Elevance Health Inc.

(New York Stock Exchange)

Top News rankings and signal summaries are processed using AI and may contain errors.

1
Bullish +75

Elevance Health stock enters 2027 with Medicaid recovery in focus

Earnings report Guidance raised AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter results on October 21, 2026, leading the company to raise its full-year outlook. Operating revenue increased by 0.7 percent year over year to reach $50.4 billion, while adjusted diluted earnings per share climbed to $6.99. These figures reflect a robust...

Bullish Signals

  • Elevance Health raised its 2026 adjusted diluted earnings guidance to at least $29.00 per share, up from a previous estimate of $27.00.
  • The company lifted its GAAP diluted earnings guidance to at least $22.00 per share and increased operating cash flow guidance to at least $6.5 billion.
  • Management expects at least 12% adjusted diluted earnings-per-share growth in 2027 from a higher baseline of at least $26.75.
  • The benefit expense ratio improved by 70 basis points to 90.6%, reflecting better performance in Medicare Advantage and Individual ACA segments.
  • Carelon generated $19.3 billion of third-quarter operating revenue, a 5% increase from the prior-year quarter.
  • Carelon's operating gain increased 17% to $0.9 billion, supported by improved specialty-pharmacy profitability and risk-based solutions.

Bearish Signals

  • Medicaid and Medicare Advantage membership fell 487,000 to 44.9 million.
2
Bullish +65

Elevance Health stock: Wells Fargo lifts target as Medicaid trends improve

Analyst upgrade AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health received a bullish analyst upgrade from Wells Fargo, which raised its price target to USD 492 and maintained an Overweight rating following improved trends in Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and health exchanges. The bank cited stronger-than-expected third-quarter results as the primary driver for this...

Bullish Signals

  • Wells Fargo raised its price target to USD 492 and maintained an Overweight rating following improved trends in Medicaid and health exchanges.
  • The bank increased its 2026 EPS estimate by USD 2.00 to USD 30.28, which is 4.5% above consensus, driven by stronger core performance.
  • Elevance Health beat Q3 earnings expectations with adjusted diluted EPS of USD 6.99 against a consensus of USD 4.70.
  • Revenue reached USD 50.40 billion in the third quarter, exceeding the forecast of USD 49.32 billion.
  • The company successfully raised its full-year outlook after delivering stronger-than-expected third-quarter results.
  • Wells Fargo projects continued solid earnings growth through 2027 even without additional Medicaid support.
  • Positive contributors to the revised view include improved performance across Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and health insurance exchanges.
3
Bullish +75

Elevance Health raises 2026 guidance for Elevance Health stock

Dividend Guidance raised AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health raised its adjusted earnings guidance for 2026 to at least USD 29.00 following the release of its third-quarter results on October 21, 2026. The company reported third-quarter operating revenue of USD 50.4 billion, representing an increase of USD 0.4 billion compared to the...

Bullish Signals

  • Elevance Health raised its adjusted 2026 earnings guidance to at least USD 29.00 following strong third-quarter performance.
  • Third-quarter operating revenue increased to USD 50.4 billion, up USD 0.4 billion year-over-year.
  • The benefit expense ratio improved significantly to 90.6 percent from 91.3 percent in the prior year quarter.
  • Operating cash flow reached USD 1.3 billion in Q3 2026, prompting a full-year guidance raise to at least USD 6.5 billion.
  • Guggenheim raised its price target to USD 460 on October 12, 2026, signaling strong institutional confidence.
  • The company declared a fourth-quarter dividend of USD 1.72 per share, providing consistent cash returns to shareholders.
4
Bullish +65

Elevance Health Q2 Earnings Call Highlights - Defense World

AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV) raised its 2026 adjusted earnings outlook following second-quarter results that exceeded management expectations. CEO Gail Boudreaux stated the company now expects 2026 adjusted diluted EPS of at least $27, up from a previous baseline of $26. The company cited favorable benefit expense...

Bullish Signals

  • Raised 2026 EPS outlook to at least $27.
  • Expects 12% adjusted EPS growth in 2027.
  • Medicare Advantage results stronger than expected.
  • Projected total of at least 1 million members by end of 2026.
  • Commercial health benefits saw a record year in national accounts for 2026.
  • Carelon's behavioral health programs delivered average cost savings of 10%.
  • Second-quarter operating cash flow reached $1.9 billion.
  • Elevance received written confirmation from CMS that sanctions will not be imposed.

