings of $0.51, off by one penny, on in-line revenues of $1.6 billion, a 6.4% YoY decline • Loews (NYSE:L) reported third quarter earnings of $0.13 off estimates of $0.33 on revenues of $3.7 billion, down from estimates of $3.8 billion • CNA Financial (NYSE:CNA) posted a third quarter loss of $0.66, topping estimates by $0.02 • Cooper Tire &#38; Rubber (NYSE:CTB) reported third quarter results $0.76 up from estimates of $0.60 on revenues of $883 ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/11/01/aapl-company-news-for-november-1-2010-corporate-summary/57200/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNH) Health Care Review and Outlook &#8211; September 2010 &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/09/17/unh-health-care-review-and-outlook-september-2010-industry-outlook/52020</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/09/17/unh-health-care-review-and-outlook-september-2010-industry-outlook/52020#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:11:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HealthSpring Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UAM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Universal American Corp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=52020</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The health care industry is currently undergoing a period of tremendous uncertainty due to the implications of the recent Health Care Reform Act &#8212; named the PPACA &#8212; after it becomes fully effective. Why was the reform enacted? Health care costs, which have risen rapidly in real terms in the last few decades, have strained state and federal budgets. The entire health care sector accounts for roughly 17% of the U.S. GDP, up from 5.2% in 1960. Further growth in health care costs remains a  key risk to the long-term fiscal health of the state and federal governments. This legislation attempts to address this issue. An increasing number of people were falling out of the health insurance coverage due to rising premium prices, limiting access to health care. The legislation, ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/09/17/unh-health-care-review-and-outlook-september-2010-industry-outlook/52020/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Announces Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Offerings</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/09/16/hum-humana-announces-medicare-advantage-and-prescription-drug-plan-offerings/51725</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/09/16/hum-humana-announces-medicare-advantage-and-prescription-drug-plan-offerings/51725#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:03:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wal-Mart Stores Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WMT]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=51725</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Humana Inc. (HUM) has released its planned Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) offerings for 2011 after receiving consent from the federal government. The enrollment for the offering will begin on November 15. Though Humana has only provided the initial plans of its offering, the specific details will be issued around October 1. The highlights of Humana’s Medicare offerings are as follows: •    PDPs will be offered statewide in 50 states of the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico Incorporatedluding a  nationwide PDP co-branded with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT); •    Health maintenance organizations’ (HMO) plans will be offered in 352 counties in 26 states and Puerto Rico; •    Local preferred provider organizations (PPO) plans will be offered in 1,278 counties ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/09/16/hum-humana-announces-medicare-advantage-and-prescription-drug-plan-offerings/51725/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) June 2010 &#8211; Industry Outlook &#8211; Health Care Stock Review</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/06/03/hum-june-2010-industry-outlook-health-care-stock-review/39181</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/06/03/hum-june-2010-industry-outlook-health-care-stock-review/39181#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:12:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BIOS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BioScrip Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MOH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Molina Healthcare Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MYGN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Myriad Genetics Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tenet Healthcare Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UIS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unisys Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ZOLL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zoll Medical Corporation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=39181</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The health care sector comprises different industries, ranging from managed care organizations, healthcare facilities providers and medical devices manufacturers to biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Consequently, we believe that investors in this sector should be mindful of the different drivers and appropriate metrics associated with the various sub-sectors. In March 2010, U.S. healthcare reform passed through Congress, which aims to expand coverage to 31 million Americans who are currently uninsured. This translates into 31 million more customers for the health insurance industry, and 31 million more people for whom prescriptions might be written. Furthermore, the bill cracks down on insurance company abuses. There are multiple pilot programs in the bill that have the potential to significantly reduce the growth in health care costs. However, most of the provisions of the bill ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/06/03/hum-june-2010-industry-outlook-health-care-stock-review/39181/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana First Quarter 2010 Earnings Scorecard</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/05/20/hum-humana-first-quarter-2010-earnings-scorecard/37730</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/05/20/hum-humana-first-quarter-2010-earnings-scorecard/37730#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 20:57:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=37730</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Humana Inc. (HUM) reported first-quarter 2010 earnings on April 26, 2010 that surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5 cents per share. The company has raised the earnings per share and revenue guidance for fiscal 2010. Consequently, we have witnessed a significant number of analysts following the health insurer in raising their estimates since the earnings release. As per the recently passed health care reform, the Medicare Advantage program will be cut back, so some seniors will lose the extra benefits it provides. The Medicare Advantage program costs the government substantially more per person than regular Medicare. This is bad news for Humana, which is heavily reliant on the program. However, since most of the provisions of the bill do not come into effect until 2014, we should not expect ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/05/20/hum-humana-first-quarter-2010-earnings-scorecard/37730/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>($PFE) Health Care Reform and the Stock