-

Elevance Health Reports First Quarter 2026 Results; Raises Full-Year Guidance

  • 1Q 2026 operating revenue of $49.5 billion, up 1.5% from 1Q 2025
  • 1Q 2026 diluted EPS1 of $8.00; adjusted diluted EPS2 of $12.58 driven by strong operating results and ~$1 per share of non-recurring investment income
  • FY 2026 diluted EPS1 guidance to be at least $19.85, including the Company's estimate of the financial impact for the CMS matter
  • FY 2026 adjusted diluted EPS2 guidance raised to at least $26.75, supported by underlying business strength, actions to reduce medical costs, and increased visibility
  • Reaffirm FY 2026 operating cash flow of at least $5.5 billion, inclusive of potential cash payments for the CMS matter
  • Returned $1.5 billion of capital to shareholders in 1Q 2026

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE: ELV) reported first quarter 2026 results ahead of expectations.

"Our first quarter results exceeded expectations, reflecting underlying business strength and improving claims experience. We are raising our full-year adjusted EPS guidance, supported by greater visibility into the balance of the year. Our actions are driving more consistent performance and position Elevance Health for continued improvement over time.”

Gail K. Boudreaux

President and Chief Executive Officer

1.

Earnings per diluted share ("EPS").

2.

Refer to GAAP reconciliation tables for reconciliation of GAAP to adjusted measures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elevance Health

 

 

Consolidated Enterprise Highlights

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In billions)

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2026

 

March 31, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenue1

$49.5

 

$48.8

 

 

 

Operating Gain1,2

$2.1

 

$3.2

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Gain1,3

$3.2

 

$3.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Margin1

4.2 %

 

6.5 %

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Margin1,3

6.5 %

 

6.7 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

See “Basis of Presentation.”

2.

Operating Gain for the three months ended March 31, 2026, and March 31, 2025, include items that are excluded from adjusted shareholders' net income. See "GAAP Reconciliation."

3.

Adjusted Operating Gain for the three months ended March 31, 2026, and March 31, 2025, exclude items that are excluded from adjusted shareholders' net income. See "GAAP Reconciliation."

Operating revenue was $49.5 billion in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of $0.7 billion, or 1.5 percent compared to the prior year quarter. This was driven by higher premium yields in our Health Benefits segment and growth in CarelonRx product revenue, partially offset by anticipated declines in our Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Employer Group risk membership.

The benefit expense ratio was 86.8 percent, an increase of 40 basis points, reflecting expected elevated medical cost trend in our Medicaid business, partially offset by improved performance in Medicare. Days in Claims Payable stood at 46.6 days as of March 31, 2026, an increase of 5.3 days from December 31, 2025 and an increase of 3.8 days year over year.

The operating expense ratio of 12.8 percent included a $935 million accrual representing our current best estimate of the identified potential exposure related to the CMS notice. The Company also recorded a charge of $129 million related to business optimization as we simplify and enhance our organizational structure.

The adjusted operating expense ratio was 10.5 percent, a decrease of 20 basis points, driven by disciplined expense management. We are prioritizing targeted investments across clinical, operational, and administrative workflows to position the enterprise for long-term growth.

Cash Flow & Balance Sheet

Operating cash flow of $4.3 billion in the quarter increased $3.3 billion year over year, reflecting underlying business strength and favorable working capital dynamics. As of March 31, 2026, cash and investments at the parent company totaled approximately $2.2 billion.

During the first quarter of 2026, the Company repurchased 3.7 million shares of its common stock for $1.1 billion, at a weighted average price of $304.68, and paid a quarterly dividend of $1.72 per share, representing a distribution of cash totaling $376 million. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had approximately $5.6 billion of Board approved share repurchase authorization remaining.

Health Benefits is comprised of Individual, Employer Group risk-based, Employer Group fee-based, BlueCard®, Medicare, Medicaid, and Federal Employee Program businesses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health Benefits

 

 

Reportable Segment Highlights

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In billions)

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2026

 

March 31, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenue1

$42.5

 

$41.4

 

 

 

Operating Gain1

$2.2

 

$2.2

 

 

 

Operating Margin1

5.1 %

 

5.4 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

See “Basis of Presentation.”

