425 - Earning Release

Filed by: WellPoint, Inc.

Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933

and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12

of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934

Subject Company: WellChoice, Inc.

Commission File Number: 001-31513

P R E S S        R E L E A S E

 

LOGO

 

WELLPOINT REPORTS RESULTS FOR THIRD QUARTER 2005

 

    Medical enrollment reached approximately 29 million members, increasing by more than 1.5 million members over comparable prior year

 

    Net income was $1.02 per share, an increase of 20 percent over prior year period

 

    Operating cash flow reached $928 million, or 1.4 times net income

 

    Board of Directors increased share repurchase authorization from $1 billion to $2 billion, upon closing of pending merger with WellChoice, Inc.

 

Indianapolis, IN – October 26, 2005 – WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP) today announced that third quarter 2005 net income reached $640.7 million, or $1.02 per share. Net income for the third quarter of 2004 was $242.1 million, or $0.85 per share.

 

“Our third quarter results further build upon a very successful year in which we have delivered more products and services to our members than ever before,” said Larry C. Glasscock, president and chief executive officer of WellPoint, Inc. “We expect that our new Medicare products will be well received in the marketplace as they will offer access to more affordable health and prescription drug plan options than previously available. We are also anticipating good National Accounts growth, having already secured a number of new accounts for the first of the year.”

 

“Also as we look forward, we are very excited about our pending merger with WellChoice. The combined company should be ideally positioned to offer our respective customers more innovative and cost effective solutions to help meet their health care needs than either company could accomplish alone,” added Glasscock.

 

COMPARABLE BASIS INFORMATION

 

On November 30, 2004, Anthem, Inc. acquired WellPoint Health Networks Inc. and Anthem, Inc. changed its name to WellPoint, Inc. Accordingly, third quarter and year-to-date 2005 financial results include operations of both legacy companies for the entire periods. Third quarter and year-to-date 2004 financial results, however, only include operations of the former Anthem, Inc. Unless otherwise indicated, the analysis in this press release compares reported financial results to historical financial results, as reclassified to conform to current presentation, and does not adjust results for the effects of the acquisition.

 

1


In certain areas, we have included “comparable basis” analyses that we believe provide more meaningful comparisons between periods, due to the inclusion of operations for the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. in the comparable historical results. The comparable, historical information is not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the results that WellPoint, Inc. would have reported had the acquisition been completed as of the dates presented, and should not be taken as representative or indicative of our future results. The methodologies for calculating the comparable, historical information are either described within the text of the press release, or in the tables at the end of the press release where such comparable historical information is reconciled to the historical GAAP information of the former Anthem, Inc. and the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. Comparable, historical information and reconciliations for the quarterly and year-to-date periods ended March 31, 2004, and June 30, 2004, are available at www.wellpoint.com under “Investor Info.”

 

CONSOLIDATED HIGHLIGHTS

 

Membership: Medical enrollment reached approximately 29 million members at September 30, 2005, an increase of 16.3 million members since September 30, 2004.

 

On a comparable basis, medical enrollment increased by more than 1.5 million members, or 5.6 percent, compared with 27.4 million members at September 30, 2004. Enrollment growth was realized in every region and across all lines of business, led by the National Accounts and Large Group operations. The Company added 145,000 new members during the third quarter of 2005.

 

Self-funded membership represented approximately 50 percent of enrollment at September 30, 2005, versus 47 percent of comparable enrollment at September 30, 2004. On July 1, 2005, approximately 140,000 members in the Georgia state HMO account converted from fully-insured to self-funded status.

 

Operating Revenue: Operating revenue approached $11.2 billion, an increase of 135.6 percent from $4.7 billion in the third quarter of 2004.

 

Operating revenue increased by $592.6 million on a comparable basis, representing growth of 5.6 percent, compared with $10.6 billion in the third quarter of 2004. The increase was driven primarily by strong membership gains and disciplined pricing in the Individual and Small Group (“ISG”) and National Accounts businesses.

 

Benefit Expense Ratio: The benefit expense ratio was 79.9 percent, a decrease of 280 basis points, compared with 82.7 percent in the third quarter of 2004.

