Anthem (ANTM) Tops Q3 EPS by 5c, Revenues Beat; Offers FY20 EPS Guidance Below Consensus

Anthem (NYSE: ANTM) reported Q3 EPS of $4.20, $0.05 better than the analyst estimate of $4.15. Revenue for the quarter came in at $30.6 billion versus the consensus estimate of $29.75 billion.

CONSOLIDATED HIGHLIGHTS

• Earnings Per Share: GAAP net income was $0.87 per share in the third quarter, including net negative adjustment items of $3.33 per share. Adjusted net income was $4.20* per share.
• Membership: Medical enrollment totaled approximately 42.6 million members at September 30, 2020, which represents growth of 172 thousand lives, or 0.4 percent, compared to June 30, 2020. The increase was driven by our Government Business, which grew by 453 thousand lives during the quarter, attributable to Medicaid, reflecting organic growth as a result of the temporary suspension of eligibility recertification efforts in our markets, and Medicare Advantage. The increase was partially offset by Commercial & Specialty Business enrollment, which declined by 281 thousand lives driven by higher in-group change as a result of the economic environment.
• Medical enrollment increased by 1.6 million lives, or 4.0 percent compared to the prior year quarter, reflecting growth in the Medicaid, Medicare, and National businesses. Growth in Medicaid was driven by organic growth in our markets as a result of the temporary suspension of recertification efforts in our markets as well as our acquisition of the plans in Missouri and Nebraska. Growth in Medicare was the result of increased sales, and the increase in National enrollment reflects growth due to higher BlueCard activity.
• Operating Revenue: Operating revenue was $30.6 billion in the third quarter of 2020, an increase of $4.2 billion, or 15.9 percent, versus the prior year quarter, driven by higher premium revenue due to growth in Medicaid and Medicare. The increase was further attributable to pharmacy product revenue related to the launch of IngenioRx and the return of the health insurance tax in 2020, partially offset by a decrease in premiums in our Commercial & Specialty business related to enrollment declines as a result of the economic environment.
• Benefit Expense Ratio: The benefit expense ratio was 86.8 percent in the third quarter of 2020, a decrease of 40 basis points from 87.2 percent compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease was a result of deferred healthcare utilization due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the return of the health insurance tax in 2020. The decrease was partially offset by costs associated with actions taken to support our members in response to the pandemic and COVID-19 related care as well as retroactive rate adjustments in the Medicaid business.
• Medical claims reserves established at December 31, 2019 developed in line with the Company’s expectations during the third quarter of 2020.
• Days in Claims Payable: Days in Claims Payable was 41.1 days as of September 30, 2020, a decrease of 4.9 days from June 30, 2020 and an increase of 1.3 days compared to the prior year quarter.
• SG&A Expense Ratio: The SG&A expense ratio was 17.3 percent in the third quarter of 2020, an increase of 440 basis points from 12.9 percent in the third quarter of 2019, primarily driven by business optimization charges and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) litigation settlement accrual. The increase was further attributable to the return of the health insurance tax in 2020 and increased spend to support growth, partially offset by growth in operating revenue.
• Operating Cash Flow: Operating cash flow was ($1.2) billion in the third quarter of 2020, a decrease of $2.8 billion compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to the payment of the health insurance tax for the entire year as well as the payment of certain federal income taxes that were delayed from the second quarter as permitted by the IRS.
• Share Repurchase Program: During the third quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased 2.9 million shares of its common stock for $759 million, or a weighted average price of $265.73. Year to date, the Company has repurchased 5.0 million shares for $1.3 billion, or a weighted average price of $269.15. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had approximately $2.4 billion of Board-approved share repurchase authorization remaining.
• Cash Dividend: During the third quarter of 2020, the Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.95 per share, representing a distribution of cash totaling $238 million.
  • On October 27, 2020, the Audit Committee declared a fourth quarter 2020 dividend to shareholders of $0.95 per share. On an annualized basis, this equates to a dividend of $3.80 per share. The fourth quarter dividend is payable on December 22, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 7, 2020.
• Investment Portfolio & Capital Position: During the third quarter of 2020, the Company recorded net realized gains of $247 million and impairment losses totaling $18 million. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company recorded net realized gains of $1 million and impairment losses totaling $13 million.

“Against the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic, Anthem and its dedicated associates have continued to respond quickly and with compassion to meet the evolving needs of our members, customers, partners and communities,” said Gail K. Boudreaux, President and CEO, Anthem, Inc. “I am proud of our performance this quarter to drive continued growth across our business, provide new and innovative solutions as a trusted health partner, and create positive and sustainable change for our communities. As we look ahead, I know we are well positioned to continue our strong momentum and continue to deliver greater value for all of our stakeholders.”

GUIDANCE:

Anthem sees FY2020 EPS of $22.30, versus the consensus of $22.47.

• GAAP net income is expected to be greater than $17.87 per share, including approximately $4.43 per share of net unfavorable items. Excluding these items, adjusted net income is expected to be greater than $22.30* per share.
• Due to unprecedented uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, the Company is not providing other financial guidance metrics for 2020.

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