10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2023

Elevance Health, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2023

Filed October 18, 2023For Securities:ELV

Summary

Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV) reported its financial results for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2023. For the three months ending September 30, 2023, total revenues increased by 7.3% year-over-year to $42.85 billion, driven by higher premium revenues and growth in CarelonRx pharmacy revenue. However, net income saw a decline of 18.6% to $1.30 billion, primarily due to business optimization charges and increased net losses on financial instruments. The nine-month period showed a more positive trend in net income, which increased by 3.0% to $5.16 billion. Total operating revenue grew by 10.1% to $127.76 billion for the nine months. The company experienced a slight increase in total medical membership, with growth in Individual Public Exchange and Medicare Advantage products offsetting declines in Medicaid. Management is focused on efficiency programs and strategic acquisitions/divestitures, including the pending acquisition of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. Key financial highlights include strong revenue growth, a slight increase in medical membership, and robust operating cash flow generation. However, the quarter was impacted by significant business optimization charges, leading to a year-over-year decrease in quarterly net income and EPS.

Financial Statements
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Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues for the third quarter increased by 7.2% to $42.85 billion, driven by higher premium revenues and CarelonRx growth.
  • 2Net income for the third quarter decreased by 18.6% to $1.30 billion, largely due to $730 million in business optimization charges and increased investment losses.
  • 3For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, total operating revenue increased by 10.1% to $127.76 billion, while net income grew by 3.0% to $5.16 billion.
  • 4Total medical membership saw a slight increase of 0.1% to 47.33 million members as of September 30, 2023, driven by Individual Public Exchange and Medicare Advantage growth.
  • 5Operating cash flow for the first nine months of 2023 was $11.03 billion, up from $9.92 billion in the prior year.
  • 6The company incurred $730 million in costs related to its 2023-2024 Business Efficiency Program in the third quarter, impacting profitability.
  • 7Elevance Health continues to execute its strategic initiatives, including the pending acquisition of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana and the announced divestiture of its life and disability businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the decrease in net income during the third quarter of 2023 was the recognition of $730 million in costs associated with the company's '2023-2024 Business Efficiency Program'. This included charges for IT assets, contract exits, personnel-related costs, and asset impairments. Additionally, increased net losses on financial instruments contributed to the decline.

Total medical membership increased slightly by 0.1% to 47.33 million members as of September 30, 2023. Growth was observed in the Individual Public Exchange and Medicare Advantage segments, which helped offset declines in Medicaid membership due to the resumption of eligibility redeterminations.

Elevance Health is focused on several strategic initiatives, including organizing its brand portfolio under Anthem, Wellpoint, and Carelon. Key ongoing activities include the pending acquisition of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, the announced divestiture of its life and disability businesses, and its '2023-2024 Business Efficiency Program' aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and optimizing its physical footprint.

The company's 2024 Star ratings, released in October 2023, saw a decline, with 34% of Medicare Advantage members in plans rated 4.0 Stars or higher, compared to 64% for 2023 ratings. While this is not expected to impact Star quality bonus payments until 2025, the company anticipates a reduction in 2025 operating revenue of approximately $500 million. Elevance Health plans to mitigate this financial impact through strategies such as contract diversification, operating expense efficiencies, and network enhancements.