-=Anthem (ANTM) reported earnings on Wed 31 Oct 2018 (b/o)

Anthem beats by $0.11, reports revs in-line; raises FY18 EPS above consensus; reaffirms operating rev guidance 

Reports Q3 (Sep) earnings of $3.81 per share, $0.11 better thanthe S&P Capital IQ Consensus of $3.70; revenues rose 4.0% year/year to $22.98 bln vs the $22.85 bln S&P Capital IQ Consensus. 

Medical enrollment increased by 5 thousand members sequentially, totaling approximately 39.5 million members as of September 30, 2018.

Benefit Expense Ratio was 84.8% driven by solid medical cost performance.

Co issues raises guidancefor FY18, sees EPS of higher than $15.60 from higher than $15.40 prior guidance vs. $15.50 S&P Capital IQ Consensus; reaffirms revs $91-92 bln versus $91.3 bln Capital IQ consensus

Guidance: Medical membership is expected to be in the range of 39,900,000 - 40,100,000 (range of 39,900,000 - 40,100,000 prior guidance). Fully-insured membership is expected to be in the range of 14,600,000 - 14,700,000 and self-funded membership is expected to be in the range of 25,300,000 - 25,400,00. Benefit expense ratio is now expected to be in the range of 84.2% plus or minus 30 basis points.