With a market cap of $72.1 billion, Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV) is one of the largest health insurance and managed care companies in the United States. Based in Indiana, it operates through a broad portfolio of health plans, including commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare offerings. The company also delivers pharmacy, behavioral health, and care management services through its Carelon division. Shares of ELV have fallen behind the broader market. ELV stock has declined 19% over the past 52 weeks and has dipp ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew 20% to $377.4 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising 19% to $27.3 million, yielding adjusted EPS of $0.25 [5][14][15] - Total resident count increased by 13% to 203,766, driven by both organic growth and acquisitions [5][14] - Adjusted EBITDA margins held steady at 7.2%, reflecting the dilutive impact from recent acquisitions and greenfield startups [5][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pharmacy segment experienced strong performance, with significant contributions from new acquisitions in Washington and Oregon [14][15] - Gross profit increased to $74.7 million, with a margin of 19.8% [15] - The company noted that its four- to five-year locations are performing at or above the consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin, while newer locations are progressing steadily [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Guardian holds a national market share of 13% in serving assisted living facilities, with 37 pharmacies having over 20% market share and 12 pharmacies exceeding 40% [8][9] - The company serves nearly 204,000 residents, primarily in-house, and expects to benefit from demographic trends as the aging population grows [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive organic growth through new customer facility wins, higher resident adoption, and greenfield expansions, while also pursuing targeted acquisitions [10][11] - Guardian is focused on enhancing profitability by integrating new pharmacies and leveraging technology and operational efficiencies [10][11] - The company is navigating policy changes proactively and advocating for legislative solutions to address industry challenges [6][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in offsetting anticipated EBITDA headwinds despite expected flat revenue growth in 2026 [6][10] - The company highlighted the importance of local leadership and scale in executing its growth strategy [7][10] - Management noted that the acquisition pipeline remains active, with a disciplined approach to selecting operators and markets [18] Other Important Information - The company filed an S-3 shelf registration for up to 6 million shares to provide financial flexibility [12] - Cash position improved to $36 million, with strong cash generation and no debt outstanding [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comparison of vaccine program contribution this year to last year - Management noted steady performance in the vaccine program, with a stronger start in September compared to last year [22][23] Question: Resident count and acquisition impact - Management confirmed that recent acquisitions are included in the Q3 resident count, with expectations for steady growth in Q4 [24][25] Question: Status of negotiations with PBMs regarding IRA issues - Management indicated that discussions are ongoing and they are growing more confident in offsetting headwinds [26][27] Question: Margin impact from acquisitions - Management highlighted that recent acquisitions are dilutive to margins but are expected to improve over time as they mature [33][41] Question: Changes in Medicare Part D plans and resident switching - Management stated it is early in the process to assess the impact of changes in Part D plans, with ongoing efforts to optimize plans for residents [46][48] Question: Changes in drug consumption patterns - Management observed a steady growth in acuity among residents, leading to increased utilization of certain brand medications [50]

Core Insights - The Cigna Group is scheduled to report its third-quarter 2025 results on October 30, 2025, with earnings estimated at $7.70 per share and revenues of $67.16 billion [1][7]. Earnings Estimates - The earnings estimate for Q3 2025 has increased by $0.01 over the past 60 days, indicating a year-over-year growth of 2.5%, while revenues are projected to grow by 5.4% year-over-year [2]. - For the full year 2025, the revenue estimate stands at $267.39 billion, reflecting an 8.2% increase year-over-year, and the EPS estimate is $29.69, signaling an 8.6% growth [3]. Performance Indicators - Cigna has beaten earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of negative 1.2% [3]. - The company has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating uncertainty regarding an earnings beat this quarter [4]. Revenue Breakdown - Evernorth revenues are expected to rise by 9%, with pharmacy and fee income showing double-digit growth [7]. - Pharmacy revenues are projected to improve by 10.1% year-over-year, while fees and other revenues are expected to grow by 10.3% [8]. - The overall Evernorth Health Services segment is estimated to generate $57.2 billion in revenues, indicating a 9% growth from the prior year [9]. Challenges - Premiums are expected to decline by 21.1% year-over-year, with total medical customers projected to decrease to 18.1 million from 19 million a year ago [9]. - Cigna Healthcare revenues are estimated to decrease by 17.9%, with pre-tax adjusted income expected to decline by 13.7% year-over-year [10]. - The medical care ratio (MCR) is projected to rise to 84.15%, up from 82.80% a year ago, indicating pressure on margins due to higher pharmacy and service costs [10]. Peer Performance - UnitedHealth reported adjusted EPS of $2.92, beating estimates but reflecting a 59.2% year-over-year decline [11]. - Molina Healthcare's adjusted EPS of $1.84 missed estimates, with a 69.4% year-over-year decline attributed to higher medical care costs [12]. - Elevance Health reported adjusted EPS of $6.03, surpassing estimates but showing a 29.9% year-over-year drop due to elevated expenses [13].