Market</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/23/pfe-health-care-reform-and-the-stock-market/31452</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/23/pfe-health-care-reform-and-the-stock-market/31452#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:59:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merck & Company Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MRK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PFE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pfizer Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tenet Healthcare Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=31452</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A year and a day of high drama came to an end (or at least nearly an end) Sunday night when the House passed the Senate version of Health Care Reform along with a separate bill of fixes to some of the more obnoxious aspects of the Senate bill, such as the separate carve-outs for individual states (the so-called Louisiana Purchase and Cornhusker Kickback). Since only 50 votes are needed to pass of the package of fixes (the reconciliation bill), barring a very anti-bill ruling from the Senate Parliamentarian (the non-partisan referee on the rules) it is highly likely that it will pass. The underlying bill will be signed into law before the fixes can be voted on. The bill does many things, but it is not a government take-over ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/23/pfe-health-care-reform-and-the-stock-market/31452/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(WLP) WellPoint Provides 2010 Financial Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/18/wlp-wellpoint-provides-2010-financial-outlook/31107</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/18/wlp-wellpoint-provides-2010-financial-outlook/31107#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:56:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=31107</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recently, WellPoint Inc. (WLP) provided its financial outlook for fiscal 2010. The health insurer expects operating revenue of approximately $59.0 billion in fiscal 2010 as against $60.8 billion reported in 2009, down approximately 3%. The decline is primarily attributable to lower insured membership, among other factors. The projection assumes that economic headwinds will continue to affect the company’s business throughout 2010. Specifically, the high unemployment level, which resulted in a 3.9% year-over-year decline in medical membership to 33.7 million in 2009, is expected to bring down medical membership further by 400,000 people in 2010. The company projects operating cash flow of approximately $1.1 billion in 2010. The operating cash flow projection includes tax payments of $1.2 billion related to the sale of WellPoint’s NextRx pharmacy benefit management companies and an ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/18/wlp-wellpoint-provides-2010-financial-outlook/31107/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(WLP) Health Care Outlook &amp; Stock Review &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/04/wlp-health-care-outlook-stock-review-industry-outlook/29684</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/04/wlp-health-care-outlook-stock-review-industry-outlook/29684#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:44:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BIOS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BioScrip Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Net Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HNT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MOH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Molina Healthcare Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WellPoint Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WLP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ZOLL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zoll Medical Corporation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=29684</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[OVERVIEW The healthcare sector comprises different industries, ranging from managed care organizations, healthcare facilities providers and medical devices manufacturers to biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Consequently, we believe that investors in this sector should be mindful of the different drivers and appropriate metrics associated with the various sub-sectors. In the present scenario, investor sentiment in healthcare continues to be driven by decisions in the Congress related to government funding and the state of the broader economy. In view of the ongoing healthcare reform debate in the Congress, healthcare policy changes remain an important indicator to investing in the sector. The Health Bill intends to cover nearly all Americans by providing government subsidies to help pay premiums irrespective of health or income. President Obama has made a last-ditch effort to revive the ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/03/04/wlp-health-care-outlook-stock-review-industry-outlook/29684/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Incorporated Reports In-Line Quarter</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/02/01/hum-humana-incorporated-reports-in-line-quarter/26568</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/02/01/hum-humana-incorporated-reports-in-line-quarter/26568#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:09:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=26568</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Humana Inc. (HUM) reported fourth quarter and full-year results for fiscal 2009. Quarterly Results Humana reported fourth-quarter earnings of $1.48 per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company earned $1.03 per share for the year-ago quarter. Results were helped by lower prescription drug plan (PDP) claim expenses in the reported quarter. Consolidated revenues for the quarter came in at $7.63 billion compared to $7.49 billion in the year-ago quarter, up approximately 2% with total premium and administrative service fees rising 2% from the prior-year quarter primarily because of increases in both average membership and per-member premiums for the company’s Medicare Advantage products. The latest quarter’s consolidated benefit ratio, which reflects the percentage of benefit expenses in premium revenues, decreased to 81.8% from 83.3% in the prior-year quarter. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2010/02/01/hum-humana-incorporated-reports-in-line-quarter/26568/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Inks Long-term Agreement</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/22/hum-humana-inks-long-term-agreement/23444</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/22/hum-humana-inks-long-term-agreement/23444#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:44:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AET]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aetna Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Polypore International Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PPO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=23444</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Humana Inc. (HUM) recently entered into a long-term agreement with New West Physicians, a primary-care group practice in the Denver area with approximately 250,000 patients. The deal will see New West Physicians provide health care services to individuals and families enrolled in a commercial health plan with Humana. The financial conditions of the transaction were not disclosed. The contract will allow the enrollees of Humana commercial health plans access to New West Physicians’ 13 office locations, 49 physicians and 12 nurse practitioners. The deal is applicable only to Humana commercial policy members. The