Health Benefits segment operating revenue was $42.5 billion in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of $1.1 billion, or 2.6 percent compared to the prior year quarter, driven primarily by higher premium yields, partially offset by anticipated declines in our Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Employer Group risk membership.

Operating gain totaled $2.2 billion, down 2.7 percent from the prior year. Growth in operating revenue was offset by anticipated higher medical costs, primarily in Medicaid.

Medical membership of approximately 45.4 million as of March 31, 2026 increased by 186 thousand from year-end 2025, driven by expansion of our commercial fee-based membership, partially offset by anticipated reductions in our Medicare Advantage and Employer Group risk membership as we took disciplined action to reposition these businesses for sustainable performance.

Carelon is comprised of CarelonRx and Carelon Services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carelon

 

 

Reportable Segment Highlights

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In billions)

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2026

 

March 31, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenue1

$18.0

 

$16.7

 

 

 

Operating Gain1

$1.1

 

$1.1

 

 

 

Operating Margin1

5.9 %

 

6.6 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

See “Basis of Presentation.”

Operating revenue for Carelon was $18.0 billion in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of $1.3 billion, or 7.9 percent compared to the prior year quarter. Growth was driven by the scaling of Carelon Services risk-based solutions and CarelonRx product revenue.

Operating gain for Carelon totaled $1.1 billion, a decline of 3.8 percent year over year, reflecting the impact of lower health plan membership and continued investment in the expansion of risk-based capabilities in our Carelon Services business. These factors were partly offset by improved profitability in our specialty pharmacy and behavioral health businesses.

Quarterly Dividend

On April 21, 2026, the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors declared a second quarter 2026 dividend to shareholders of $1.72 per share. The second quarter dividend is payable on June 25, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 10, 2026.

About Elevance Health

Elevance Health is a lifetime, trusted health partner whose purpose is to improve the health of humanity. The company supports consumers, families, and communities across the entire healthcare journey – connecting them to the care, support, and resources they need to lead better lives. Elevance Health’s companies serve approximately 105 million consumers through a diverse portfolio of industry-leading medical, pharmacy, behavioral, clinical, home health, and complex care solutions. For more information, please visit www.elevancehealth.com or follow us @ElevanceHealth on X and Elevance Health on LinkedIn.

Conference Call and Webcast

Management will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (“EDT”) to discuss the company’s first quarter results and outlook. The conference call should be accessed at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call with the following numbers:

888-947-9963 (Domestic)

   

800-391-9853 (Domestic Replay)

312-470-0178 (International)

   

203-369-3269 (International Replay)

The access code for today's conference call is 3972058. There is no access code for the replay. The replay will be available from 11:30 a.m. EDT today, until the end of the day on May 22, 2026. The call will also be available through a live webcast at www.elevancehealth.com under the “Investors” link. A webcast replay will be available following the call.

Basis of Presentation

  1. Operating revenue and operating gain/loss are the key measures used by management to evaluate performance in each of its reporting segments, allocate resources, set incentive compensation targets and to forecast future operating performance. Operating gain/loss is calculated as total operating revenue less benefit expense, cost of products sold and operating expense. It does not include net investment income, net gains/losses on financial instruments, interest expense, amortization of other intangible assets, gains/losses on extinguishment of debt or income taxes, as these items are managed in a corporate shared service environment and are not the responsibility of operating segment management. Refer to the GAAP reconciliation tables.
  2. Operating margin is defined as operating gain divided by operating revenue.

Elevance Health
Earnings Release Financial Schedules and Supplementary Information
Quarter Ended March 31, 2026

  • Membership and Other Metrics
  • Quarterly Consolidated Statements of Income
  • Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
  • Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
  • Supplemental Financial Information - Reportable Segments & Health Benefits Revenue Details
  • Supplemental Financial Information - Reconciliation of Medical Claims Payable
  • Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Elevance Health

Membership and Other Metrics

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change from

Medical Membership (in thousands)

March 31,
2026

 

March 31,
2025

 

December 31,
2025

 

March 31,
2025

 

December 31,
2025

Individual

1,424

 

1,423

 

1,307

 

0.1

%

 

9.0

%

Employer Group Risk-Based

3,439

 

3,638

 

3,617

 

(5.5

)%

 

