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With a market cap of $86.9 billion, Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV) is a leading health benefits company that provides comprehensive health plans, pharmacy services, and healthcare solutions across the United States. Operating under the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Wellpoint, and Carelon brands, it supports individuals and communities in leading healthier lives.
Shares of the health insurer have outperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. ELV stock has increased 27.6% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 18.3%. Moreover, the stock has risen 15.3% on a YTD basis, compared to SPX's 11.8% YTD rise.
Looking closer, shares of the Indianapolis, Indiana-based company have slightly outpaced the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF's (XLV) 26.4% return over the past 52 weeks.
Elevance Health reported Q2 2026 results on Jul. 15, with operating revenue of $49.8 billion and adjusted EPS of $7.45. The company raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to at least $27 and increased operating cash flow guidance to at least $6 billion. The outlook was further supported by Carelon revenue growth of 6% to $19.2 billion and management’s confidence in returning to at least 12% adjusted EPS growth in 2027.
For the fiscal year ending in December 2026, analysts expect Elevance Health’s adjusted EPS to decline 10.3% year-over-year to $27.18. However, the company’s earnings surprise history is promising. It beat the consensus estimates in each of the last four quarters.
Among the 22 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a “Moderate Buy.” That’s based on 14 “Strong Buy” ratings and eight “Holds.”
This configuration has remained unchanged over the past three months.
On Jul. 17, Leerink raised Elevance Health’s price target to $395 and maintained a “Market Perform” rating.
The mean price target of $445.71 represents a 11.6% premium to ELV’s current price levels. The Street-high price target of $492 suggests a 23.2% potential upside.
On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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