Bearish Signals

  • Medicaid operating margin outlook remains at approximately negative 1.75%.
  • Company plans to exit DC Medicaid and other markets soon.
  • Days in claims payable increased to 45.4 days as of June.
5
Neutral 0

This health insurer lost 2 million customers — and made $1.5 Billion anyway. Here’s how

AI-generated analysis

Centene Corporation reported its first-quarter results in late April, revealing a paradoxical scenario where the insurer lost approximately 2 million customers yet generated $1.5 billion in net earnings. This outcome occurred despite a significant drop in Affordable Care Act marketplace membership from 5.6 million to...

Bullish Signals

  • Centene earned $1.5B net earnings despite losing 2M members.
  • EPS jumped to $3.37, surpassing Wall Street expectations.
  • Revenue grew from $46.6B to $49.9B year-over-year.
  • Premiums rose faster than member loss due to subsidy expiration.
  • Commercial Health Benefit Ratio hit 75.3%, exceeding forecasts.
  • Strategy mirrors peers UnitedHealth and Elevance Health.
  • 14% of enrollees missed 2026 premiums; collections remain strong.
  • Margin expansion after rate hikes priced into 2026 plans.

Bearish Signals

  • Centene lost 2M members, dropping enrollment from 5.6M to 3.6M.
  • Insurers rely on price hikes for sicker, smaller member pools.
  • Premiums jumped 20-26% after ACA subsidies expired Jan 1.
  • High costs and unfavorable mixes threaten long-term sustainability.
  • Wakely estimates 14% missed Jan payments; market may shrink 26%.
6
Bullish +75

Analysts upgrade Elevance, Centene shares as Medicaid margins expected to recover

AI-generated analysis

Bank of America upgraded Elevance Health to Buy and gave Centene Corporation a double upgrade on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, driven by increased confidence that Medicaid margins are approaching their trough and poised for recovery over the next several years. BofA raised Elevance's price objective...

Bullish Signals

  • Analysts upgraded Elevance Health and Centene Corporation, with Bank of America raising Elevance from Neutral to Buy at a price objective of $435 and moving Centene from Underperform to Buy.
  • Centene shares rose more than 3% in premarket trading following the upgrades amid growing confidence that Medicaid margins are nearing a trough and set to recover over the next several years.
  • BofA estimates normalized earnings power for Centene could be around $12 per share compared to its current estimate of $3.40, implying significant upside as the company operates near breakeven now but targets 2-4% margins long-term.
  • Despite short-term headwinds, Elevance offers a lower risk investment thesis due to its diversified business mix, including fast-growing Carelon and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans across 14 states, providing $10 of EPS upside.
  • Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded Centene to Overweight with a new price target of $60, noting that margin recovery is simply a matter of timing rather than structural impossibility.
  • Analysts project a base case scenario for Centene with 3.5% margins and 5% top-line growth by 2028, which implies more than 90% stock appreciation from current levels.

Bearish Signals

  • Centene is currently operating at breakeven in Medicaid, which is approximately 3% below its long-term target margins, representing a roughly $4 (124%) drag on its 2026 EPS.
  • Elevance Health is guiding to -1.75% Medicaid margins, a significant headwind amounting to about 37% of its projected 2026 EPS.
  • Centene's current earnings are only about 30% of what they should be at target margins, indicating severe underperformance relative to normalized levels of ~$12 per share.
  • The second quarter serves as a critical test period for both companies, with uncertainty still surrounding trend data, exchange risk pools, and Medicaid acuity dynamics.
  • Potential enrollment reductions tied to the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' legislation could spark a new round of losses in 2027 or 2028.
  • State Medicaid reimbursement rates have significantly lagged behind actual cost trends since 2023, squeezing margins across the managed care industry.
7
Somewhat Bullish +42

Elevance Health previews lower third-quarter earnings for Elevance Health stock

Earnings report Guidance raised AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health is preparing to report third-quarter earnings on October 21, 2026, with analysts forecasting adjusted earnings per share of USD 4.72. This figure represents a significant year-over-year decline compared to the USD 6.03 reported in the same quarter last year, driven primarily by elevated...

