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Anthem's (ANTM) Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates

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Have you been eager to see how Anthem, Inc  performed in Q1 in comparison with the market expectations? Let’s quickly scan through the key facts from this popular global professional services company’s earnings release this morning.

An Earnings Beat

Anthem came out with operating earnings of $5.41 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.83.

Anthem, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

Earnings Surprise History

Anthem has a decent earnings surprise history. The company delivered positive surprises in each of the last four quarters, with an average beat of 7.21%.

Revenue Came Lower than Expected

Anthem posted revenues of $22.3 billion, which was lower than theZacks Consensus Estimate of $22.5 million.

Key Stats to Note:

Medical enrollment declined 2.5% to 39.6 million.

However, first quarter benefit expense ratio improved 220 basis points year over year to 81.5%.

The selling, general and administrative expense ratio was 15.3%, deteriorating 100 basis points year over year.

Operating cash outflow for the first quarter was $2.2 billion or 1.7 times net income.

2018 Guidance

For 2018, the company expects adjusted net income to be greater than $15.30 per share,  medical membership is expected to be in the range of 40.1 – 40.3 million; operating revenue to be roughly between $91 - $92 billion. Operating cash flow is expected to be greater than $4 billion.

What Zacks Rank Says

Anthem carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). However, since the latest earnings performance yet to be reflected in the estimate revisions, the rank is subject to change. While things apparently look favorable, it all depends on what sense the just-released report makes to the analysts.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Check back later for our full write up on this ANTM earnings report later!

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