(4.9

)%

Commercial Risk-Based

4,863

 

5,061

 

4,924

 

(3.9

)%

 

(1.2

)%

BlueCard®

6,579

 

6,608

 

6,509

 

(0.4

)%

 

1.1

%

Employer Group Fee-Based

21,170

 

20,522

 

20,583

 

3.2

%

 

2.9

%

Commercial Fee-Based

27,749

 

27,130

 

27,092

 

2.3

%

 

2.4

%

Medicare Advantage

1,899

 

2,255

 

2,230

 

(15.8

)%

 

(14.8

)%

Medicare Supplement

888

 

876

 

882

 

1.4

%

 

0.7

%

Total Medicare

2,787

 

3,131

 

3,112

 

(11.0

)%

 

(10.4

)%

Medicaid

8,456

 

8,862

 

8,500

 

(4.6

)%

 

(0.5

)%

Federal Employee Program

1,563

 

1,649

 

1,604

 

(5.2

)%

 

(2.6

)%

Total Medical Membership

45,418

 

45,833

 

45,232

 

(0.9

)%

 

0.4

%

 

Other Metrics (in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CarelonRx Quarterly Adjusted Scripts

80.3

 

83.9

 

88.5

 

(4.3

)%

 

(9.3

)%

Carelon Services Consumers Served

92.9

 

99.5

 

91.8

 

(6.6

)%

 

1.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elevance Health

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share data)

Three Months Ended

March 31

 

 

2026

 

 

 

2025

 

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Premiums

$

41,024

 

 

$

40,887

 

 

0.3

%

Product revenue

 

6,225

 

 

 

5,809

 

 

7.2

%

Service fees

 

2,245

 

 

 

2,069

 

 

8.5

%

Total operating revenue

 

49,494

 

 

 

48,765

 

 

1.5

%

Net investment income

 

765

 

 

 

590

 

 

29.7

%

Net losses on financial instruments

 

(78

)

 

 

(464

)

 

NM

 

Total revenues

 

50,181

 

 

 

48,891

 

 

2.6

%

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit expense

 

35,615

 

 

 

35,312

 

 

0.9

%

Cost of products sold

 

5,463

 

 

 

4,983

 

 

9.6

%

Operating expense

 

6,330

 

 

 

5,300

 

 

19.4

%

Interest expense

 

357

 

 

 

344

 

 

3.8

%

Amortization of other intangible assets

 

112

 

 

 

155

 

 

(27.7

)%

Total expenses

 

47,877

 

 

 

46,094

 

 

3.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

 

2,304

 

 

 

2,797

 

 

(17.6

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

544

 

 

 

613

 

 

(11.3

)%

Net income

 

1,760

 

 

 

2,184

 

 

(19.4

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss (gain) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

4

 

 

 

(1

)

 

NM

 

Shareholders' net income

$

1,764

 

 

$

2,183

 

 

(19.2

)%

Shareholders' earnings per diluted share

$

8.00

 

 

$

9.61

 

 

(16.8

)%

Diluted shares

 

220.4

 

 

 

227.2

 

 

(3.0

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit expense as a percentage of premiums

 

86.8

%

 

 

86.4

%

 

40 bp

Operating expense as a percentage of total operating revenue

 

12.8

%

 

 

10.9

%

 

190 bp

Income before income tax expense as a percentage of total revenue

 

4.6

%

 

 

5.7

%

 

(110) bp

"NM" = calculation not meaningful

Elevance Health

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

(In millions)

March 31,
2026

 

December 31,
2025

Assets

(Unaudited)

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$9,657

 

$9,491

Fixed maturity and equity securities

27,416

 

26,624

Premium and other receivables

22,790

 

21,542

Other current assets

7,169

 

5,344

Total current assets

67,032

 

63,001

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments

12,123

 

11,960

Property and equipment, net

4,657

 

4,679

Goodwill and other intangible assets

39,433

 

39,544

Other noncurrent assets

2,582

 

2,310

Total assets

$125,827

 

$121,494

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and equity

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

Medical claims payable

$18,425

 

$17,084

Short-term borrowings

724

 

150

Current portion of long-term debt

350

 

1,099

Other current liabilities

25,810

 

22,702

Total current liabilities

45,309

 

