Carelon Services
Search documents
Elevance Health(ELV) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 13:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Elevance Health reported third quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share of $5.32 and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $6.03, reflecting enhanced medical cost management and expense discipline [14][15] - Total operating revenue for the quarter was $50.1 billion, up 12% year over year, driven by higher premium yields and growth in Medicare Advantage membership [15] - The consolidated benefit-expense ratio was 91.3%, aligned with expectations, while Medicaid performance faced pressure from elevated acuity and utilization [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Medicare Advantage, approximately 55% of members will be in four-star or higher contracts for the 2027 payment year, up from about 40% for 2026, indicating improvement in STAR ratings [8] - CarelonRx revenue grew 20% year over year, driven by strong momentum with large clients, while Carelon Services grew by more than 50% [17] - The ACA market is experiencing higher acuity, and the anticipated expiration of enhanced subsidies could significantly impact membership in 2026 [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Medicaid operating margin is expected to be modestly negative for 2025, with a decline of at least 125 basis points anticipated for 2026 due to elevated acuity and utilization trends [16][20] - The company expects a high single-digit decline in full-year operating margin for the ACA market, while commercial group business margins remain consistent with prior expectations [16][50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on lowering the total cost of care and improving member experience through an integrated clinical and benefits approach, leveraging value-based care [6][10] - Elevance Health is committed to disciplined capital allocation, balancing investment and growth with consistent shareholder returns, including share repurchases [12][13] - The company is investing in technology, particularly AI, to enhance member and provider experiences, aiming for long-term growth [34][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges posed by rising medical and pharmacy costs and regulatory changes impacting coverage for millions of Americans [6] - The company is approaching 2026 with a prudent and practical posture, setting expectations that reflect current realities and uncertainties [7][22] - Management is confident in the strategy and execution, aiming for sustainable value for stakeholders despite a dynamic external environment [13][22] Other Important Information - The company is expanding external relationships and scaling pharmacy, behavioral health, and specialty care management, embedding value-based care principles throughout [9][10] - By year-end, over 10 million members will have access to the AI-enabled virtual assistant, enhancing access and engagement [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Medicaid margin outlook and state discussions - Management discussed the expectation of a 125 basis point decline in Medicaid margins for 2026, driven by elevated acuity and utilization trends, and noted constructive conversations with states regarding rate adequacy [24][28][27] Question: Investment spending impact on 2026 - Management clarified that several hundred million dollars of investment is planned for technology adoption, Carelon expansion, and operational initiatives, which are expected to enhance long-term growth [32][34] Question: ACA membership impact from subsidy expiration - Management indicated that if enhanced subsidies expire, a material contraction in the ACA marketplace is expected, leading to lower enrollment and higher premium increases [41][45] Question: Medicaid membership outlook - Management anticipates a modest decline in Medicaid membership for 2026 due to ongoing re-verification processes and state program changes [75][76] Question: Medicaid coding trends and provider engagement - Management is actively working with providers to ensure accurate clinical documentation and is taking steps to improve oversight and compliance [81][84]
Elevance Health(ELV) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 13:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Elevance Health reported third quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share of $5.32 and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $6.03, reflecting enhanced medical cost management and expense discipline [14] - Total operating revenue for the quarter was $50.1 billion, up 12% year-over-year, driven by higher premium yields and growth in Medicare Advantage membership [15] - The consolidated benefit-expense ratio was 91.3%, aligned with expectations, while the Medicaid operating margin is expected to be modestly negative for the full year 2025 [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Medicare Advantage, approximately 55% of