Bullish Signals

  • Elevance Health raised its full-year 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance to at least USD 27, signaling strong management confidence in future profitability.
  • The company lifted its operating cash flow guidance to at least USD 6 billion for the fiscal year, indicating robust liquidity generation.
  • Second-quarter operating revenue grew by 0.8% year over year to USD 49.80 billion, demonstrating resilience in a mixed market environment.
  • Management reaffirmed confidence in returning to at least 12% adjusted earnings per share growth in fiscal 2027.

Bearish Signals

  • Q3 EPS forecast drops 21.70% to USD 4.72 vs last year's USD 6.03.
  • Medicaid unit margin outlook is negative 1.75%, pressuring overall profitability.
8
Bullish +65

An $11 Billion Fund Is Betting Big on Elevance Health

Activist investor Earnings report Guidance raised AI-generated analysis

ACR Alpine Capital Research has significantly increased its position in Elevance Health (ELV), adding 25% to its stake in the third quarter to reach 4.9% of its US equity holdings, valued at approximately $357 million. This strategic move positions Elevance as one of the fund's...

Bullish Signals

  • ACR added 25% stake, signaling strong institutional conviction.
  • Raised 2026 guidance three times this year.
  • Trades at 15x forward earnings, near five-year average.
  • Analyst targets up 15% above current price.
  • Q3 operating revenue grew 0.7%.

Bearish Signals

  • Operating expense ratios rose 90 bps in Q3.
  • 2027 EPS growth hinges on hitting 12% target.
9
Bullish +75

Elevance Health stock: Wells Fargo raises target to USD 492

Analyst upgrade AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health received a bullish analyst upgrade from Wells Fargo, which raised its price target to USD 492 and maintained an Overweight rating. The bank cited constructive trends in Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and health insurance exchanges following the company's third-quarter performance. The report highlights that...

Bullish Signals

  • Wells Fargo raised price target to USD 492 with Overweight rating.
10
Bullish +65

TD Cowen keeps USD 495 target for Elevance Health stock

Dividend Earnings report AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health reported strong third-quarter financial results for the period ending September 30, 2026, with total revenue reaching USD 51.43 billion, representing a 1.40% increase from the prior year. Shareholders' net income grew to USD 1.37 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to USD...

Bullish Signals

  • Elevance Health reported a 1.40% year-over-year increase in total revenue to USD 51.43 billion for the third quarter of 2026.
  • Shareholders' net income grew to USD 1.37 billion, reflecting a significant improvement over the prior year's USD 1.19 billion.
  • Diluted earnings per share rose to USD 6.27 from USD 5.32, demonstrating strong profitability growth.
  • Carelon operating revenue expanded by 5.00% to USD 19.30 billion, offsetting membership headwinds.
  • The Carelon segment improved its operating margin to 4.70%, indicating enhanced operational efficiency.
  • TD Cowen analyst firm reaffirmed a Buy rating with a USD 495.00 price target, signaling confidence in the stock's upside potential.

Bearish Signals

  • Medical membership fell 1.10% to 44.88 million by Sept 2026.
  • Health Benefits margin hit 1.00% vs Carelon's 4.70%.
11
Bullish +75

Elevance Health raises 2026 guidance for Elevance Health stock

Dividend Guidance raised Leadership change AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health reported strong third-quarter financial results and raised its full-year guidance for 2026. The company posted third-quarter operating revenue of USD 50.40 billion, significantly exceeding market expectations. Consequently, the firm increased its diluted earnings-per-share guidance to at least USD 22.00 and adjusted diluted earnings-per-share...

Bullish Signals

  • Elevance Health raised its full-year 2026 diluted earnings-per-share guidance to at least USD 22.00, signaling strong confidence in future profitability.
  • The company increased its adjusted diluted earnings-per-share guidance for 2026 to at least USD 29.00, further validating its operational execution.
  • Third-quarter operating revenue of USD 50.40 billion demonstrates robust top-line growth and market dominance in the health insurance sector.
  • Elevance Health upgraded its full-year 2026 operating cash flow guidance to at least USD 6.50 billion, providing a strong liquidity buffer for investments or buybacks.
  • A benefit expense ratio of 90.6 percent in the third quarter reflects disciplined cost control and effective claims management strategies.
  • The appointment of Jeff Park as President of Carelon strengthens the company's strategic position in high-growth care management services.
12
Bullish +65

Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV) Shares Rise as Q3 Earnings Beat and Raised Outlook Offset Inline Revenue - ChartMill

Earnings report Guidance raised AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV) reported third-quarter 2026 results where revenue of $50.4 billion came in slightly above consensus estimates, effectively inline with expectations at a 1.5% gap. However, the company delivered a significant profitability surprise with adjusted EPS of $6.99, representing a roughly 48% beat against...

