Elevance Health Stock is Moving Higher After FY26 EPS Reaffirmation - Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV)

Elevance Health (ELV) shares rose 5.42% after reaffirming its FY26 adjusted earnings guidance, with a floor of $20.10 per share and underlying earnings exceeding $27.00, surpassing consensus estimates. The company also maintained its benefit expense ratio target at 90.2%.

Elevance Health (ELV) stock rose 5.8% to $418.21 after reaffirming its 2026 adjusted earnings guidance of at least $27.00 per share and signaling Q3 EPS is tracking ahead of expectations. The company also maintained its 2026 operating cash flow target of $6 billion and a 12% adjusted EPS growth target for 2027. Today is the ex-dividend date for its $1.72 per share quarterly dividend.

Elevance Health reaffirmed its 2026 benefit expense ratio guidance at 90.2% (+/- 0.5%), indicating stable medical utilization and specialty pharmacy costs. The company expects to meet its adjusted earnings guidance of at least $27 per diluted share. Q2 2026 results showed an 89.7% ratio, up 0.8% YoY, driven by government business costs. Elevance, the second-largest US health insurer, processes pharmacy claims through Carelon. Steady ratio signals heavy claims payouts, impacting fall renewals.

Elevance Health (ELV) reaffirmed its 2026 earnings guidance of at least $20.10 per diluted share, including $6.90 in net unfavorable items, and adjusted earnings of at least $27.00 per share. The company also confirmed its 2026 benefit expense ratio guidance of 90.2% plus or minus 50 basis points. This follows strong Q2 2026 results, with adjusted earnings of $7.45 per share and revenue of $49.8 billion, but shares faced pressure due to Medicaid concerns. Analysts have mixed price targets and ra

Elevance Health (ELV) stock surged after CMS finalized a 2.48% Medicare Advantage payment rate increase for 2027, above expectations. Evercore ISI reinstated ELV with an 'Inline' rating, questioning if the bounce is priced in. The company offers health plans, specialty insurance, and pharmacy services.

Elevance Health (ELV) reaffirmed its 2026 earnings guidance, expecting at least $20.10 per diluted share, including $6.90 in net unfavorable items, and adjusted earnings of at least $27.00 per share. The company also maintained its benefit expense ratio target of 90.2% plus or minus 50 basis points. This reaffirmation aims to reduce uncertainty around full-year expectations.