Robert W. Baird Issues Positive Forecast for Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV) Stock Price

Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV) had its price objective lifted by research analysts at Robert W. Baird from $393.00 to $406.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a “neutral” rating on the stock. Robert W. Baird’s price target would indicate a potential downside of 6.72% from the company’s previous close.

A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on ELV. Leerink Partners lifted their price target on shares of Elevance Health from $364.00 to $395.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on Elevance Health from $492.00 to $473.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 16th. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on Elevance Health from $450.00 to $475.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, July 14th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Elevance Health from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Sunday, July 12th. Finally, Guggenheim increased their target price on Elevance Health from $455.00 to $460.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, October 12th. Fifteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $442.48.

Elevance Health Price Performance

NYSE:ELV opened at $435.26 on Thursday. Elevance Health has a 52 week low of $274.84 and a 52 week high of $450.69. The firm has a market cap of $94.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.34, a P/E/G ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.70. The firm’s 50-day simple moving average is $406.59 and its 200 day simple moving average is $389.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 1.52 and a current ratio of 1.52.

Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 21st. The company reported $6.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.71 by $2.28. The firm had revenue of $50.44 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $49.28 billion. Elevance Health had a net margin of 2.47% and a return on equity of 14.64%. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up .7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $6.03 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Elevance Health will post 27.20 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Elevance Health during the second quarter worth $2,086,000. Stoneridge Investment Partners LLC acquired a new position in Elevance Health in the second quarter valued at $970,000. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in Elevance Health by 1.3% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 10,426,610 shares of the company’s stock valued at $4,032,283,000 after buying an additional 137,914 shares during the period. State of Wyoming bought a new stake in Elevance Health during the second quarter valued at $1,765,000. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position in Elevance Health by 27.1% during the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 11,826 shares of the company’s stock valued at $4,598,000 after acquiring an additional 2,518 shares during the last quarter. 89.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Key Elevance Health News

Here are the key news stories impacting Elevance Health this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Elevance raised its 2026 adjusted EPS outlook, with company commentary indicating a new baseline of at least $26.75 and other coverage citing guidance of at least $29. The company also expects at least 12% adjusted EPS growth in 2027 from the higher earnings base. Elevance Health Reports Third Quarter 2026 Results; Raises Full-Year Guidance
• Positive Sentiment: Improved medical-cost management and disciplined spending helped drive the earnings beat. Carelon was a key growth contributor, while its cancer program reduced avoidable inpatient admissions by 15%, supporting the company’s diversification and longer-term margin potential. Elevance lifts 2026 profit forecast on better medical cost management
• Positive Sentiment: The quarterly dividend remains $1.72 per share, or $6.88 annualized, providing a roughly 1.6% yield and signaling continued shareholder returns. Elevance Health dividend information
• Neutral Sentiment: Jeff Park will become president of Carelon on December 1, bringing new leadership to a strategically important business expected to support future growth. Elevance Health Names Jeff Park President of Carelon
• Negative Sentiment: Investors remain concerned about the durability of the recovery. Nine-month operating gain declined 25.7%, and Health Benefits margins—particularly in Medicaid—remain pressured. Medical membership also fell, meaning the improved quarter may not fully resolve underlying profitability concerns. Elevance Health: Better Results, But Not Enough To Buy

About Elevance Health

Elevance Health, Inc (NYSE: ELV) is a diversified health benefits company that provides health insurance and related services in the United States. Its offerings serve employers, individuals and families, as well as members of government-sponsored programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. The company provides medical, pharmacy, behavioral health and other benefits through a range of health plans and specialty products.

Elevance Health operates its health benefits businesses through a portfolio that includes Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated plans and other insurance offerings.