Molina Healthcare Shares Plunge After Disappointing Q4 Earnings and 2026 Guidance
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 3d ago
0mins
Should l Buy MOH?
Source: seekingalpha
Molina Healthcare's stock fell 31.69% in pre-market trading, hitting a 52-week low, following a disappointing earnings report and guidance for 2026.
The company's Q4 earnings revealed a significant loss of $2.75 per share, missing expectations, and it projected adjusted earnings of only $5.00 per share for 2026, far below the consensus of $13.71. Additionally, Molina's revenue forecast for 2026 was downgraded to $44.5 billion, below market expectations, primarily due to challenges associated with a new Medicaid contract and a strategic shift away from its Medicare Advantage Part D plan.
This sharp decline in stock price reflects strong investor disappointment and concerns about Molina's future profitability and strategic direction, which may lead to increased volatility in the short term.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy MOH?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on MOH
Wall Street analysts forecast MOH stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for MOH is 180.85 USD with a low forecast of 155.00 USD and a high forecast of 250.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
14 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
9 Hold
2 Sell
Hold
Current: 176.840
Low
155.00
Averages
180.85
High
250.00
Current: 176.840
Low
155.00
Averages
180.85
High
250.00
About MOH
Molina Healthcare, Inc. is a provider of managed healthcare services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through the state insurance marketplaces. The Company operates through four segments: Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace and Other. The Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace segments represent the government-funded or sponsored programs under which it offers managed healthcare services. Medicaid provides healthcare and long-term services and support to low-income Americans. Medicare is a federal program that provides eligible persons aged 65 and over, and some disabled persons, with a variety of hospital, medical insurance, and prescription drug benefits. The Marketplace insurance exchanges allow individuals and small groups to purchase federally subsidized health insurance. It arranges healthcare services for its members through contracts with a network of providers, including independent physicians and physician groups, hospitals, ancillary providers, and pharmacies.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
US Stocks Surge, Dow Hits All-Time High
- Dow Hits Record High: The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 2.47% to reach an all-time high, reflecting market optimism about economic recovery, particularly amid strong rebounds in tech and chipmaker stocks.
- Consumer Confidence Rises: The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index unexpectedly increased to 57.3, surpassing expectations of 55.0, indicating enhanced consumer confidence that could drive future spending.
- Bitcoin Rebounds: Bitcoin surged over 11% from a 1.25-year low, lifting cryptocurrency-exposed stocks and signaling renewed investor interest and confidence in crypto assets.
- Strong Corporate Earnings: Over 79% of S&P 500 companies exceeded earnings expectations, with S&P earnings growth projected at 8.4% for Q4, providing robust support for the market and indicating ongoing improvement in corporate profitability.
See More
U.S. Stocks Surge as Tech Earnings Boost Market Sentiment
- Market Performance: The S&P 500 Index rose by 1.10%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1.60%, reaching an all-time high, reflecting positive market sentiment driven by strong tech earnings results.
- Tech Stock Recovery: Gen Digital and Roblox surged over 7% and 9%, respectively, after forecasting full-year adjusted EPS and bookings above consensus, indicating a robust recovery in the tech sector that may attract more investment.
- Consumer Confidence Boost: The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index unexpectedly rose to 57.3, a six-month high, surpassing expectations of 55.0, reflecting optimistic consumer sentiment about the economic outlook, which supports further market gains.
- Inflation Expectations Shift: While short-term inflation expectations fell, long-term expectations ticked up slightly, indicating market concerns regarding the Fed's monetary policy, which could influence future investment decisions and market volatility.
See More
U.S. Stocks Surge as Tech Earnings Boost Market Sentiment
- Tech Stock Rebound: The S&P 500 rose by 1.20% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged by 1.48%, reaching an all-time high, driven by better-than-expected tech earnings that boosted investor confidence in the sector's recovery.
- Bitcoin Recovery: Bitcoin rebounded over 7% from a 1.25-year low, lifting cryptocurrency-exposed stocks and alleviating concerns about liquidity in the crypto market, indicating renewed investor interest in digital assets.