Bullish Signals

  • Elevance Health delivered a massive adjusted EPS beat of roughly 48%, reporting $6.99 against a consensus of $4.73.
  • The company raised its 2026 earnings outlook and management remains confident in delivering at least 12% adjusted EPS growth for 2027.
  • Revenue came in slightly above estimates at $50.4 billion, driven by higher premium yields and increased CarelonRx product revenue.
  • The benefit expense ratio improved significantly by 70 basis points to 90.6%, reflecting better Medicare Advantage and Individual ACA performance.
  • Shares gained 2.2% in premarket trading, extending a strong recent trend with double-digit gains over the last two weeks.

Bearish Signals

  • Revenue growth offset by lower Medicare Advantage membership counts.
  • Adjusted operating expense ratio rose to 11.3% for growth.
  • Health Benefits operating gain declined year over year.
13
Bullish +55

Elevance Health stock gains on fresh analyst price target revisions

AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health shares traded around USD 414 on September 18, 2026, following a series of analyst price target revisions that reflect mixed but generally constructive sentiment. While RBC Capital lowered its target to USD 424 citing caution, major firms like TD Cowen, Truist Securities, and...

Bullish Signals

  • Analysts maintain Buy ratings with price targets from $465 to $492.
  • Stock returned 4.6% in one month showing positive momentum.
  • EPS grew 7.2% annually over the past five years.
  • Return on invested capital is roughly 26 percent.
  • Revenue base of $198.7 billion aids reimbursement negotiations.

Bearish Signals

  • RBC lowered price target to USD 424 from USD 439.
  • Managed-care sector faces regulatory and policy risks.
  • Rising costs and competition could compress margins.
14
Bullish +75

UnitedHealth's $19.50 to $20.00 Is Not Elevance's $27+

AI-generated analysis

At the Wells Fargo 21st Annual Healthcare Conference, Elevance Health (ELV) CFO Marc Kaye reported that third-quarter adjusted earnings are tracking ahead of prior outlooks. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings guidance of at least $27.00 per share and noted that 2026 is...

Bullish Signals

  • Q3 earnings beat prior outlook.
  • Reaffirmed FY2026 EPS guidance of $27.
  • Projects 12% adjusted EPS growth in 2027.
  • Shows favorable cost trends across markets.
  • Stock surged 6% on strong execution.
15
Bullish +55

ARGA Investment Management LP Has $60.03 Million Position in Elevance ...

AI-generated analysis

ARGA Investment Management LP reduced its stake in Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) by 26.2% in the first quarter, selling 72,692 shares to hold a remaining position of 205,063 shares valued at approximately $60 million. This reduction brings the stock to its 11th largest position within...

Bullish Signals

  • Major investors increased stakes significantly in Q4.
  • Barclays raised target to $480 with overweight rating.
  • JPMorgan Chase set $476 target and overweight rating.
  • Wall Street Zen upgraded stock from hold to buy.
  • Healthy 1.7% dividend yield with 29.26% payout ratio.
  • Invesco doubled holdings by 50.3%.

Bearish Signals

  • ARGA Investment reduced position by 26.2% in Q1.
  • Jefferies lowered price target to $391.
  • Stock volatility: 52-week low $273.71, high $427.64.
16
Bullish +75

Elevance Health puts $640M into affordable housing, aiding 40,000 units - Stock Titan

AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health announced a strategic investment of $640 million in affordable housing initiatives over the past five years, bringing its total nationwide commitment to over $1 billion. This funding supports approximately 400 properties and more than 40,000 housing units across 45 states, the District of...