 

On a comparable basis, the benefit expense ratio declined by 170 basis points, compared with 81.6 percent in the third quarter 2004, reflecting lower than anticipated medical costs in the current year.

 

2


Premium and Cost Trends: Trends include Large Group and ISG fully-insured businesses and are calculated on a comparable basis, including the former Anthem, Inc. and the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. for all applicable periods.

 

Medical trend for full year 2005 is now expected to be less than 8.5 percent. For the rolling 12 month period ended September 30, 2005, the highest rate of increase in medical trend was in outpatient services and costs. Commercial premium yield for full year 2005 is expected to be approximately equal to total cost trend, where total cost trend includes medical costs and selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense.

 

SG&A Expense Ratio: The SG&A expense ratio increased by 10 basis points, to 16.6 percent, compared with 16.5 percent in the third quarter of 2004.

 

On a comparable basis, the SG&A expense ratio increased by 70 basis points, compared with 15.9 percent in the prior year period. The increase reflected higher incentive compensation, including merger-related stay bonuses. Also impacting results were costs associated with the transition of information technology infrastructure services to an external vendor, which is expected to reduce future operating costs. During the third quarter, the Company achieved its targeted merger synergies of at least $40.0 million, net of the costs incurred to achieve those synergies.

 

Operating Cash Flow: Operating cash flow reached $928.3 million, or 1.4 times net income.

 

Days in Claims Payable: Days in claims payable as of September 30, 2005, was 46.7 days, unchanged from June 30, 2005.

 

Share Repurchase Program: The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the third quarter, due to trading restrictions placed on the Company during its merger negotiations with WellChoice, Inc. During the first six months of 2005, the Company repurchased a total of 5.1 million shares.

 

During the third quarter, the Board of Directors increased the remaining authorization under the share repurchase program from approximately $367.1 million to $1.0 billion and eliminated the expiration date on the program. On October 24, 2005, the Board increased the share repurchase authorization by an additional $1.0 billion, upon closing of the pending merger with WellChoice, Inc. The Company expects to repurchase shares following the close of the transaction.

 

3


REPORTABLE SEGMENTS

 

WellPoint, Inc. has three reportable segments: Health Care, Specialty and Other. Operating revenue and operating gain are the key measures used by management to evaluate performance in each segment.

 

WellPoint, Inc.

Reportable Segment Highlights

(Unaudited)

 

($ In Millions)   Three Months Ended
September 30


    Nine Months Ended
September 30


 
    2005

    2004

    Change

    2005

    2004

    Change

 

Operating Revenue

                                           

Health Care

  $ 10,674.5     $ 4,582.6     132.9 %   $ 31,814.7     $ 13,296.1     139.3 %

Specialty

    723.1       279.1     159.1 %     2,114.4       809.1     161.3 %

Other:

                                           

External Customers

    84.8       49.3     72.0 %     274.0       150.7     81.8 %

Intercompany Eliminations

    (332.1 )     (177.9 )   86.7 %     (954.0 )     (519.5 )   83.6 %
   


 


       


 


     

Total Other

    (247.3 )     (128.6 )   92.3 %     (680.0 )     (368.8 )   84.4 %
   


 


       


 


     

Total Operating Revenue

    11,150.3       4,733.1     135.6 %     33,249.1       13,736.4     142.1 %

Operating Gain (Loss)

                                           

Health Care

  $ 916.6     $ 344.6     166.0 %   $ 2,562.8     $ 999.3     156.5 %

Specialty

    89.2       19.5     357.4 %     273.0       54.9     397.3 %

Other

    (21.0 )     (21.6 )   (2.8 %)     (94.6 )     (49.7 )   90.3 %

 

Health Care: Operating gain for the Health Care segment was $916.6 million, an increase of 166.0 percent, compared with $344.6 million in the prior year period.

 

On a comparable basis, operating gain increased by $157.2 million, or 20.7 percent, compared with $759.4 million in the prior year period. The improvement resulted from strong membership growth, moderating medical costs in the current year, and merger synergies realized throughout the organization. The Large Group and ISG businesses contributed most significantly to the overall increase in operating gain.

