10-KPeriod: FY2010

Elevance Health, Inc. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2010

Filed February 17, 2011For Securities:ELV

Summary

Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV), formerly WellPoint, Inc., reported for the year ended December 31, 2010, total operating revenue of $57.8 billion, a decrease of 5% from the previous year. This decline was attributed to factors such as unfavorable economic conditions leading to membership declines in certain segments, the conversion of some fully-insured accounts to self-funded status, and the sale of its pharmacy benefits management (PBM) business. Net income for 2010 was $2.9 billion, a significant decrease of 39% from 2009, largely due to the absence of a substantial gain on the PBM sale in the prior year and higher operating results in some segments being offset by increased costs. The company experienced a net decrease in medical membership of 347,000 members, bringing the total to 33.3 million. Despite the overall membership decline, the company saw growth in its National Accounts, FEP, Senior, and State-Sponsored segments. The shift towards self-funded plans continued, with a 7% increase in self-funded membership, while fully-insured membership decreased by 11%. The company continued its significant share repurchase program, returning substantial capital to shareholders. Investors should note the ongoing impact of healthcare reform legislation, such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), which is expected to significantly shape the future operating landscape and regulatory environment for the company.

Financial Statements
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Key Highlights

  • 1Total operating revenue for 2010 was $57.8 billion, down 5% from 2009.
  • 2Net income decreased by 39% to $2.9 billion in 2010, primarily due to the absence of a large gain from the PBM sale in 2009.
  • 3Medical membership decreased slightly to 33.3 million members.
  • 4Significant share repurchases continued, with $4.4 billion spent on share repurchases in 2010.
  • 5The company is heavily impacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and related healthcare reforms, which present both opportunities and risks.
  • 6Benefit expense ratio improved slightly to 83.2% in 2010.
  • 7Selling, general, and administrative expense ratio increased slightly to 15.3% in 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the decrease in net income for 2010 was the absence of a significant one-time gain of $2.4 billion after-tax from the sale of the company's pharmacy benefits management (PBM) business in 2009. While operating results improved in some areas, this gain was not repeated, leading to a substantial year-over-year decline in net income.

Overall medical membership decreased by 347,000 members, or 1%, to 33.3 million. This decrease was mainly due to declines in the Local Group and Individual (non-BCBSA branded) segments, influenced by economic conditions and the transition of UniCare members to another provider. However, the company saw membership growth in its National Accounts, FEP, Senior, and State-Sponsored segments. There was also a notable shift from fully-insured to self-funded plans.

The company regularly reviews its capital allocation strategy. Historically, share repurchases have been the primary use of capital, and in 2010, WellPoint repurchased approximately $4.4 billion of its common stock. The company also indicated it would consider strategic acquisitions and investments for growth.

The most significant regulatory risk highlighted is the ongoing impact of healthcare reform legislation, particularly the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). These reforms introduce new regulations, taxes, and changes in payment structures that are expected to have significant effects on the company's future operations, business model, and profitability.