41,035

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

30,768

 

30,797

Other noncurrent liabilities

5,708

 

5,636

Total liabilities

81,785

 

77,468

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

43,902

 

43,882

Noncontrolling interests

140

 

144

Total equity

44,042

 

44,026

Total liabilities and equity

$125,827

 

$121,494

Elevance Health

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

(In millions)

Three Months Ended
March 31

 

2026

 

2025

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

Net income

$1,760

 

 

$2,184

 

Depreciation and amortization

354

 

 

373

 

Share-based compensation

55

 

 

81

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

2,660

 

 

(1,785

)

Other non-cash items

(497

)

 

164

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

4,332

 

 

1,017

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

Sales and maturities of investments, net of purchases (purchases of investments, net of sales and maturities)

(1,089

)

 

610

 

Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

5

 

 

4

 

Purchases of property and equipment

(235

)

 

(196

)

Other, net

(323

)

 

(315

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

(1,642

)

 

103

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

Net change in short-term and long-term borrowings

(176

)

 

(1,365

)

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

(1,124

)

 

(880

)

Cash dividends

(376

)

 

(386

)

Other, net

(839

)

 

722

 

Net cash used in financing activities

(2,515

)

 

(1,909

)

 

 

 

 

Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

(9

)

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents

166

 

 

(788

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

9,491

 

 

8,288

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$9,657

 

 

$7,500

 

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS

Elevance Health has four reportable segments: Health Benefits (comprised of Individual, Employer Group risk-based, Employer Group fee-based, BlueCard®, Medicare, Medicaid, and Federal Employee Program businesses); CarelonRx; Carelon Services; and Corporate & Other (comprised of businesses that do not individually meet the quantitative thresholds for an operating division as well as corporate expenses not allocated to our other reportable segments).

Elevance Health

Reportable Segment Details

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In millions)

Three Months Ended March 31

 

2026

 

2025

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

Health Benefits

$42,490

 

$41,431

 

2.6 %

CarelonRx

10,600

 

10,116

 

4.8 %

Carelon Services

7,365

 

6,536

 

12.7 %

Corporate & Other

4

 

165

 

(97.6) %

Eliminations

(10,965)

 

(9,483)

 

NM6

Total Operating Revenue1

$49,494

 

$48,765

 

1.5 %

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

Health Benefits

$2,157

 

$2,217

 

(2.7) %

CarelonRx

582

 

602

 

(3.3) %

Carelon Services

470

 

491

 

(4.3) %

Corporate & Other2,3

(1,123)

 

(140)

 

NM6

Total Operating Gain1,4

$2,086

 

$3,170

 

(34.2) %

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Margin

 

 

 

 

 

Health Benefits

5.1 %

 

5.4 %

 

(30) bp

CarelonRx

5.5 %

 

6.0 %

 

(50) bp

Carelon Services

6.4 %

 

7.5 %

 

(110) bp

Total Operating Margin1

4.2 %

 

6.5 %

 

(230) bp

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health Benefits Revenue Details

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In millions)

Three Months Ended March 31

 

2026

 

2025

 

Change

Health Benefits Operating Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

$13,238

 

$12,352

 

7.2 %

Individual5

2,540

 

2,361

 

7.6 %

Medicare

10,991

 

11,406

 

(3.6) %

Medicaid

14,280

 

14,043

 

1.7 %

Federal Employee Program

3,981

 

3,630

 

9.7 %

Total Health Benefits Operating Revenue1

$42,490

 

$41,431

 

2.6 %

1.

See “Basis of Presentation.”

2.

Operating Gain for the three months ended March 31, 2026 included $935 million for the Company's current best estimate of the identified potential exposure for certain historical Medicare Advantage risk adjustment data related to the CMS notice to the Company dated February 27, 2026, $129 million of business optimization program charges, $47 million of transaction and integration related costs, and $7 million of litigation and settlement expenses, which reside in the Corporate & Other reportable segment.

3.

Operating Gain for the three months ended March 31, 2025 included $80 million of transaction and integration related costs and $5 million of litigation and settlement expenses, which reside in the Corporate & Other reportable segment.

4.

Operating Gain for three months ended March 31, 2026, and March 31, 2025, included items excluded from adjusted shareholders' net income. See "GAAP Reconciliation."

