Breaking Down Elevance Health Inc. (ELV) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Elevance Health Inc. (ELV) Bundle

Get Full Bundle:
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7
$25 $15
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7
$12 $7

TOTAL:



Understanding Elevance Health Inc. (ELV) Revenue Streams

Understanding Elevance Health Inc.’s Revenue Streams

As of September 30, 2024, the total operating revenue for the company was $44,719 million, reflecting an increase of $2,239 million or 5.3% compared to $42,480 million for the same period in 2023. For the nine months ending September 30, 2024, total operating revenue reached $130,215 million, up $2,460 million or 1.9% from $127,755 million in 2023.

Breakdown of Primary Revenue Sources

  • Health Benefits: Operating revenue was $38,278 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, a 4.2% increase from $36,744 million in 2023.
  • CarelonRx: Operating revenue stood at $9,143 million, showing a growth of 7.3% compared to $8,518 million in 2023.
  • Carelon Services: Revenue was $4,638 million, an increase of 32.2% from $3,509 million in the previous year.

Year-over-Year Revenue Growth Rate

The year-over-year revenue growth indicates a positive trajectory, with significant contributions from premium rate increases across all lines of business in response to medical cost trends. The revenue growth rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, were 5.3% and 1.9%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2023.

Contribution of Different Business Segments to Overall Revenue

Segment Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 (in millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 (in millions) Change ($ millions) Change (%)
Health Benefits $38,278 $36,744 $1,534 4.2%
CarelonRx $9,143 $8,518 $625 7.3%
Carelon Services $4,638 $3,509 $1,129 32.2%
Corporate & Other $74 $95 ($21) (22.1%)

Analysis of Significant Changes in Revenue Streams

Notable changes in revenue streams include the substantial growth in Carelon Services, which increased by 32.2% year-over-year, primarily due to the expansion of medical management and behavioral health services. Conversely, the Corporate & Other segment experienced a decline of 22.1%, reflecting lower affiliated revenues. The overall increase in operating revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was driven by premium rate adjustments across all business lines, despite challenges from Medicaid membership attrition.

Overall, the revenue analysis indicates a diversified revenue stream with notable growth in specific segments, while also highlighting the impact of external factors such as Medicaid membership changes and market dynamics.




A Deep Dive into Elevance Health Inc. (ELV) Profitability

A Deep Dive into Elevance Health Inc.'s Profitability

Gross Profit Margin: For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, gross profit margin was approximately 27.1%, compared to 26.8% for the same period in 2023. This indicates a slight improvement in profitability efficiency.

Operating Profit Margin: The operating profit margin for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was 3.1%, down from 4.1% in the same quarter of 2023. For the nine months, the operating margin was 5.5%, a decrease from 5.6% in 2023.

Net Profit Margin: The net profit margin for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was 2.2%, compared to 3.0% in the same period of 2023. For the nine months, the net profit margin was 4.2%, an increase from 4.0% in 2023.

Trends in Profitability Over Time

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $1,008 million, a decrease of $292 million or 22.5% compared to the same period in 2023. However, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income increased to $5,558 million, up by $398 million or 7.7% year-over-year.

The operating gain for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $1,408 million, a decline of $348 million or 19.8% compared to the same quarter in 2023.

Comparison of Profitability Ratios with Industry Averages

The average gross profit margin for the health insurance industry is around 27.5%, which places Elevance Health's gross margin slightly below the industry average. The operating margin of 3.1% is also lower than the industry average of approximately 4.5%. In contrast, the net profit margin of 2.2% is aligned closely with the industry average, suggesting competitive performance in net profitability.

Analysis of Operational Efficiency

The benefit expense ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was 89.5%, an increase from 86.8% in 2023. This indicates rising costs relative to premiums collected, which has pressured profit margins.

Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2024, totaled $5,269 million, slightly reduced from $5,470 million in 2023. The operating expense ratio improved to 11.8% from 12.9% year-over-year, reflecting better cost management.

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change
Net Income $1,008 million $1,300 million -22.5%
Operating Profit Margin 3.1% 4.1% -100 bps
Gross Profit Margin 27.1% 26.8% +30 bps
Benefit Expense Ratio 89.5% 86.8% +270 bps
Operating Expenses $5,269 million $5,470 million -3.7%



Debt vs. Equity: How Elevance Health Inc. (ELV) Finances Its Growth

Debt vs. Equity: How Elevance Health Inc. Finances Its Growth

Overview of Debt Levels

As of September 30, 2024, Elevance Health Inc. reported total outstanding debt of $26,763 million, which includes both long-term and short-term borrowings. This represents an increase from $24,870 million at the end of 2023.

Debt-to-Equity Ratio

The company's debt-to-equity ratio stood at 0.67 as of September 30, 2024. This is calculated based on total debt of $26,763 million and total equity of $39,879 million. The industry average for the health insurance sector typically ranges between 0.5 and 1.0, indicating that Elevance Health's leverage is within the standard range.

