Elevance stock price target lowered to $350 by BofA on exchange and Medicaid concerns

Published 17/07/2025, 17:58
Elevance stock price target lowered to $350 by BofA on exchange and Medicaid concerns

Investing.com - BofA Securities has reduced its price target on Elevance (NYSE:ELV) to $350.00 from $420.00 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock. The company, currently trading near its 52-week low at $306.37, appears undervalued according to InvestingPro Fair Value analysis.

The price target adjustment follows Elevance’s 13% guidance cut despite reporting second-quarter results in line with company expectations. BofA cited higher trends in exchanges, which accounted for slightly more than half of the guidance reduction, and delays in securing appropriate Medicaid rates. Despite these challenges, the company maintains a strong dividend track record, having raised dividends for 14 consecutive years.

The research firm noted that Elevance faces "unprecedented shifts in the risk pool" in both the exchange and Medicaid markets. BofA highlighted additional concerns about future visibility, pointing to the expiration of enhanced subsidies on exchanges in 2026 and impacts from the Reconciliation Bill.

On a positive note, BofA observed that Elevance’s Medicare Advantage and commercial employer segments are experiencing high trend but performing in line with expectations.

The new price target represents a multiple of 9.1x 2026 estimated earnings, down from the previous 10.9x multiple, reflecting increased downside risks to estimates from exchange and Medicaid risk pool shifts. BofA maintained its Neutral rating, citing the deterioration in Medicaid and exchanges against Elevance’s currently depressed valuation of 9x compared to its five-year historical average P/E of 14x. With a current P/E of 11.86x and an overall "GOOD" Financial Health Score from InvestingPro, which offers 8 additional key insights about the company’s performance and prospects, investors may find value in further analysis.

In other recent news, Elevance Health reported its second-quarter 2025 earnings, which showed adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $8.84, falling short of the anticipated $9.07. Despite this, the company exceeded revenue expectations, reporting $49.4 billion, marking a 14% year-over-year increase. These results were driven by growth in its CarillonRx platform, which saw over 20% growth in operating revenue. The company has adjusted its full-year 2025 EPS guidance to approximately $30, citing challenges in the ACA market and Medicaid enrollment. Elevance Health is focusing on strategic investments in AI and pharmacy services to stabilize margins and enhance earnings power. The company is also navigating potential policy changes that could impact Medicaid enrollment and ACA subsidies. Analysts have noted the company’s proactive approach in adjusting its outlook to reflect current conditions in the healthcare sector.

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