5.

The Individual business, including ACA products, is reported as part of Commercial Operating Revenue.

6.

"NM" = calculation not meaningful.

Elevance Health

Reconciliation of Medical Claims Payable

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31

 

Years Ended December 31

 

 

2026

 

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross medical claims payable, beginning of period

$

16,829

 

 

$

15,580

 

 

$

15,580

 

 

$

15,865

 

 

$

15,348

 

Ceded medical claims payable, beginning of period

 

(48

)

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(7

)

 

 

(6

)

Net medical claims payable, beginning of period

 

16,781

 

 

 

15,567

 

 

 

15,567

 

 

 

15,858

 

 

 

15,342

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business combinations and purchase adjustments

 

 

 

 

(85

)

 

 

344

 

 

 

143

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net incurred medical claims:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year

 

35,677

 

 

 

35,313

 

 

 

145,566

 

 

 

125,370

 

 

 

121,798

 

Prior years redundancies1

 

(1,124

)

 

 

(1,025

)

 

 

(1,290

)

 

 

(1,731

)

 

 

(1,571

)

Total net incurred medical claims

 

34,553

 

 

 

34,288

 

 

 

144,276

 

 

 

123,639

 

 

 

120,227

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net payments attributable to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year medical claims

 

23,010

 

 

 

23,392

 

 

 

130,265

 

 

 

110,930

 

 

 

107,146

 

Prior years medical claims

 

10,250

 

 

 

9,863

 

 

 

13,141

 

 

 

13,143

 

 

 

12,565

 

Total net payments

 

33,260

 

 

 

33,255

 

 

 

143,406

 

 

 

124,073

 

 

 

119,711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net medical claims payable, end of period

 

18,074

 

 

 

16,515

 

 

 

16,781

 

 

 

15,567

 

 

 

15,858

 

Ceded medical claims payable, end of period

 

45

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

48

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

7

 

Gross medical claims payable, end of period2

$

18,119

 

 

$

16,529

 

 

$

16,829

 

 

$

15,580

 

 

$

15,865

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current year medical claims paid as a percentage of current year net incurred medical claims

 

64.5

%

 

 

66.2

%

 

 

89.5

%

 

 

88.5

%

 

 

88.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior year redundancies in the current year as a percentage of prior year net medical claims payable less prior year redundancies in the current year

 

7.2

%

 

 

7.1

%

 

 

9.0

%

 

 

12.3

%

 

 

11.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior year redundancies in the current year as a percentage of prior year net incurred medical claims

 

0.8

%

 

 

0.8

%

 

 

1.0

%

 

 

1.4

%

 

 

0.9

%

1.

Negative amounts reported for net incurred medical claims related to prior years result from claims being settled for amounts less than originally estimated.

2.

Excludes insurance lines other than short duration.

Elevance Health
GAAP Reconciliation
(Unaudited)

This document references non-GAAP measures, including “Adjusted Diluted EPS,” “Adjusted Operating Expense Ratio,” “Adjusted Operating Gain,” “Adjusted Operating Margin,” “Adjusted Shareholders’ Net Income,” and “Adjusted Operating Expense”. These non-GAAP measures are intended to aid investors when comparing Elevance Health’s financial results among periods and are not intended to be alternatives to any measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable measures calculated in accordance with GAAP are available below. In addition to these non-GAAP measures, references are made to the measures “Operating Revenue,” “Operating Gain/Loss,” and “Operating Margin”. Operating revenue and operating gain/loss are the key measures used by management to evaluate performance in each of its reportable segments, allocate resources, set incentive compensation targets and to forecast future operating performance. Operating gain/loss is calculated as total operating revenue less benefit expense, cost of products sold and operating expense. It does not include net investment income, net gains/losses on financial instruments, interest expense, amortization of other intangible assets and gains/losses on extinguishment of debt or income taxes, as these items are managed in a corporate shared service environment and are not the responsibility of operating segment management. Each of these measures is provided to further aid investors in understanding and analyzing Elevance Health’s operating and financial results. A reconciliation of Operating Revenue to Total Revenue is set forth in the Consolidated Statements of Income herein. A reconciliation of reportable segments operating gain to income before income tax expense is provided below. Prior amounts may be grouped differently to conform to the current presentation. Net adjustment items per share may not sum due to rounding.