 

Specialty: Operating gain totaled $89.2 million, an increase of 357.4 percent, compared with $19.5 million in the third quarter of 2004.

 

Operating gain increased by $3.6 million, or 4.2 percent, on a comparable basis, from $85.6 million in the third quarter of 2004. The increase reflected strong performance in the pharmacy benefit management operation, including continued growth in mail-order prescription volume, which was partially offset by unfavorable mortality experience on certain life insurance contracts.

 

4


OUTLOOK

 

Full Year 2005:

 

    Net income is now expected to be $3.93 per share, an increase of $0.02 per share from prior expectations of $3.91 per share. The updated estimate includes expenses of approximately $0.10 per share related to the multi-district agreement in the second quarter 2005, partially offset by tax benefits of approximately $0.04 per share due to the favorable resolution of a tax matter in the first quarter 2005.

 

    Operating revenue is expected to total approximately $44.5 billion.

 

    The benefit expense ratio is expected to be approximately 80.6 percent.

 

    The SG&A expense ratio is expected to be approximately 16.3 percent.

 

    Medical enrollment is expected to increase by approximately 5 percent, including acquisitions.

 

Full Year 2006:

 

    The Company remains committed to its goal of achieving 15 percent growth in net income per share, not taking into account additional synergies from the WellPoint Health Networks Inc. merger expected to be realized in 2006, the impact of expensing stock options, or the potential impact of the pending merger with WellChoice, Inc. The Company is in the process of finalizing its 2006 plan and will provide formal guidance for 2006 at its Investor Conference on December 6, 2005. A live webcast of this event will be available at www.wellpoint.com.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

1. Operating gain is defined as operating revenue less benefit expense, selling expense, general and administrative expense, and cost of drugs. Operating gain is used to analyze profit or loss on a segment basis only and not on a consolidated basis. Consolidated operating gain is a non-GAAP measure.

 

2. All income per share amounts are on an after-tax, diluted per share basis and reflect the two-for-one stock split on May 31, 2005.

 

3. On November 30, 2004, Anthem, Inc. acquired WellPoint Health Networks Inc., and Anthem, Inc. changed its name to WellPoint, Inc. Accordingly, third quarter and year-to-date 2005 financial results include operations of both legacy companies for the entire periods. Third quarter and year-to-date 2004 reported financial results, however, only include operations of the former Anthem, Inc.

 

4. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

 

5


Conference Call and Webcast

 

Management will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (“EDT”) to discuss its third quarter earnings results and outlook. The conference call should be accessed at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call with the following numbers:

 

888-423-3268 (Domestic)    800-475-6701 (Domestic Replay)
651-291-5254 (International)    320-365-3844 (International Replay)

 

An access code is not required for today’s conference call. The access code for the replay is 779659. The replay will be available from 1:45 p.m. EDT today until the end of the day on November 9, 2005. The call will also be available through a live webcast at www.wellpoint.com under “Investor Info.” A webcast replay will be available following the call.

 

Contacts:

 

Investor Relations


  

Media


Tami Durle, 317-488-6390    James Kappel, 317-488-6400

 

About WellPoint, Inc.

 

WellPoint, Inc. is the largest publicly traded commercial health benefits company in terms of membership in the United States. WellPoint, Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and serves its members as the Blue Cross licensee for California; the Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensee for Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area), Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia (excluding the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.), Wisconsin; and through HealthLink and UniCare. Additional information about WellPoint is available at www.wellpoint.com.

 

6


WellPoint, Inc.

Medical Membership & Specialty Metrics Summary

(Unaudited and in Thousands)

 

Medical Membership

 

                    Change from

 
    September 30,
2005
(1)

  September 30,
2004


    December 31,
2004


    September 30,
2004


    December 31,
2004


 

Customer Type

                           

Large Group

  13,268   4,838     13,073     174.2 %   1.5 %

Individual and Small Group (ISG)

  5,294   2,078     5,199     154.8 %   1.8 %

National Accounts

  3,505   1,916     3,212     82.9 %   9.1 %

BlueCard

  4,023   3,089     3,463     30.2 %   16.2 %
   
 

 

           

