Elevance Health Inc.

(New York Stock Exchange)
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Bullish +75

Elevance Health raises 2026 guidance for Elevance Health stock

Dividend Guidance raised AI-generated analysis

πŸ“ˆ Elevance Health raised its adjusted 2026 earnings guidance to at least USD 29.00 after reporting third-quarter results.

πŸ’° Third-quarter operating revenue reached USD 50.4 billion, up USD 0.4 billion from the year-earlier quarter.

πŸ“Š Adjusted diluted earnings per share came to USD 6.99 while GAAP diluted earnings per share reached USD 6.27.

πŸ“‰ The benefit expense ratio improved to 90.6 percent from 91.3 percent in the third quarter of 2025.

πŸ’΅ Operating cash flow reached USD 1.3 billion in Q3 2026 with full-year guidance raised to at least USD 6.5 billion.

πŸ₯ Medical membership stood at 44.9 million as of September 30, 2026, down 487,000 from the prior year.

πŸ’Έ Elevance Health declared a fourth-quarter dividend of USD 1.72 per share payable on December 18, 2026.

πŸ“ˆ Guggenheim raised its price target to USD 460 on October 12, 2026 reflecting positive analyst sentiment.

🏒 The company operates through health benefits, pharmacy, and healthcare service businesses with a market cap of USD 93.5 billion.

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.
Full 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 same quarter in the previous year. Financial performance metrics showed improvement with adjusted diluted earnings per share reaching USD 6.99 and GAAP diluted earnings per share at USD 6.27. The benefit expense ratio improved to 90.6 percent from 91.3 percent in the prior year, while operating cash flow for the quarter reached USD 1.3 billion. The company updated its full-year operating cash flow guidance to at least USD 6.5 billion and declared a fourth-quarter dividend of USD 1.72 per share. Despite a slight decline in medical membership to 44.9 million, the improved expense ratio and strong cash generation support the bullish outlook. Analyst sentiment remains positive with Guggenheim raising its price target to USD 460 on October 12, 2026. Elevance Health operates through health benefits, pharmacy, and healthcare service businesses with a market capitalization of approximately USD 93.5 billion as of late October 2026.