Financial Performance - Elevance Health, Inc. reported fiscal Q3 2025 operating revenue of $50.1 billion, reflecting a 12.0% increase year-over-year [1] - The diluted EPS for the quarter was $5.32, with adjusted diluted EPS reaching $6.03 [1] - Operating cash flow for fiscal Q3 2025 was $4.2 billion year-to-date, which is 0.8 times GAAP net income, a decrease of $0.9 billion year-over-year [3] Guidance and Shareholder Returns - The company reaffirmed its fiscal year 2025 benefit expense ratio guidance at around 90.0% and adjusted diluted EPS guidance of approximately $30.00 [2] - Elevance Health returned $3.3 billion of capital to shareholders year-to-date [2] Business Segments - Elevance Health operates through several segments: Health Benefits, CarelonRx, Carelon Services, and Corporate and Other [4] - The Health Benefits segment provides a variety of health plans and services, while CarelonRx manages pharmacy services [4] - Carelon Services integrates behavioral, physical, pharmacy, and social services to offer various healthcare-related services [4]

16 October 2025 U.S. Healthcare Services U.S. Healthcare Services: How AI will change the healthcare landscape, a summary of our recent teach-in Lance Wilkes +1 917 344 8501 lance.wilkes@bernsteinsg.com William Robbins +1 917 344 8536 william.robbins@bernsteinsg.com We recently hosted a teach-in on disruptions in healthcare, underlining the key disruptive themes moving forward. In this note, we recap the session and provide our views on where to expect disruption in US healthcare services (see REPLAY, SLIDE ...

Core Insights - Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI) reported strong second-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with sales and earnings exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates, leading to a 13.4% increase in share price [1][11] - The company raised its fiscal 2025 identical sales and earnings guidance due to strong performance in pharmacy and digital sales [1][17] Financial Performance - Adjusted quarterly earnings were 44 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 39 cents, but down 13.7% from 51 cents in the prior-year period [3] - Net sales reached $18,915.8 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $18,897 million, and increased by 2% year over year, driven by a 2.2% rise in identical sales and a 19% increase in pharmacy sales [4][11] - Digital sales grew by 23% year over year, contributing to the overall sales increase [4][11] Customer Engagement and Strategic Initiatives - Loyalty membership grew by 13% to 48.7 million compared to the same period in fiscal 2024 [5] - The company is focusing on enhancing customer value through technology and AI, alongside productivity initiatives to mitigate inflationary pressures [2] Margins and Expenses - Gross profit remained flat at $5.12 billion, with a gross margin contraction of 60 basis points year over year to 27% [6] - Selling and administrative expenses increased by 0.4% to $4.81 billion, but as a percentage of net sales, it declined by 40 basis points to 25.8% [8] Capital Expenditures and Shareholder Returns - Capital expenditures for the first 28 weeks of fiscal 2025 totaled $950.5 million, with expectations to reach between $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion for the full fiscal year [13] - The company paid a quarterly cash dividend of 15 cents per share and announced an increase in its share repurchase program from $2 billion to $2.75 billion [14][16] Updated Fiscal 2025 Outlook - The company now expects identical sales growth to range from 2.2% to 2.75%, up from the previous guidance of 2% to 2.75% [17] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $3.8 billion and $3.9 billion, with adjusted earnings per share expected in the range of $2.06 to $2.19 [18]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted identical sales growth was 2.2% for Q2 2025, reflecting steady execution against strategic priorities [12][26] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $848 million, with earnings per share at $0.44 [12][29] - Gross margin decreased by 63 basis points year-over-year to 27%, but improved sequentially from Q1 [27][29] - Interest expense increased slightly to $105 million due to refinancing costs [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pharmacy sales grew 19% year-over-year, driven by GLP-1 growth and share gains from competitor closures [15][16] - E-commerce sales increased by 23% year-over-year, maintaining a three-year compounded annual growth rate of 24% [13][14] - Digital platforms are key for customer acquisition, with membership growing 13% to over 48 million [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is seeing a shift in consumer behavior towards value, with increased usage of coupons and a focus on own brands [49] - Grocery penetration for e-commerce is now above 9% [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on five strategic priorities: driving digital growth, enhancing customer value, modernizing technology, and driving productivity [12][30] - A $750 million accelerated share repurchase program was announced, reflecting confidence in the company's undervalued stock [11][25] - The company aims to increase own brand penetration from 25% to 30% over time [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver on fiscal 2025 commitments and is excited about long-term growth opportunities [34] - The company is navigating a dynamic operating environment and is focused on unlocking sustainable efficiencies to offset inflationary pressures [21][30] Other Important Information - The company has closed 29 underperforming stores and plans to open nine new stores by year-end [11] - Capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $1.8 to $1.9 billion as investments in digital and automation accelerate [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you revisit the building blocks of returning to growth next year? - Management emphasized sticking to five strategic priorities and seeing strong proof points of success [38] Question: What is the outlook for price investment moving forward? - Management stated that pricing investments are surgical and will be offset by increased vendor funds [41][42] Question: What are the gross margin dynamics for the balance of the year? - Management expects margin dynamics to remain similar, with mix shifts continuing to impact margins [47] Question: How is the consumer behaving in the current environment? - Management noted a focus on value, with consumers trading down and using coupons more frequently [49] Question: How does the ASR impact capital expenditures? - Management clarified that the ASR does not preclude ongoing capital expenditures for remodels and technology improvements [90][92] Question: What are the drivers of e-commerce growth? - Management highlighted improvements in the app and customer experience as key drivers of e-commerce growth [93]