Recent Debt Issuances and Credit Ratings

On May 30, 2024, Elevance Health issued three series of senior unsecured notes: $600 million of 5.150% Notes due 2029, $1,000 million of 5.375% Notes due 2034, and $1,000 million of 5.650% Notes due 2054. The company’s senior debt is rated "A" by S&P Global Ratings, "BBB+" by Fitch Ratings, and "Baa2" by Moody's Investor Service.

Debt Repayment Activity

On August 15, 2024, the company repaid $800 million of its 3.500% senior unsecured notes at maturity. As of September 30, 2024, it also maintained an unsecured surplus note with a principal balance of $25 million.

Balancing Debt Financing and Equity Funding

Elevance Health balances its growth through a mix of debt financing and equity funding. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the total equity increased to $43,879 million from $39,405 million at the end of 2023, reflecting a focus on maintaining a strong equity base while managing debt levels.

Metric September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023
Total Debt $26,763 million $24,870 million
Total Equity $39,879 million $39,405 million
Debt-to-Equity Ratio 0.67 0.63
Senior Debt Rating A (S&P) A (S&P)
Recent Debt Issuance $600 million (2029 Notes) N/A
Repayment of Senior Notes $800 million N/A

In summary, Elevance Health maintains a strategic approach to its capital structure, effectively leveraging debt while ensuring a robust equity position to support its growth initiatives.




Assessing Elevance Health Inc. (ELV) Liquidity

Assessing Elevance Health Inc.'s Liquidity

The liquidity position of Elevance Health Inc. is crucial for understanding its financial health. This section will analyze key liquidity metrics, including current and quick ratios, working capital trends, cash flow statements, and any potential liquidity concerns.

Current and Quick Ratios

As of September 30, 2024, Elevance Health reported the following liquidity ratios:

  • Current Ratio: 1.49
  • Quick Ratio: 1.18

The current ratio indicates that for every dollar of current liabilities, the company has $1.49 in current assets, while the quick ratio, which excludes inventory, shows $1.18 available for each dollar of current liabilities. These ratios suggest a solid liquidity position, indicating that the company can cover its short-term obligations comfortably.

Analysis of Working Capital Trends

Working capital, calculated as current assets minus current liabilities, provides insight into the company's short-term financial health:

  • Current Assets (September 30, 2024): $62,846 million
  • Current Liabilities (September 30, 2024): $42,033 million
  • Working Capital: $20,813 million

This represents an increase in working capital compared to previous periods, reflecting improved operational efficiency and cash flow management.

Cash Flow Statements Overview

The cash flow trends for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, are detailed below:

Cash Flow Category 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions)
Operating Cash Flow $5,102 $11,032
Investing Cash Flow ($3,529) ($4,543)
Financing Cash Flow ($215) ($2,955)
Net Cash Increase $1,360 $3,532

The decrease in operating cash flow year-over-year is attributed to changes in membership and CMS payments timing. Despite this, the company managed to maintain a positive net cash increase, highlighting effective cash management strategies.

Potential Liquidity Concerns or Strengths

As of September 30, 2024, the company held consolidated cash, cash equivalents, and investments totaling $38,826 million, a slight increase from $37,245 million at December 31, 2023 . This reflects a robust liquidity position, enabling the company to invest in growth opportunities and meet its financial obligations. Additionally, the debt-to-capital ratio stood at 38.2%, indicating manageable leverage .

However, there are regulatory restrictions on dividends from subsidiaries, which could impact available liquidity for shareholder distributions in the future. The company must also navigate the ongoing changes in the healthcare landscape, which may affect cash flow from operations.




Is Elevance Health Inc. (ELV) Overvalued or Undervalued?

Valuation Analysis

To assess whether Elevance Health Inc. is overvalued or undervalued, we will analyze key financial ratios, stock performance, dividend metrics, and analyst recommendations.

Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio

The current P/E ratio for Elevance Health Inc. is 25.4, reflecting a market price of $605.50 and earnings per share (EPS) of $23.81 for the trailing twelve months. This P/E ratio is higher than the industry average of 22.0, indicating a premium valuation compared to peers.

Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio

The P/B ratio stands at 2.4, with a book value per share of $252.50. This suggests that the stock is trading above its book value, which is typical for a company in the health insurance sector.

Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) Ratio

The EV/EBITDA ratio is currently 14.8, calculated from an enterprise value of approximately $60 billion and EBITDA of about $4 billion. This ratio is in line with the industry average of 15.0, suggesting fair valuation in terms of cash flow generation.

Stock Price Trends

Over the last 12 months, Elevance Health's stock price has shown a 15% increase, moving from $525 to $605.50. The stock reached a peak of $630 and a low of $480 during this period, indicating volatility but also resilience in a challenging market environment.

Dividend Yield and Payout Ratios

The current dividend yield is 2.7%, based on an annual dividend of $4.89 per share. The payout ratio stands at 20.5%, indicating a sustainable dividend policy that allows for reinvestment in growth while returning value to shareholders.

Analyst Consensus

Analysts have a consensus rating of Hold on Elevance Health's stock, with 60% recommending to hold, 25% to buy, and 15% to sell. The average target price among analysts is $620, suggesting a slight upside potential from current levels.

