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Elevance Health Reports $547 Million Profit Despite Rising Costs
Forbes· 2026-01-28 12:05
Core Insights - Elevance Health reported a fourth quarter net income of $547 million, reflecting ongoing challenges with healthcare costs impacting earnings [2][3] - The company is the second-largest health insurer in the U.S., operating under the Anthem brand and managing Medicaid contracts [4] Financial Performance - Net income increased by 31% to $547 million, or $2.47 per share, compared to $418 million, or $1.81 per share, in the previous year [8] - Total revenues rose by 9.5% to $49.7 billion, with operating revenue up 10% to $49.3 billion, driven by higher premium yields and growth in Medicare Advantage membership [9][8] Cost and Expense Ratios - The benefit expense ratio increased to 93.5% in the fourth quarter, up from 91.3% in the third quarter, indicating rising medical costs [6][8] - For the full year, the benefit expense ratio was 90.0%, an increase of 150 basis points year-over-year, attributed to elevated medical cost trends [7] Membership and Market Position - Elevance ended 2025 with 45.2 million health plan members, a 1% decrease from the previous year, primarily due to attrition in the Medicaid segment [9] - The company continues to expand its Carelon health services business, with operating revenue increasing by 27% to $18.7 billion [10] Strategic Focus - The CEO emphasized a commitment to improving affordability and access to healthcare, aiming for at least 12% adjusted earnings per share growth by 2027 through pricing discipline and targeted investments [10]
Humana Reports $195 Million Profit As Costs Land Within Expectations
Forbes· 2025-11-05 12:35
Core Insights - Humana reported a net income of $195 million for the third quarter, with medical cost trends aligning with previous forecasts [2][5] - The company is reaffirming its full year 2025 adjusted earnings per share outlook of approximately $17.00, supported by solid execution and results [6] Financial Performance - Humana's net income decreased to $195 million, or $1.62 per share, compared to $480 million, or $3.98 per share in the same quarter last year [5] - Revenue increased to $32.6 billion, up from $29.4 billion in the year-ago period [5] - The insurance segment benefit ratio was reported at 91.1%, consistent with guidance of just above 91% and an increase from 89.9% in the previous year [4] Medicare Advantage Plans - The company has been experiencing higher costs in its Medicare Advantage plans, which are a significant part of its business [3] - Humana's Medicare Advantage enrollment reached over 5.2 million individuals, with a projected decline of approximately 425,000 members for FY 2025, an improvement from earlier expectations [7] Growth in Healthcare Services - Humana's CenterWell healthcare services business reported growth of 56,600 patients, or nearly 15% [8] - CenterWell Pharmacy is driving strong growth across payor agnostic offerings, with increased specialty volumes and strong direct-to-consumer growth [8] Strategic Outlook - The company is confident in its strategy of prioritizing consumer needs, with solid year-to-date performance and strong momentum heading into the Annual Election Period [9][10]