 

Three Months Ended
March 31

 

 

(In millions, except per share data)

 

2026

 

 

 

2025

 

 

Change

Shareholders' net income

$

1,764

 

 

$

2,183

 

 

(19.2

)%

Add / (Subtract):

 

 

 

 

 

Accrual related to CMS notice1,2

 

935

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business optimization program charges1

 

129

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of other intangible assets

 

112

 

 

 

155

 

 

 

Net losses on financial instruments

 

78

 

 

 

464

 

 

 

Transaction and integration related costs1

 

47

 

 

 

80

 

 

 

Litigation and settlement expenses1

 

7

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

Tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments

 

(300

)

 

 

(168

)

 

 

Net adjustment items

 

1,008

 

 

 

536

 

 

 

Adjusted shareholders' net income

$

2,772

 

 

$

2,719

 

 

1.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' earnings per diluted share

$

8.00

 

 

$

9.61

 

 

(16.8

)%

Add / (Subtract):

 

 

 

 

 

Accrual related to CMS notice1,2

 

4.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business optimization program charges1

 

0.59

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of other intangible assets

 

0.51

 

 

 

0.68

 

 

 

Net losses on financial instruments

 

0.35

 

 

 

2.04

 

 

 

Transaction and integration related costs1

 

0.21

 

 

 

0.35

 

 

 

Litigation and settlement expenses1

 

0.03

 

 

 

0.02

 

 

 

Tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments

 

(1.36

)

 

 

(0.74

)

 

 

Net adjustment items

 

4.58

 

 

 

2.36

 

 

 

Adjusted shareholders' earnings per diluted share

$

12.58

 

 

$

11.97

 

 

5.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31

 

 

(In millions)

 

2026

 

 

 

2025

 

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

$

2,304

 

 

$

2,797

 

 

(17.6

)%

Net investment income

 

(765

)

 

 

(590

)

 

 

Net losses on financial instruments

 

78

 

 

 

464

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

357

 

 

 

344

 

 

 

Amortization of other intangible assets

 

112

 

 

 

155

 

 

 

Reportable segments operating gain

$

2,086

 

 

$

3,170

 

 

(34.2

)%

1.

Adjustment item resides in the Corporate & Other reportable segment.

2.

Adjustment item represents the Company's current best estimate of the identified potential exposure for certain historical Medicare Advantage risk adjustment data related to the CMS notice to the Company dated February 27, 2026.

Elevance Health

GAAP Reconciliation

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31

 

 

(In millions)

 

2026

 

2025

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reportable segments operating gain

$

2,086

 

 

$

3,170

 

 

(34.2

)%

Add / (Subtract):

 

 

 

 

 

Accrual related to CMS notice1,2

 

935

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business optimization program charges1

 

129

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transaction and integration related costs1

 

47

 

 

 

80

 

 

 

Litigation and settlement expenses1

 

7

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

Net adjustment items

 

1,118

 

 

 

85

 

 

 

Reportable segments adjusted operating gain

$

3,204

 

 

$

3,255

 

 

(1.6

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenue

$

49,494

 

 

$

48,765

 

 

1.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating margin

 

4.2

%

 

 

6.5

%

 

(230) bp

Adjusted operating margin

 

6.5

%

 

 

6.7

%

 

(20) bp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31

 

 

(In millions)

2026

 

2025

 

Change

Operating expense

$

6,330

 

 

$

5,300

 

 

19.4

%

Add / (Subtract):

 

 

 

 

 

Accrual related to CMS notice1,2

 

(935

)

 

 

 

 

 

Business optimization program charges1

 

(129

)

 

 

 

 

 

Transaction and integration related costs1

 

(47

)

 

 

(80

)

 

 

Litigation and settlement expenses1

 

(7

)

 

 

(5

)

 

 

Net adjustment items

 

(1,118

)

 

 

(85

)

 

 

Adjusted operating expense

$

5,212

 

 

$

5,215

 

 

(0.1

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenue

$

49,494

 

 

$

48,765

 

 

1.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expense ratio

 

12.8

%

 

 