Total National

  7,528   5,005     6,675     50.4 %   12.8 %

Senior

  1,073   597     1,059     79.7 %   1.3 %

State Sponsored

  1,825   219     1,722     733.3 %   6.0 %
   
 

 

           

Total

  28,988   12,737     27,728     127.6 %   4.5 %
   
 

 

           

Funding Arrangement

                           

Self-Funded

  14,382   7,076     13,039     103.3 %   10.3 %

Fully-Insured

  14,606   5,661     14,689     158.0 %   (0.6 %)
   
 

 

           

Total

  28,988   12,737     27,728     127.6 %   4.5 %
   
 

 

           

Regional Membership

                           

Central

  11,102   6,072     10,565     82.8 %   5.1 %

West

  9,146   1,133     8,655     707.2 %   5.7 %

Southeast

  6,139   2,844     5,962     115.9 %   3.0 %

Northeast

  2,601   2,688     2,546     (3.2 %)   2.2 %
   
 

 

           

Total

  28,988   12,737     27,728     127.6 %   4.5 %
   
 

 

           
Specialty Metrics                            

PBM Prescription Volume (2)

  84,711   27,796     51,391     204.8 %   64.8 %

Behavioral Health Membership

  13,804   3,547 (3)   11,753 (3)   NM (3)   NM (3)

Life and Disability Membership

  5,743   2,264 (3)   5,306 (3)   NM (3)   NM (3)

Dental Membership

  5,107   2,208 (3)   5,048 (3)   NM (3)   NM (3)

Vision Membership

  785   744     773     5.5 %   1.6 %

 

(1) Includes self-funded members from the Lumenos acquisition that closed in the second quarter 2005.

 

(2) Represents quarterly PBM prescription volume. Results of the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. are included for the entire quarter ended September 30, 2005, but are included only for the month of December in the quarter ended December 31, 2004. Results for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, only include information of the former Anthem, Inc.

 

(3) Prior period membership information and the changes to such information are not meaningful due to different counting methodologies for these members used by the former Anthem, Inc. and the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc.

 

7


WellPoint, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

 

($ In Millions, Except Per Share Data)    Three Months Ended
September 30


       
     2005

    2004

    Change

 

Revenues

                      

Premiums

   $ 10,315.0     $ 4,336.9     137.8 %

Administrative fees

     690.8       339.1     103.7 %

Other revenue

     144.5       57.1     153.1 %
    


 


     

Total operating revenue

     11,150.3       4,733.1     135.6 %

Net investment income

     154.7       67.9     127.8 %

Net realized (losses) gains on investments

     (0.4 )     6.2     (106.5 %)
    


 


     

Total revenues

     11,304.6       4,807.2     135.2 %

Expenses

                      

Benefit expense

     8,243.9       3,587.4     129.8 %

Selling, general and administrative expense

                      

Selling expense

     370.6       116.9     217.0 %

General and administrative expense

     1,477.2       665.7     121.9 %
    


 


     

Total selling, general and administrative expense

     1,847.8       782.6     136.1 %

Cost of drugs

     73.8       20.6     258.3 %

Interest expense

     56.1       32.9     70.5 %

Amortization of other intangible assets

     59.6       11.3     427.4 %
    


 


     

Total expenses

     10,281.2       4,434.8     131.8 %

Income before income taxes

     1,023.4       372.4     174.8 %

Income taxes

     382.7       130.3     193.7 %
    


 


     

Net income

   $ 640.7     $ 242.1     164.6 %
    


 


     

Net income per diluted share

   $ 1.02     $ 0.85     20.0 %
    


 


     

Diluted shares (in millions)

     627.7       285.5     119.9 %

Benefit expense as a percentage of premiums

     79.9 %     82.7 %   (280 )bp

Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of total operating revenue

     16.6 %     16.5 %   10 bp

Income before income taxes as a percentage of total revenues

     9.1 %     7.7 %   140 bp

 

8


WellPoint, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

 

($ In Millions, Except Per Share Data)    Nine Months Ended
September 30


       
     2005

    2004

    Change

 

Revenues

                      

