Anthem’s 2Q Earnings Beat Expectations
The health insurer also raised its 2015 net-income forecast. Meanwhile, Humana, which has agreed to be acquired by Aetna, reported better-than-expected profits, too.
USA Today:
Anthem Q2 Income Rises 18%, Beats Estimates
Health insurance provider Anthem said Wednesday its second quarter net income rose 18% to $859.1 million as health care costs and medical enrollment by new members surged. After adjusting for some items, earnings per share totaled $3.10, beating analysts’ estimate of $2.74. (Yu, 7/29)
The Wall Street Journal:
Anthem Results Top Expectations
The company said it now expects medical enrollment to grow by 750,000 to 950,000 this year, up 50,000 from its previous range. Anthem has benefited from enrollment growth and improved medical cost performance lately. In the latest quarter, medical enrollment grew 3.4% from a year earlier to about 38.5 million as of June 30. Enrollment in its commercial and specialty business edged up 0.8% from a year earlier to 29.8 million members, while members in its government business grew 13.1% to 8.8 million. (Dulaney and Wilde Mathews, 7/29)
The Associated Press:
Insurer Anthem Hikes 2015 Forecast, 2Q Earnings Climb
Anthem has pumped up its 2015 forecast again after earnings jumped more than 17 percent in its most recent quarter, helped by a surge in government money. The Blue Cross-Blue Shield carrier now expects 2015 adjusted earnings to top $10 per share, which is up from an upgraded forecast in April to greater than $9.90 per share. (7/29)
The Wall Street Journal:
Humana Profit Jumps 25% Despite Challenges In Medicare Advantage
Humana Inc., which has agreed to sell itself to Aetna Inc., on Wednesday reported a better-than-expected 25% jump in profit in its second quarter, though revenue disappointed as the health insurer faces challenges in its Medicare Advantage business. Shares slipped 0.3% in premarket trading. (Dulaney, 7/29)
In the background -
The Wall Street Journal:
CEOs At Aetna, Anthem Help To Reshape Health-Insurance Industry
The leaders of the top five health insurers periodically get together to discuss policy issues, Aetna Inc. Chief Executive Mark T. Bertolini told investors in a private meeting earlier this month. The group had a nickname, he joked: the G5. Soon, that could be down to the G3. (Wilde Mathews, 7/29)