10.9

%

 

190 bp

Adjusted operating expense ratio

 

10.5

%

 

 

10.7

%

 

(20) bp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full Year

2026 Outlook

 

 

Shareholders' earnings per diluted share

At least $19.85

 

 

Add / (Subtract):

 

 

 

Accrual related to CMS notice1,2

$4.24

 

 

 

Amortization of other intangible assets3

$2.00

 

 

 

Net losses on financial instruments3

$1.15

 

 

 

Transaction and integration related costs1,3

$0.90

 

 

 

Business optimization program charges1

$0.59

 

 

 

Litigation and settlement expenses1,3

$0.10

 

 

 

Tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments3

Approximately ($2.08)

 

 

 

Net adjustment items

$6.90

 

 

 

Adjusted shareholders' earnings per diluted share

At least $26.75

 

 

 

1.

Adjustment item resides in the Corporate & Other reportable segment.

2.

Adjustment item represents the Company's current best estimate of the identified potential exposure for certain historical Medicare Advantage risk adjustment data related to the CMS notice to the Company dated February 27, 2026.

3.

Adjustment item represents the midpoint of a projected range and serves as the estimated full year adjustment amount.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect our views about future events and financial performance and are generally not historical facts. Words such as “expect,” “feel,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “plan,” "potential," "predict" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to: financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions; statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, products and services; and statements regarding future performance. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. You are also urged to carefully review and consider the various risks and other disclosures discussed in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, which attempt to advise interested parties of the factors that affect our business. Except to the extent required by law, we do not update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: trends in healthcare costs and utilization rates; reduced enrollment; our ability to secure and implement sufficient premium rates; the impact of large scale medical emergencies, such as public health epidemics and pandemics, and other catastrophes; the impact of new or changes in existing federal, state and international laws or regulations, including laws and regulations impacting healthcare, insurance, pharmacy services and other diversified products and services, or their enforcement or application; the impact of cyber-attacks or other privacy or data security incidents or our failure to comply with any privacy, data or security laws or regulations, including any investigations, claims or litigation related thereto; failure to effectively maintain and modernize our information systems, or failure of our information systems or technology, including artificial intelligence, to operate as intended; failure to effectively maintain the availability and integrity of our data; changes in economic and market conditions, as well as regulations that may negatively affect our liquidity and investment portfolios; competitive pressures and our ability to adapt to changes in the industry and develop and implement strategic growth opportunities; risks and uncertainties regarding Medicare and Medicaid programs, including those related to non-compliance with the complex regulations imposed thereon; our ability to maintain and achieve improvement in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Star Ratings and other quality scores and funding risks with respect to revenue received from participation therein; a negative change in our healthcare product mix; costs and other liabilities associated with litigation, government investigations, audits or reviews; our ability to contract with providers on cost-effective and competitive terms; risks associated with providing healthcare, pharmacy and other diversified products and services, including medical malpractice or professional liability claims and non-compliance by any party with the pharmacy services agreement between us and CaremarkPCS Health, L.L.C.; the effects of any negative publicity or sentiment related to the health benefits industry in general or us in particular; risks associated with mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances; possible impairment of the value of our intangible assets if future results do not adequately support goodwill and other intangible assets; possible restrictions in the payment of dividends from our subsidiaries and increases in required minimum levels of capital; our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock and pay dividends on our common stock due to the adequacy of our cash flow and earnings and other considerations; the potential negative effect from our substantial amount of outstanding indebtedness and the risk that increased interest rates or market volatility could impact our access to or further increase the cost of financing; a downgrade in our financial strength ratings; events that may negatively affect our licenses with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association; intense competition to attract and retain employees; risks associated with our international operations; and various laws and provisions in our governing documents that may prevent or discourage takeovers and business combinations.

Contacts

Elevance Health Contacts:
Investor Relations

Nathan Rich
Investor.Relations@elevancehealth.com

Media
Leslie Porras
Leslie.Porras@elevancehealth.com

Elevance Health, Inc.

NYSE:ELV

Release Versions

Contacts

Elevance Health Contacts:
Investor Relations

Nathan Rich
Investor.Relations@elevancehealth.com

Media
Leslie Porras
Leslie.Porras@elevancehealth.com

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