Premiums

   $ 30,806.7     $ 12,576.5     145.0 %

Administrative fees

     2,022.8       997.4     102.8 %

Other revenue

     419.6       162.5     158.2 %
    


 


     

Total operating revenue

     33,249.1       13,736.4     142.1 %

Net investment income

     453.2       211.8     114.0 %

Net realized gains on investments

     1.4       40.7     (96.6 %)
    


 


     

Total revenues

     33,703.7       13,988.9     140.9 %

Expenses

                      

Benefit expense

     24,879.6       10,336.1     140.7 %

Selling, general and administrative expense

                      

Selling expense

     1,097.7       340.0     222.9 %

General and administrative expense

     4,312.1       1,997.3     115.9 %
    


 


     

Total selling, general and administrative expense

     5,409.8       2,337.3     131.5 %

Cost of drugs

     218.5       58.5     273.5 %

Interest expense

     168.2       97.4     72.7 %

Amortization of other intangible assets

     178.7       33.7     430.3 %
    


 


     

Total expenses

     30,854.8       12,863.0     139.9 %

Income before income taxes

     2,848.9       1,125.9     153.0 %

Income taxes

     1,037.1       350.3     196.1 %
    


 


     

Net income

   $ 1,811.8     $ 775.6     133.6 %
    


 


     

Net income per diluted share

   $ 2.90     $ 2.72     6.6 %
    


 


     

Diluted shares (in millions)

     624.7       285.5     118.8 %

Benefit expense as a percentage of premiums

     80.8 %     82.2 %   (140 )bp

Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of total operating revenue

     16.3 %     17.0 %   (70 )bp

Income before income taxes as a percentage of total revenues

     8.5 %     8.0 %   50 bp

 

9


WellPoint, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

($ In Millions)    September 30,
2005


    December 31,
2004


 
     (Unaudited)        

Assets

                

Current assets:

                

Investments available-for-sale, at fair value

                

Fixed maturity securities

   $ 13,012.7     $ 12,413.7  

Equity securities

     1,566.7       1,173.2  

Cash and cash equivalents

     2,163.3       1,457.2  

Premiums and self-funded receivables

     1,757.0       1,574.6  

Other receivables

     945.9       876.4  

Securities lending collateral

     1,000.9       658.5  

Deferred tax assets, net

     342.6       434.0  

Other current assets

     783.3       769.9  
    


 


Total current assets

     21,572.4       19,357.5  

Long-term investments

     693.4       748.1  

Property and equipment

     966.8       1,045.2  

Goodwill

     10,149.4       10,017.9  

Other intangible assets

     8,041.5       8,211.6  

Other noncurrent assets

     432.1       358.1  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 41,855.6     $ 39,738.4  
    


 


Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

                

Liabilities

                

Current liabilities:

                

Policy liabilities:

                

Medical claims payable

   $ 4,182.3     $ 4,202.0  

Reserves for future policy benefits

     133.7       145.0  

Other policyholder liabilities

     1,245.3       1,209.5  
    


 


Total policy liabilities

     5,561.3       5,556.5  

Unearned income

     1,173.0       1,046.6  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     2,250.8       2,222.1  

Income taxes payable

     653.5       418.8  

Security trades pending payable

     83.5       84.4  

Securities lending payable

     1,000.9       658.5  

Current portion of long-term debt

     459.6       150.3  

Other current liabilities

     1,099.3       1,433.4  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     12,281.9       11,570.6  

Long-term debt

     3,918.1       4,276.7  

Reserves for future policy benefits, noncurrent

     739.7       727.2  

Deferred income taxes

     2,620.2       2,596.4  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     1,061.0       1,108.5  
    


 


Total liabilities

     20,620.9       20,279.4  

Shareholders’ equity

                

Common stock

     6.1       3.0  

Additional paid-in capital

     17,751.9       17,433.6  

Retained earnings

     3,521.5       1,960.1  

Unearned stock compensation

     (97.6 )     (83.5 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     52.8       145.8  
    


 


Total shareholders’ equity

     21,234.7       19,459.0  
    


 


Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 41,855.6     $ 39,738.4  
    


 


 

10


WellPoint, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

($ In Millions)    Nine Months Ended
September 30


 
     2005

    2004

 