- Amazon Investment Concerns: Amazon's announcement of a $200 billion investment in data centers, chips, and other equipment led to a more than 9% drop in its stock, raising doubts about the long-term returns of its AI investments and potentially impacting future investor confidence.
- Earnings Season Insights: With 79% of S&P 500 companies exceeding expectations and Q4 earnings projected to grow by 8.4%, this indicates strong corporate profitability, which may provide ongoing support for the market despite economic uncertainties.
See More
Molina Healthcare to Host Q4 2025 Earnings Call on February 6, 2026
- Earnings Call Scheduled: Molina Healthcare will host a conference call on February 6, 2026, at 8:00 AM ET to discuss its Q4 2025 earnings results, aiming to provide investors with the latest financial insights and company developments.
- Webcast Access: Investors can access the live webcast by visiting https://investors.molinahealthcare.com/news-events/events, ensuring timely communication and transparency of information.
- Dial-in Participation: Participants can join the call by dialing (877) 883-0383 and using confirmation number 0597929, allowing investors to engage directly in discussions and receive real-time feedback.
- Replay Information: After the call, investors can listen to a replay by dialing (855) 669-9658 with confirmation number 4621527, ensuring that those unable to attend live can still access important information.
See More
Dow Reaches 50,000 as Concerns Over AI Diminish
- Market Performance: The week was challenging for markets, but it concluded with a surge of optimism among investors.
- Dow 50K Discussion: The article focuses on the potential for the Dow Jones Industrial Average to reach the 50,000 mark, highlighting the factors that could contribute to this milestone.
- Investor Sentiment: Despite recent difficulties, there is a renewed sense of hope and positive sentiment in the market, suggesting a possible recovery.
- Future Outlook: Analysts are considering the implications of reaching the Dow 50K and what it could mean for the broader economy and investment strategies.
See More
Molina Healthcare Reports Q4 2025 Earnings with Strategic Shifts
- Disappointing Financial Results: Molina Healthcare reported an adjusted loss per share of ($2.75) for Q4 2025, despite premium revenue of $10.7 billion, primarily due to retroactive Medicaid items and ongoing marketplace pressures, indicating persistent challenges in the healthcare insurance market.
- Significant Contract Win: The company secured a historic Children's Medical Services contract in Florida, expected to yield $6 billion in annual revenue, which will lay a foundation for future growth and demonstrates Molina's strategic advantage in a competitive healthcare landscape.
- Strategic Shift: Molina has decided to exit the traditional MAPD product to focus exclusively on dual-eligible Medicare members, a strategic realignment aimed at optimizing resource allocation and enhancing profitability, which is expected to have a profound impact on the business structure by 2027.
- Cautious Future Outlook: Management projects 2026 premium revenue of approximately $42 billion; however, despite growth from new contracts, overall market decline and rising medical costs will pressure profitability, reflecting the company's cautious approach to navigating market volatility.
See More
US Stocks Surge, Dow Hits All-Time High
- Dow Hits Record High: The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 2.47% to reach an all-time high, reflecting market optimism about economic recovery, particularly amid strong rebounds in tech and chipmaker stocks.
- Consumer Confidence Rises: The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index unexpectedly increased to 57.3, surpassing expectations of 55.0, indicating enhanced consumer confidence that could drive future spending.
- Bitcoin Rebounds: Bitcoin surged over 11% from a 1.25-year low, lifting cryptocurrency-exposed stocks and signaling renewed investor interest and confidence in crypto assets.
- Strong Corporate Earnings: Over 79% of S&P 500 companies exceeded earnings expectations, with S&P earnings growth projected at 8.4% for Q4, providing robust support for the market and indicating ongoing improvement in corporate profitability.
See More
U.S. Stocks Surge as Tech Earnings Boost Market Sentiment
- Market Performance: The S&P 500 Index rose by 1.10%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1.60%, reaching an all-time high, reflecting positive market sentiment driven by strong tech earnings results.