Core Viewpoint - PharmaCorp RX Inc. has restated and refiled its financial statements for the interim period ended June 30, 2025, following a review by its Auditor, with certain accounting adjustments made that do not affect the overall financial position of the Corporation [1]. Financial Adjustments - The Amended Q2 2025 Statements show significant changes, including an increase in intangible assets from $4,847,651 to $6,937,651 and the addition of an acquired charter valued at $2,090,000 [2]. - The purchases of property and equipment were adjusted from $2,145,438 to $55,438, indicating a significant revision in asset reporting [2]. - The total assets and net cash used in investing activities remained unchanged despite these adjustments, indicating minimal impact on the overall financial health [3]. Notes and Revisions - Changes were made to the notes of the Amended Q2 2025 Statements, including a working capital adjustment for the acquisition of Atlantic Canada 1 amounting to $1,019,014 and the addition of the acquired charter as a line item [5]. - A footnote was added to clarify ownership restrictions under Ontario's Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, and amortization amounts were revised accordingly [5]. - Subsequent event notes were added to reflect the closing of the purchase of two pharmacies in Western Canada and one in Eastern Canada, as announced on October 2, 2025 [5]. Company Operations - PharmaCorp operates seven PharmaChoice Canada bannered pharmacies and plans to continue acquiring more pharmacies under this brand, as part of its strategic alliance with PharmaChoice Canada [4]. - The Corporation is also open to acquiring independently owned pharmacies and transitioning them to the PharmaChoice Canada banner [4]. - PharmaCorp actively seeks discussions with pharmacy owners regarding succession or sale, emphasizing a commitment to seamless transitions that protect legacies and serve communities [6].

Core Insights - CVS Health Corporation is recognized as one of the Best High Yield Stocks to Buy in October [1] - The company operates beyond a pharmacy chain, providing healthcare services such as lab work, health screenings, vaccinations, and treatment for minor injuries through in-store clinics [2] - CVS Health owns Aetna, the fifth largest health insurer in the U.S., covering 36 million people [3] Business Operations - CVS commands approximately 27% of the nationwide prescription volume in the pharmacy sector [4] - The company has been focusing on a value-based healthcare model, enhancing its primary care and home-based care capabilities through acquisitions like Signify Health and Oak Street Health [4] - CVS has consistently paid dividends to shareholders since 1997, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $0.665 per share, resulting in a 3.51% dividend yield as of September 27 [5]

Core Insights - The Kroger Co. is recognized as one of the 12 Best Retail Dividend Stocks to Buy Now, highlighting its appeal to income investors [1] - The company is a major player in the food retail industry, operating over 2,700 stores and providing essential grocery services, which contributes to its stability [2][3] Company Overview - The Kroger Co. operates under various banners including Fred Meyer, Ralphs, King Soopers, Harris Teeter, and its flagship Kroger brand, along with over 2,000 in-store pharmacies and around 1,500 fuel centers [3] - The company has a strong track record of consistent earnings and shareholder rewards, making it a vital part of the communities it serves [2] Dividend Information - Kroger has a 19-year history of consistent dividend growth, making it one of the best dividend stocks in the retail sector [4] - The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.17% as of September 22 [4]