Operating activities

                

Net income

   $ 1,811.8     $ 775.6  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Net realized gains on investments

     (1.4 )     (40.7 )

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets

     2.1       (0.4 )

Deferred income taxes

     (59.1 )     (7.0 )

Amortization, net of accretion

     306.0       85.7  

Depreciation

     171.3       95.3  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of business combinations:

                

Receivables, net

     (221.2 )     (83.9 )

Other assets

     (102.7 )     (22.6 )

Policy liabilities

     7.1       26.6  

Unearned income

     122.7       (15.6 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     67.6       (62.1 )

Other liabilities

     (226.4 )     (60.2 )

Income taxes

     415.1       (0.3 )
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,292.9       690.4  

Investing activities

                

Purchases of investments

     (13,674.0 )     (4,877.8 )

Sales or maturities of investments

     12,509.4       4,516.7  

Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

     (330.2 )     –    

Proceeds from settlement of cash flow hedge

     –         20.3  

Purchases of property and equipment

     (118.8 )     (85.6 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     8.0       1.5  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,605.6 )     (424.9 )

Financing activities

                

Net proceeds from commercial paper borrowings

     127.9       –    

Proceeds from long term borrowings and exchange of remarketed subordinated debentures included in Equity Security Units

     –         5.7  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     (150.0 )     –    

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

     (333.4 )     (82.2 )

Proceeds from sale of put options

     1.1       –    

Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan

     373.2       57.1  
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     18.8       (19.4 )
    


 


Change in cash and cash equivalents

     706.1       246.1  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     1,457.2       464.5  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 2,163.3     $ 710.6  
    


 


 

11


WellPoint, Inc.

Reconciliation of Medical Claims Payable

 

($ In Millions)   Nine Months Ended
September 30


    Year Ended December 31

 
    2005

    2004

    2004

    2003

    2002

 
    (Unaudited)                    

Gross medical claims payable, beginning of period

  $ 4,202.0     $ 1,841.7     $ 1,841.7     $ 1,800.0     $ 1,323.1  

Ceded medical claims payable, beginning of period

    (31.9 )     (8.7 )     (8.7 )     (2.8 )     (4.5 )
   


 


 


 


 


Net medical claims payable, beginning of period

    4,170.1       1,833.0       1,833.0       1,797.2       1,318.6  

Business combinations and purchase adjustments

    –         (14.0 )     2,394.4       (20.6 )     379.4  

Net incurred medical claims:

                                       

Current year 1

    25,172.4       10,444.4       15,452.6       12,374.2       9,887.9  

Prior years (redundancies) 1, 2

    (609.9 )     (171.8 )     (172.4 )     (226.2 )     (147.0 )
   


 


 


 


 


Total net incurred medical claims

    24,562.5       10,272.6       15,280.2       12,148.0       9,740.9  

Net payments attributable to:

                                       

Current year medical claims 1

    21,290.3       8,725.0       12,556.3       10,598.3       8,316.6  

Prior years medical claims 1

    3,291.1       1,509.3       2,781.2       1,493.3       1,325.1  
   


 


 


 


 


Total net payments

    24,581.4       10,234.3       15,337.5       12,091.6       9,641.7  

Net medical claims payable, end of period

    4,151.2       1,857.3       4,170.1       1,833.0       1,797.2  

Ceded medical claims, end of period

    31.1       11.0       31.9       8.7       2.8  
   


 


 


 


 


Gross medical claims payable, end of period

  $ 4,182.3     $ 1,868.3     $ 4,202.0     $ 1,841.7     $ 1,800.0  
   


 


 


 


 


Current year medical claims paid as a percent of current year net incurred medical claims

    84.6 %     83.5 %     81.3 %3     85.6 %     84.1 %

Prior year redundancies in the current period as a percent of prior year net incurred medical claims

    3.9 %4     1.4 %     1.4 %     2.3 %5     1.9 %

 

1 For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, net incurred medical claims and payments for the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. are included for the entire period. Net incurred medical claims and payments for the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. are not included for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2004, incurred and paid claims for the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. are only included for the month of December. Approximately 75% of the claims paid by the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. during that month were incurred prior to December 1, 2004, and are classified within the “Net payments attributable to prior years medical claims” line item for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

2 Negative amounts reported for net incurred medical claims related to prior years result from claims being settled for amounts less than originally estimated.