Bullish Signals

  • Elevance Health committed over $1 billion to affordable housing.
  • $640 million investment created 2,654 new units across 15 properties.
  • 43% of high-utilization homeless patients identified for intervention via housing stability.
  • Flexible funding assisted ~1,500 households with rent and utilities.
  • 90% success rate in maintaining stable housing six months later.
17
Bullish +55

Elevance Health stock faces a higher earnings and margin test

Earnings report Guidance raised AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health has raised its adjusted earnings outlook for 2026 following a stronger third-quarter operating performance. The company reported third-quarter operating revenue of $50.4 billion, representing a 0.7% increase year-over-year, with adjusted diluted earnings per share reaching $6.99. This improvement was supported by enhanced operating...

Bullish Signals

  • Elevance Health raised its adjusted 2026 EPS outlook to at least $29.00 after third-quarter operating performance exceeded expectations.
  • The company reported third-quarter operating revenue of $50.4 billion, a 0.7% increase year-over-year, demonstrating resilient top-line growth.
  • Adjusted diluted earnings per share reached $6.99 in the third quarter, supported by improved operating performance and a $1.85 non-operating benefit.
  • Management set a higher earnings baseline of at least $26.75 for 2026 and reaffirmed its target for at least 12% adjusted EPS growth in 2027.
  • Zacks Research increased its full-year 2026 EPS forecast to $29.02, signaling analyst confidence in the company's revised guidance.
  • The benefit expense ratio improved to 90.6% in the third quarter, indicating better cost management despite targeted investments.

Bearish Signals

  • Medical membership fell 487k YoY to 44.9M.
  • Segment operating gain declined in Q3.
  • Zacks EPS forecast of $29.02 below consensus.
18
Neutral 0

CVS Tumbles 12% on Plan to Split Into Two Companies Despite Earnings Beat; Elevance Health Rises 4%, Cigna Climbs 3%

Divestiture AI-generated analysis

CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) stock tumbled 12% following the announcement of a plan to split into two independent companies by 2028, despite reporting a strong third quarter that beat earnings estimates and raised its full-year outlook. The company intends to separate its pharmacy retail operations...

Bullish Signals

  • Stock rose 4% vs CVS breakup fears.
  • Integrated model favored over unstable rivals.

Bearish Signals

  • Competitor CVS Health is facing significant execution risk and potential margin pressure from separating its pharmacy, PBM, and insurance operations.
  • The market's negative reaction to CVS implies that investors fear the dismantling of an integrated empire could destroy value previously built through major acquisitions like Aetna.
19
Somewhat Bullish +45

Bernstein reaffirms Buy for Elevance Health stock

Analyst upgrade Earnings report Guidance raised AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health received a reaffirmed Buy rating from Bernstein on October 5, 2026, with the analyst maintaining a price target of USD 488.00. At the time of the report, Elevance Health stock was trading around EUR 352.45 (USD 394.51), sitting below its 52-week high of...

Bullish Signals

  • Bernstein maintained a Buy rating and a USD 488.00 price target for Elevance Health, indicating analyst confidence in the stock's long-term prospects.
  • The company raised its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings-per-share guidance to at least USD 27.00, demonstrating management's ability to set ambitious yet achievable financial goals.
  • Revenue grew by 1.39% year-over-year in Q2 2026 to reach USD 50.47 billion, showing resilience and continued market expansion despite macroeconomic headwinds.

Bearish Signals

  • Net profit fell 16.09% to $1.46B in Q2 2026.
  • Rising medical costs threaten future profitability despite revenue growth.
20
Bullish +55

Elevance Health stock weighs a raised EPS outlook

Guidance raised AI-generated analysis

Elevance Health raised its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) guidance to at least $27.00 following a strong second quarter performance. The company reported Q2 EPS of $7.45, significantly beating analyst consensus estimates of $6.21. This positive momentum was driven by improved operating revenue...

Bullish Signals

  • Elevance Health raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to at least $27.00, signaling confidence in earnings growth.
  • The company delivered a Q2 EPS beat of $1.24 per share, reporting $7.45 against consensus estimates of $6.21.
  • Operating revenue grew 0.8% year-over-year to reach $49.8 billion in the second quarter.
  • Elevance Health generated strong liquidity with $1.9 billion in operating cash flow during Q2 2026.
  • Medicare Advantage performance has improved following strategic portfolio actions taken by management.

Bearish Signals

  • Medicaid segment faces cost pressure with negative 1.75% Q2 margin outlook.
  • Stock traded 9.20% below 52-week high of $436.24 as of Sept 25, 2026.