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Mar 31, 2021

Elevance Health Q1 2021 Earnings Report

Anthem reported strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2021, driven by strong execution and a focus on supporting communities through the pandemic.

Key Takeaways

Anthem's first quarter 2021 results reflected strong financial performance with operating revenue growth of 9.0% to $32.1 billion and adjusted net income of $7.01 per share. Medical enrollment increased to 43.5 million members. The company raised its full year adjusted net income outlook to greater than $25.10 per share.

GAAP net income was $6.71 per share, including net negative adjustment items of $0.30 per share; adjusted net income was $7.01 per share.

Operating revenue grew by 9.0%, or 10.7% adjusted for the repeal of the health insurance tax, over the prior year quarter to $32.1 billion.

Medical enrollment increased by 1.4 million members year over year and 596 thousand members sequentially to 43.5 million members.

The company is raising full year adjusted net income outlook from greater than $24.50 per share to greater than $25.10 per share.

Total Revenue
$32.1B
Previous year: $29.4B
+9.0%
EPS
$7.01
Previous year: $6.48
+8.2%
Total Medical Membership
43.5M
Previous year: 42.14M
+3.2%
Gross Profit
$8.69B
Previous year: $8.13B
+6.8%
Cash and Equivalents
$9.33B
Previous year: $5.35B
+74.5%
Free Cash Flow
$2.3B
Previous year: $2.31B
-0.4%
Total Assets
$95.7B
Previous year: $82.4B
+16.1%

Elevance Health

Elevance Health

Elevance Health Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Anthem is raising its full year 2021 outlook. GAAP net income is now expected to be greater than $24.05 per share, and adjusted net income is expected to be greater than $25.10 per share. Medical membership is expected to be in the range of 44.1 - 44.7 million. Operating revenue is expected to be approximately $135.1 billion.

Positive Outlook

  • GAAP net income is now expected to be greater than $24.05 per share, including approximately $1.05 per share of net unfavorable items.
  • Adjusted net income is expected to be greater than $25.10 per share.
  • Medical membership is expected to be in the range of 44.1 - 44.7 million.
  • Risk-based membership is expected to be in the range of 18.6 - 19.0 million.
  • Fee-based membership is expected to be in the range of 25.5 - 25.7 million.

Challenges Ahead

  • Benefit expense ratio is expected to be in the range of 88.0% plus or minus 50 basis points.
  • SG&A ratio is expected to be 10.8% plus or minus 50 basis points.
  • Operating cash flow is expected to be greater than $5.7 billion.
  • Investment income is now expected to be $970 million.
  • Interest expense is now expected to be $820 million.