 

3 This ratio is impacted by having only one month of net incurred medical claims and payments for the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. in 2004. If the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. had not been included in 2004, the ratio would have been approximately 87.3% for 2004 (refer to the table entitled, “Reconciliation of Medical Claims Payable - Supplemental Footnote Statistics”).

 

4 This ratio is impacted by having only one month of net incurred medical claims for the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. in 2004. If the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. had been included for the full year 2004, the ratio would have been approximately 1.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 (refer to the table entitled, “Reconciliation of Medical Claims Payable - Supplemental Footnote Statistics”).

 

5 This ratio is impacted by having only five months of net incurred medical claims related to the former Trigon Healthcare, Inc. in 2002. If the former Trigon Healthcare, Inc. had been included for the full year 2002, the ratio would have been approximately 2.0% for 2003 (refer to the table entitled, “Reconciliation of Medical Claims Payable - Supplemental Footnote Statistics”).

 

12


WellPoint, Inc.

Medical Membership & Specialty Metrics Summary - Comparable Basis

(Unaudited and in Thousands)

 

Medical Membership

 

        Comparable Basis (1)

    Change from

 
    September 30,
2005
(2)

  September 30,
2004


    December 31,
2004


    September 30,
2004


    December 31,
2004


 

Customer Type

                           

Large Group

  13,268   12,862     13,073     3.2 %   1.5 %

Individual and Small Group (ISG)

  5,294   5,111     5,199     3.6 %   1.8 %

National Accounts

  3,505   3,255     3,212     7.7 %   9.1 %

BlueCard

  4,023   3,462     3,463     16.2 %   16.2 %
   
 

 

           

Total National

  7,528   6,717     6,675     12.1 %   12.8 %

Senior

  1,073   1,054     1,059     1.8 %   1.3 %

State Sponsored

  1,825   1,701     1,722     7.3 %   6.0 %
   
 

 

           

Total

  28,988   27,445     27,728     5.6 %   4.5 %
   
 

 

           

Funding Arrangement

                           

Self-Funded

  14,382   12,924     13,039     11.3 %   10.3 %

Fully-Insured

  14,606   14,521     14,689     0.6 %   (0.6 %)
   
 

 

           

Total

  28,988   27,445     27,728     5.6 %   4.5 %
   
 

 

           

Regional Membership

                           

Central

  11,102   10,505     10,565     5.7 %   5.1 %

West

  9,146   8,494     8,655     7.7 %   5.7 %

Southeast

  6,139   5,905     5,962     4.0 %   3.0 %

Northeast

  2,601   2,541     2,546     2.4 %   2.2 %
   
 

 

           

Total

  28,988   27,445     27,728     5.6 %   4.5 %
   
 

 

           

Specialty Metrics

                           

PBM Prescription Volume (3)

  84,711   82,233     88,620     3.0 %   (4.4 %)

Behavioral Health Membership

  13,804   11,532 (4)   11,753 (4)   NM (4)   NM (4)

Life and Disability Membership

  5,743   5,281 (4)   5,306 (4)   NM (4)   NM (4)

Dental Membership

  5,107   5,006 (4)   5,048 (4)   NM (4)   NM (4)

Vision Membership

  785   751     773     4.5 %   1.6 %

 

(1) “Comparable Basis” data for 2004 was calculated by adding historical data for the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. to historical data for the former Anthem, Inc., and adjusting the combined totals to ensure a consistent approach for calculating medical membership and volume statistics and to eliminate overlapping BlueCard host membership.

 

(2) Includes self-funded members from the Lumenos acquisition that closed in the second quarter 2005.

 

(3) Represents quarterly PBM prescription volume.

 

(4) Prior period membership information and the changes to such information are not meaningful due to different counting methodologies for these members used by the former Anthem, Inc. and the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc.

 

13


WellPoint, Inc.