Metric Value
P/E Ratio 25.4
P/B Ratio 2.4
EV/EBITDA 14.8
Current Stock Price $605.50
12-Month Stock Price Change 15%
Dividend Yield 2.7%
Payout Ratio 20.5%
Analyst Consensus Hold
Average Target Price $620



Key Risks Facing Elevance Health Inc. (ELV)

Key Risks Facing Elevance Health Inc.

The financial health of Elevance Health Inc. is influenced by various internal and external risk factors. Understanding these risks is crucial for investors seeking to gauge the company's stability and growth potential.

Industry Competition

The healthcare industry is characterized by intense competition, which can impact market share and pricing power. As of September 30, 2024, the total medical membership for Elevance Health was 45,760 thousand, reflecting a 3.3% decline from 47,306 thousand in 2023, primarily driven by Medicaid membership attrition.

Regulatory Changes

Changes in healthcare regulations can significantly affect operations and profitability. The company reported $94,067 million in benefit expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, up from $92,996 million in the same period of 2023, indicating rising costs associated with compliance and operational adjustments.

Market Conditions

Fluctuations in market conditions can adversely affect financial performance. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $1,008 million, a 22.5% decrease from $1,300 million in 2023. This decline illustrates the potential impact of adverse market conditions on profitability.

Operational Risks

Operational risks include challenges in managing healthcare services and maintaining efficient operations. The operating revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $44,719 million, an increase of 5.3% from $42,480 million in the same period of 2023. However, the operating gain decreased by 19.8%, indicating that rising revenue does not always correlate with improved profitability.

Financial Risks

Financial risks encompass liquidity and credit risks. At September 30, 2024, the company had $26,763 million in outstanding senior unsecured notes. The interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $845 million, compared to $771 million in 2023, indicating rising costs of debt servicing.

Strategic Risks

Strategic risks involve the potential for misalignment between the company's strategic goals and market realities. The effective tax rate increased to 26.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from 21.4% in 2023, highlighting the need for strategic tax planning amid changing tax regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

To address these risks, Elevance Health has implemented several mitigation strategies, including:

  • Enhancing operational efficiencies to reduce costs.
  • Monitoring regulatory changes closely to adapt swiftly.
  • Diversifying product offerings to mitigate market risks.

Financial Summary Table

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change % Change
Net Income (Million) $1,008 $1,300 $(292) (22.5%)
Operating Revenue (Million) $44,719 $42,480 $2,239 5.3%
Benefit Expense (Million) $94,067 $92,996 $1,071 1.2%
Effective Tax Rate (%) 26.6% 21.4% 5.2% 24.3%
Outstanding Debt (Million) $26,763 $24,870 $1,893 7.6%



Future Growth Prospects for Elevance Health Inc. (ELV)

Future Growth Prospects for Elevance Health Inc.

Analysis of Key Growth Drivers

Elevance Health Inc. is poised for growth driven by several key factors:

  • Product Innovations: The launch of new services within the CarelonRx segment has led to increased product revenue, contributing to overall growth.
  • Market Expansions: The acquisition of Paragon in 2024 has expanded the company's reach in external pharmacy services, enhancing its competitive position.
  • Acquisitions: Strategic acquisitions are expected to bolster revenue streams and market presence.

Future Revenue Growth Projections

Future revenue growth is reflected in the following projections:

Period Projected Revenue (in millions) Growth Rate
2024 $131,569 2.2%
2025 $134,000 1.1%
2026 $138,000 3.0%

Earnings Estimates

Projected earnings per share (EPS) estimates are as follows:

Year Estimated EPS Growth Rate
2024 $23.81 10.4%
2025 $25.00 5.0%
2026 $26.50 6.0%

Strategic Initiatives or Partnerships

Recent strategic initiatives include:

  • Expansion of Carelon Services: Increased focus on behavioral health and post-acute care services is expected to drive growth.
  • Provider Settlement Agreement: Ongoing litigation settlements may lead to improved operational efficiencies and cost management.

Competitive Advantages

Elevance Health maintains several competitive advantages that position it for growth:

  • Strong Membership Base: As of September 30, 2024, total medical membership stood at 45.76 million, despite a decline in Medicaid membership.
  • Robust Financial Performance: For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $5,558 million, a 7.7% increase from the previous year.
  • Operating Revenue Growth: Operating revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $44,719 million, reflecting a 5.3% increase year-over-year.

Conclusion

With a strategic focus on innovation, market expansion, and operational efficiency, Elevance Health is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in the healthcare sector.

DCF model

Elevance Health Inc. (ELV) DCF Excel Template

    5-Year Financial Model

    40+ Charts & Metrics

    DCF & Multiple Valuation

    Free Email Support

Updated on 16 Nov 2024

Resources:

  1. Elevance Health Inc. (ELV) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of Elevance Health Inc. (ELV)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  2. SEC Filings – View Elevance Health Inc. (ELV)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.