Looking Ahead: Elevance Health Earnings Forecast – Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV)

Elevance Health ELV is preparing to publish its quarterly results on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Here's a quick overview of what investors should consider ahead of the announcement.

Analysts expect Elevance Health to report one Earnings per share (EPS) of $9.66.

Elevance Health investors are eagerly awaiting the company's announcement, hoping for news of estimate-beating and positive guidance for the next quarter.

For new investors, it is important to note that stock prices can be heavily influenced by future forecasts and not just past performance.

Past profit performance

In the last quarter, the company reported earnings per share of $0.11, which led to a 3.11% decline in the share price the following day.

Here's a look at Elevance Health's past performance and the resulting price change:

Track Elevance Health stock performance

Shares of Elevance Health were trading at $483.87 on October 15. Over the last 52 weeks, shares have risen 5.67%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders should be comfortable with the release of this earnings release.

Analyst opinion on Elevance Health

It is crucial for investors to understand market sentiment and expectations within the industry. This analysis looks at the latest insights into Elevance Health.

Analysts have given Elevance Health 12 reviews, resulting in a consensus rating of “Outperform.” The average one-year price target is $595.42, suggesting a potential upside of 23.05%.

Compare reviews with competitors

In this analysis, we delve into the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of Molina Healthcare, HealthEquity and Alignment Healthcare, three key industry players, and provide insights into their relative performance expectations and market positioning.

• The consensus among analysts is for Molina Healthcare to be neutral, with an average 1-year price target of $367.0, indicating a potential downside of 24.15%.
• Analysts rate HealthEquity in favor of Outperform with an average 1-year price target of $102.14, suggesting a potential downside of 78.89%.
• Alignment Healthcare received a Buy consensus from analysts with an average 1-year price target of $10.0, implying a potential downside of 97.93%.

Overview of peer analysis

The Peer Analysis Summary presents key metrics for Molina Healthcare, HealthEquity and Alignment Healthcare that shed light on their respective positions within the industry and provide valuable insight into their market positions and comparative performance.

The most important thing to take away:

Elevance Health ranks top in revenue growth among its peers. The gross profit is in the middle range. Elevance Health is at the bottom when it comes to return on equity.

Revealing the story behind Elevance Health

Elevance Health remains one of the leading health insurers in the United States, providing medical benefits to 47 million medical members as of December 2023. The company offers employer-based, individual and government-sponsored insurance plans. Elevance is differentiated from its competitors by its unique position as the largest single provider of Blue Cross Blue Shield branded insurance and operates as a Blue Cross Blue Shield Association licensee in 14 states. Acquisitions such as the Amerigroup deal in 2012 and MMM in 2021 expand Elevance's reach beyond these states through government-sponsored programs such as Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans.

Elevance Health Financial Performance

Market capitalization: The company's market capitalization exceeds industry standards and highlights its dominance in terms of size, suggesting a robust market position.

Negative sales trend: Examining Elevance Health's financial data over a three-month period reveals challenges. As of June 30, 2024, the company recorded a decline of approximately -0.06% in sales growth, reflecting a decline in sales revenue. Compared to its competitors, its revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate that was below the average of its healthcare peers.

Net margin: Elevance Health's net margin exceeds industry benchmarks and reaches 5.27%. This means efficient cost management and strong financial health.

Return on equity (ROE): Elevance Health's ROE exceeds industry benchmarks and achieves 5.56%. This means sound financial management and efficient use of shareholders' equity.

Return on Assets (ROA): Elevance Health's ROA exceeds industry standards and highlights the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 2.05% ROA: The company utilizes its assets effectively for optimal returns.

Debt management: With a high debt to equity ratio of 0.66Elevance Health faces challenges in effectively managing its debt levels, indicating potential financial strain.

To follow all of Elevance Health's earnings releases, visit the Earnings Calendar on our website.

This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.