members will be in four-star or higher contracts for the 2027 payment year, up from about 40% for 2026, indicating improved STAR performance [8] - CarelonRx revenue grew 20% year-over-year, driven by strong momentum with large clients, while Carelon Services grew by more than 50% [17] - The integrated medical pharmacy model and advocacy solutions are driving higher retention and expanded fee-based relationships in the commercial segment [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ACA market is experiencing higher acuity, and the anticipated expiration of enhanced subsidies could significantly impact membership in 2026 [9] - Medicaid performance is under pressure from elevated acuity and utilization, with disenrollment concentrated among lower acuity members due to stricter eligibility reviews [15][16] - The company expects a high single-digit decline in full-year operating margin for the ACA business, while commercial group margins are expected to remain consistent with prior expectations [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on lowering the total cost of care and improving member experience through an integrated clinical and benefits approach [6] - Elevance Health is committed to disciplined capital allocation, balancing investment and growth with consistent shareholder returns, prioritizing share repurchases [13] - The company is investing in technology, particularly AI, to enhance member and provider experiences, aiming for long-term growth [34][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges posed by rising medical and pharmacy costs and regulatory changes impacting coverage [6] - The company is approaching 2026 with a prudent and practical posture, planning for at least a 125 basis point decline in Medicaid margins due to elevated acuity and utilization trends [7][20] - Management remains confident in the long-term growth algorithm, expecting 2027 to mark a return to a more balanced earnings growth profile [22][72] Other Important Information - The company is integrating recent acquisitions to expand Carelon's capabilities while maintaining a strong balance sheet to support growth objectives [20][13] - The company is proactively working with state partners on rate alignment and operational enhancements to ensure the sustainability of Medicaid programs [10][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Medicaid margin outlook and state discussions - Management discussed the expectation of a 125 basis point margin decline next year, with ongoing discussions with states about affordability and program changes [24][28] Question: Investment spending impact on 2026 - Management clarified that several hundred million dollars of investment is aimed at technology adoption, Carelon scaling, and operational improvements, which are expected to enhance long-term growth [32][34] Question: ACA membership impact from subsidy expiration - Management indicated that if enhanced subsidies expire, a material contraction in the ACA marketplace is expected, leading to lower enrollment and higher premium increases [41][45] Question: Medicaid membership and revenue outlook - Management anticipates a modest decline in Medicaid membership in 2026 due to ongoing normalization following the redetermination process [75] Question: Medicaid risk pool shifts and coding trends - Management noted that elevated acuity and utilization pressures are impacting Medicaid margins, with ongoing efforts to improve coding accuracy and compliance [82][84]
Elevance Health(ELV) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-10-21 13:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Elevance Health reported third quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share of $5.32 and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $6.03, reflecting enhanced medical cost management and expense discipline [12][14] - Total operating revenue for the quarter was $50.1 billion, up 12% year over year, driven by higher premium yields and growth in Medicare Advantage membership [14][15] - The consolidated benefit-expense ratio was 91.3%, aligned with expectations, while Medicaid performance faced pressure from elevated acuity and utilization [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Medicare Advantage, approximately 55% of members will be in four-star or higher contracts for the 2027 payment year, up from about 40% for 2026, indicating improvement in STAR ratings performance [6][15] - CarelonRx revenue grew 20% year over year, driven by strong momentum with large clients, while Carelon Services grew by more than 50% due to robust organic growth [16][17] - The ACA market is expected to face challenges due to the anticipated expiration of enhanced subsidies, which could significantly impact membership in 2026 [8][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Medicaid operating margin is expected to be modestly negative for 2025, with a projected decline of at least 125 basis points in 2026 due to ongoing acuity and utilization trends [15][18] - The company anticipates a high single-digit decline in full-year operating margin for the ACA business, while commercial group margins are expected to remain consistent with prior expectations [15][16] - The anticipated expiration of enhanced subsidies could lead to a material contraction in the ACA marketplace, affecting overall membership [40][41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on lowering the total cost of care and improving member experience through an integrated clinical and benefits approach, leveraging value-based care [4][10] - Elevance Health is committed to disciplined capital allocation, balancing investment and growth with consistent shareholder returns, including share repurchases [11][18] - The company is investing in technology adoption, Carelon capabilities, and operational initiatives to enhance performance and support long-term growth [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the dynamic external environment but expressed confidence in the company's strategy and execution to drive sustainable value [11][20] - The company is proactively working with state partners on rate alignment and program improvements to ensure the sustainability of Medicaid programs [9][26] - Management expects 2026 to be a trough year for Medicaid margins, with a return to a more balanced earnings growth profile anticipated in 2027 [24][66] Other Important Information - The company is integrating recent acquisitions to expand Carelon's capabilities while maintaining a strong balance sheet to support growth objectives [11][18] - The company is embedding AI and digital tools across operations to enhance member and provider experiences, aiming for improved affordability and operational performance [30][35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Medicaid margin outlook and state discussions - Management indicated that Medicaid margins are expected to be slightly negative for 2025, with a projected decline of at least 125 basis points in 2026 due to elevated acuity and utilization trends [22][24] - Discussions with states are constructive, with states exploring ways to reduce overall Medicaid program costs and improve affordability [25][26] Question: Investment spending impact on 2026 - The company plans to make several hundred million dollars in discrete investments to advance strategic goals, which are expected to impact EPS positively in the long term [29][30] Question: ACA membership impact from subsidy expiration - If enhanced subsidies expire, a material contraction in the ACA marketplace is expected, leading to lower enrollment and higher premium increases [40][41] Question: Medicaid risk pool shifts and coding trends - Management noted that elevated acuity and utilization pressures have led to a below-breakeven Medicaid operating margin, with ongoing efforts to improve coding accuracy and compliance [76][78] Question: State partners considering benefit adjustments - States are looking at various levers, including potential program changes, to improve affordability in Medicaid, with adjustments typically aligning with new contract years [81][83]
Elevance Health(ELV) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-10-21 12:30
Elevance Health 3Q 2025 Earnings Presentation October 21, 2025 Key Highlights 1. See "GAAP Reconciliation" on slides 12 and 13 herein. 3Q 2025 Results & 1 2025 Outlook Elevance Health third quarter operational results consistent with expectations 2026 Considerations Providing insight into key planning assumptions; earnings guidance to be set in January: Strategic Focus 3 Areas 2 2 • Benefit expense ratio of 91.3% in line with revised outlook • Adjusted diluted EPS1 of $6.03 reflects ~$1 of higher net invest ...
Cantor Fitzgerald Reaffirms Its Overweight rating and $400 Price Target on Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV)
Yahoo Finance· 2025-10-02 00:20
Core Insights - Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) is highlighted as one of the stocks with the lowest P/E ratios on the NYSE [1] - Cantor Fitzgerald has reaffirmed its Overweight rating and set a price target of $400 for Elevance Health, indicating confidence in the company's future performance [2] - The company’s weighted-average estimate for 2026 Marketplace rates is only about 40 basis points away from proposed rates, with most initial state authorizations aligning closely with payor plans [2] - Less than 25% of members currently have final rates, and political factors may still influence outcomes related to the CMS Marketplace Integrity & Affordability Final Rule [3] - Elevance Health has reiterated its 2025 earnings outlook, projecting a benefit expense ratio near 90% and earnings of $24.10 per diluted share, with an adjusted basis projection of approximately $30.00 [4] Business Segments - Elevance Health operates through four main business segments: Health Benefits, CarelonRx, Carelon Services, and Corporate & Other [4]
When 90% Isn't an A+: Elevance's Cost Crunch and Carelon's Cushion