- Tech Stock Recovery: Gen Digital and Roblox surged over 7% and 9%, respectively, after forecasting full-year adjusted EPS and bookings above consensus, indicating a robust recovery in the tech sector that may attract more investment.
- Consumer Confidence Boost: The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index unexpectedly rose to 57.3, a six-month high, surpassing expectations of 55.0, reflecting optimistic consumer sentiment about the economic outlook, which supports further market gains.
- Inflation Expectations Shift: While short-term inflation expectations fell, long-term expectations ticked up slightly, indicating market concerns regarding the Fed's monetary policy, which could influence future investment decisions and market volatility.
See More
U.S. Stocks Surge as Tech Earnings Boost Market Sentiment
- Tech Stock Rebound: The S&P 500 rose by 1.20% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged by 1.48%, reaching an all-time high, driven by better-than-expected tech earnings that boosted investor confidence in the sector's recovery.
- Bitcoin Recovery: Bitcoin rebounded over 7% from a 1.25-year low, lifting cryptocurrency-exposed stocks and alleviating concerns about liquidity in the crypto market, indicating renewed investor interest in digital assets.
- Amazon Investment Concerns: Amazon's announcement of a $200 billion investment in data centers, chips, and other equipment led to a more than 9% drop in its stock, raising doubts about the long-term returns of its AI investments and potentially impacting future investor confidence.
- Earnings Season Insights: With 79% of S&P 500 companies exceeding expectations and Q4 earnings projected to grow by 8.4%, this indicates strong corporate profitability, which may provide ongoing support for the market despite economic uncertainties.
See More
Molina Healthcare to Host Q4 2025 Earnings Call on February 6, 2026
- Earnings Call Scheduled: Molina Healthcare will host a conference call on February 6, 2026, at 8:00 AM ET to discuss its Q4 2025 earnings results, aiming to provide investors with the latest financial insights and company developments.
- Webcast Access: Investors can access the live webcast by visiting https://investors.molinahealthcare.com/news-events/events, ensuring timely communication and transparency of information.
- Dial-in Participation: Participants can join the call by dialing (877) 883-0383 and using confirmation number 0597929, allowing investors to engage directly in discussions and receive real-time feedback.
- Replay Information: After the call, investors can listen to a replay by dialing (855) 669-9658 with confirmation number 4621527, ensuring that those unable to attend live can still access important information.
See More
Dow Reaches 50,000 as Concerns Over AI Diminish
- Market Performance: The week was challenging for markets, but it concluded with a surge of optimism among investors.
- Dow 50K Discussion: The article focuses on the potential for the Dow Jones Industrial Average to reach the 50,000 mark, highlighting the factors that could contribute to this milestone.
- Investor Sentiment: Despite recent difficulties, there is a renewed sense of hope and positive sentiment in the market, suggesting a possible recovery.
- Future Outlook: Analysts are considering the implications of reaching the Dow 50K and what it could mean for the broader economy and investment strategies.
See More
Molina Healthcare Reports Q4 2025 Earnings with Strategic Shifts
- Disappointing Financial Results: Molina Healthcare reported an adjusted loss per share of ($2.75) for Q4 2025, despite premium revenue of $10.7 billion, primarily due to retroactive Medicaid items and ongoing marketplace pressures, indicating persistent challenges in the healthcare insurance market.
- Significant Contract Win: The company secured a historic Children's Medical Services contract in Florida, expected to yield $6 billion in annual revenue, which will lay a foundation for future growth and demonstrates Molina's strategic advantage in a competitive healthcare landscape.
- Strategic Shift: Molina has decided to exit the traditional MAPD product to focus exclusively on dual-eligible Medicare members, a strategic realignment aimed at optimizing resource allocation and enhancing profitability, which is expected to have a profound impact on the business structure by 2027.
- Cautious Future Outlook: Management projects 2026 premium revenue of approximately $42 billion; however, despite growth from new contracts, overall market decline and rising medical costs will pressure profitability, reflecting the company's cautious approach to navigating market volatility.
See More
