Summary
Elevance Health, Inc. (formerly WellPoint, Inc.) reported its first quarter 2014 financial results, showing a slight increase in total operating revenue to $17.64 billion, up 1.2% year-over-year, driven by growth in its Government Business segment, particularly Medicaid, and increases in premium rates across various segments. However, net income saw a notable decrease of 20.8% to $701 million, resulting in diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.40, down from $2.89 in the prior year. The decline in profitability was primarily attributed to increased costs associated with healthcare reform, including the new non-tax deductible Health Insurance Provider Fee (HIP Fee), and shifts in product mix within the Commercial and Specialty Business segment. Despite the profitability dip, the company demonstrated strong operating cash flow of $1.39 billion, a significant increase from the prior year, indicating robust cash generation from its core operations. Management highlighted a strategic focus on its core Commercial and Specialty and Government Business segments, evidenced by the divestiture of its 1-800 CONTACTS business in January 2014.
Financial Highlights
50 data points| Revenue | $17.86B |
| SG&A Expenses | $2.86B |
| Operating Income | $1.12B |
| Interest Expense | $146.20M |
| Net Income | $701.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $2.46 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $2.40 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 284.90M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 292.60M |
Key Highlights
- 1Total operating revenue increased 1.2% to $17.64 billion in Q1 2014 compared to Q1 2013.
- 2Net income decreased by 20.8% to $701 million in Q1 2014.
- 3Diluted EPS decreased to $2.40 in Q1 2014 from $2.89 in Q1 2013.
- 4Operating cash flow significantly increased to $1.39 billion in Q1 2014.
- 5The company divested its 1-800 CONTACTS business in January 2014.
- 6Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by 22.9%, largely due to new healthcare reform fees.
- 7Total medical membership increased by 3.2% to 36.9 million.