benefits cannot be availed by Medicare Advantage members. We believe that this move by the company will provide its commercial health plan members with increased access to healthcare related facilities which will enable them to monitor their ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/22/hum-humana-inks-long-term-agreement/23444/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(UNH) Healthcare Stock Review &#8211; December 2009 &#8211; Industry Outlook</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/17/unh-healthcare-stock-review-dec-2009-industry-outlook/23150</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/17/unh-healthcare-stock-review-dec-2009-industry-outlook/23150#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:58:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Amgen Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AMGN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BIOS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BioScrip Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston Scientific Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BSX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CIGNA Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Glaxosmithkline plc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GSK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hologic Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HOLX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LMNX]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luminex Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MDT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Medtronic Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merck & Company Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MOH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Molina Healthcare Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MRK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Perrigo Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PFE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pfizer Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Polypore International Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PPO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PRGO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stryker Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SYK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ZOLL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zoll Medical Corporation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=23150</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[OVERVIEW The healthcare sector comprises different industries, ranging from managed care organizations, healthcare facilities providers and medical devices manufacturers to biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Consequently, we believe that investors in this sector should be mindful of the different drivers and appropriate metrics associated with the various sub-sectors. In the present scenario, investor sentiment in healthcare continues to be driven by decisions in Congress related to government funding and the state of the broader economy. In view of the ongoing healthcare reform debate in Congress, healthcare policy changes remain an important indicator to investing in the sector. Even though legislation &#8212; which aims to cover nearly all Americans by providing government subsidies to help pay premiums irrespective of health or income &#8212; was passed in the House of Representatives, it is ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/17/unh-healthcare-stock-review-dec-2009-industry-outlook/23150/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(PFE) The Winners and Losers from a New U.S. Healthcare Reform Bill</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/16/pfe-the-winners-and-losers-from-a-new-u-s-healthcare-reform-bill/23025</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/16/pfe-the-winners-and-losers-from-a-new-u-s-healthcare-reform-bill/23025#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:20:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>InvestmentU</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Drug Manufacturers - Major]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Athenahealth Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ATHN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CERN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cerner Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MCK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[McKesson Corporation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Merck & Company Inc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MRK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PFE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pfizer Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Unitedhealth Group]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=23025</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Marc Lichtenfeld, Healthcare Expert Wednesday, December 16, 2009: Issue #1159 According to a Thomson Reuters poll, 59.9% of Americans would like to see a public option in any healthcare reform bill, versus just 40% who don’t. If this were an election, it would be a landslide victory. But despite the fact that Main Street actually wants it, the Senate killed the public option in its version of a healthcare reform bill. Business as usual in Washington. But regardless of the current bruhaha in Congress, or the pundits blowing enough hot air to affect the global climate, healthcare reform is most likely coming. Whether or not it will eventually contain a public option remains to be seen. However, Wall Street will likely react negatively to any changes to the system, ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/12/16/pfe-the-winners-and-losers-from-a-new-u-s-healthcare-reform-bill/23025/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>(HUM) Humana Reports Earnings That Are In Line With Forecasts</title>
		<link>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/11/02/hum-humana-reports-earnings-that-are-in-line-with-forecasts/19405</link>
		<comments>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/11/02/hum-humana-reports-earnings-that-are-in-line-with-forecasts/19405#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:02:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>vitalstocks</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Health Care Plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humana Inc.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stockbloghub.com/?p=19405</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Humana Inc. (HUM) reported third-quarter earnings of $1.78 per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Results were helped by strong earnings from the Government segment, partially offset by weakness in the Commercial segment. Total revenues were $7.70 billion, up 8.5% from the year-ago quarter, with total premium and administrative service fees rising 7% from the prior-year quarter due to increases in both average membership and per-member premiums for the company’s Medicare Advantage products. The latest quarter’s consolidated benefit ratio, which reflects the percentage of benefit expenses in premium revenues, decreased to 82.1% from 83.1% in the prior-year quarter. Humana&#8217;s Commercial segment continued to perform badly and posted a pre-tax loss of $5.2 million, hurt by higher benefit expenses as a percentage of premiums and lower average medical membership, ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.stockbloghub.com/2009/11/02/hum-humana-reports-earnings-that-are-in-line-with-forecasts/19405/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