ZACKS· 2025-08-13 15:06
Core Insights - Elevance Health, Inc. is facing challenges from rising medical costs, slower Medicaid recovery, and increased utilization, leading to a reduced outlook for 2025 [1][5] - The company reported a significant increase in benefits expenses and cost of products sold in the first half of the year [1] Financial Performance - Benefits expense surged nearly 18% to over $72 billion, while cost of products sold increased almost 19% to $10.3 billion [1] - The second-quarter benefit expense ratio reached 88.9%, up 260 basis points year over year, with a projected full-year ratio of about 90% compared to 88.5% in 2024 [2][9] Membership and Growth - Commercial individual memberships rose 9.7% in the first half of 2025, following a 25.6% increase in 2024, indicating strong growth in the commercial segment [3][9] - Carelon's revenue is expected to grow nearly 30% in 2025, driven by a 60% surge in Carelon Services [4][9] Competitive Landscape - Other companies in the health benefits space, such as UnitedHealth Group and Centene Corporation, are also experiencing pressure from rising medical costs [6] - UnitedHealth's medical care ratio deteriorated to 89.4%, while Centene's health benefits ratio reached 93%, indicating industry-wide challenges [7] Valuation and Estimates - Elevance's shares have declined 20.7% year-to-date, compared to a 3.9% decline in the industry [8] - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for Elevance is 9.19, significantly lower than the industry average of 14.57, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings at $30.59 per share, reflecting a 7.4% decline from the previous year [10][11]
Elevance Health (ELV) Q2 Earnings: How Key Metrics Compare to Wall Street Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-07-17 14:31
Core Insights - Elevance Health reported revenue of $49.42 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, reflecting a 14.3% increase year-over-year, and an EPS of $8.84, down from $10.12 in the same quarter last year [1] - The revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $48.15 billion by 2.64%, while the EPS fell short of the consensus estimate of $9.16 by 3.49% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Benefit Expense Ratio was reported at 88.9%, slightly above the average estimate of 88.4% from 16 analysts [4] - Medical Membership - Commercial Risk-Based stood at 4.96 million, below the estimated 5 million [4] - Medical Membership - Commercial Fee-Based was reported at 27.15 million, slightly below the estimate of 27.22 million [4] - Service fees revenue was $2.11 billion, lower than the $2.23 billion estimate, representing a year-over-year decline of 7.4% [4] - Product revenue reached $6.04 billion, slightly below the $6.14 billion estimate, but showed a 9.3% increase year-over-year [4] - Net investment income was $486 million, exceeding the estimate of $464.67 million, but down 4.3% from the previous year [4] - Premiums revenue was reported at $41.27 billion, surpassing the estimate of $39.64 billion, with a year-over-year increase of 16.5% [4] - Total operating revenue from Health Benefits was $41.58 billion, above the estimate of $40.84 billion, reflecting an 11.9% year-over-year increase [4] - Total operating revenue from Carelon was $18.08 billion, exceeding the estimate of $16.86 billion, with a significant year-over-year increase of 35.8% [4] - Total operating revenue from Carelon Services was $7.44 billion, above the estimate of $6.8 billion, representing a remarkable 63.7% increase year-over-year [4] - Total operating revenue from CarelonRx was $10.64 billion, surpassing the estimate of $10.05 billion, with a year-over-year increase of 21.3% [4] Stock Performance - Elevance Health's shares have returned -8.3% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's increase of 4.2% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]
Elevance Health(ELV) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-07-17 12:30
Financial Performance - Elevance Health's operating revenue for 2Q 2025 grew by 143% to $494 billion [7, 9] - The medical loss ratio was 889% [9] - Adjusted operating expense ratio improved by 140 bps to 100% [9] - Operating cash flow was $21 billion [9] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) decreased by 142% to $884 [7] Segment Results - Health Benefits operating revenue increased by 119% to $416 billion [11] - Health Benefits adjusted operating margin decreased by 200 bps to 38% [12] - Carelon revenue increased by 358% to $181 billion [14] - CarelonRx revenue increased by 213% to $1064 billion [33] - Carelon Services revenue increased by 637% to $7441 billion [33] Strategic Focus - Elevance Health is focused on simplifying healthcare, affordability, and accessibility for consumers [3, 5] - The company aims to deepen clinical and business partnerships with care providers [4, 5] - Elevance Health is targeting at least 12% average annual growth in Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share [19, 20]