Selected Financial Data - Comparable Basis Analysis

(Unaudited)

 

($ In Millions)   Three Months Ended
September 30


    Comparable Basis (1)
Three Months Ended
September 30


 
    2005

    2004

    % Change

    2004

    $ Change

  % Change

 

Revenues

                                         

Premiums

  $ 10,315.0     $ 4,336.9     137.8 %   $ 9,797.7     $ 517.3   5.3 %

Administrative fees

    690.8       339.1     103.7 %     628.9       61.9   9.8 %

Other revenue

    144.5       57.1     153.1 %     131.1       13.4   10.2 %
   


 


       


 

     

Total operating revenue

    11,150.3       4,733.1     135.6 %     10,557.7       592.6   5.6 %

Expenses

                                         

Benefit expense

    8,243.9       3,587.4     129.8 %     7,990.6       253.3   3.2 %

Selling, general and administrative expense

                                         

Selling expense

    370.6       116.9     217.0 %     344.8       25.8   7.5 %

General and administrative expense

    1,477.2       665.7     121.9 %     1,338.5       138.7   10.4 %
   


 


       


 

     

Total selling, general and administrative expense

    1,847.8       782.6     136.1 %     1,683.3       164.5   9.8 %

Cost of drugs

    73.8       20.6     258.3 %     68.7       5.1   7.4 %

Benefit expense as a percentage of premiums

    79.9 %     82.7 %   (280 )bp     81.6 %         (170 )bp

Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of total operating revenue

    16.6 %     16.5 %   10 bp     15.9 %         70 bp
                                           
($ In Millions)   Nine Months Ended
September 30


    Comparable Basis (1)
Nine Months Ended
September 30


 
    2005

    2004

    % Change

    2004

    $ Change

  % Change

 

Revenues

                                         

Premiums

  $ 30,806.7     $ 12,576.5     145.0 %   $ 28,694.5     $ 2,112.2   7.4 %

Administrative fees

    2,022.8       997.4     102.8 %     1,862.6       160.2   8.6 %

Other revenue

    419.6       162.5     158.2 %     379.2       40.4   10.7 %
   


 


       


 

     

Total operating revenue

    33,249.1       13,736.4     142.1 %     30,936.3       2,312.8   7.5 %

Expenses

                                         

Benefit expense

    24,879.6       10,336.1     140.7 %     23,268.4       1,611.2   6.9 %

Selling, general and administrative expense

                                         

Selling expense

    1,097.7       340.0     222.9 %     1,008.4       89.3   8.9 %

General and administrative expense

    4,312.1       1,997.3     115.9 %     4,093.5       218.6   5.3 %
   


 


       


 

     

Total selling, general and administrative expense

    5,409.8       2,337.3     131.5 %     5,101.9       307.9   6.0 %

Cost of drugs

    218.5       58.5     273.5 %     200.7       17.8   8.9 %

Benefit expense as a percentage of premiums

    80.8 %     82.2 %   (140 )bp     81.1 %         (30 )bp

Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of total operating revenue

    16.3 %     17.0 %   (70 )bp     16.5 %         (20 )bp

 

(1) The “Comparable Basis” information is a non-GAAP measure. Refer to the tables entitled, “Reclassified Consolidated Statements of Income - Comparable Basis Reconciliation,” for a description of the calculations of this information, including reconciliations to the historical GAAP information of the former Anthem, Inc. and the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc.

 

14


WellPoint, Inc.

Reportable Segment Highlights - Comparable Basis Analysis

(Unaudited)

 

($ In Millions)    Three Months Ended
September 30


    Comparable Basis (1)
Three Months Ended
September 30


 
     2005

    2004

    % Change

    2004

    $ Change

    % Change

 

Operating Revenue (2)

                                            

Health Care Segment

   $ 10,674.5     $ 4,582.6     132.9 %   $ 10,068.9     $ 605.6     6.0 %

Specialty Segment

     723.1       279.1     159.1 %     667.5       55.6     8.3 %

Other Segment

     (247.3 )     (128.6 )   92.3 %     (178.7 )     (68.6 )   38.4 %
    


 


       


 


     

Total Operating Revenue

     11,150.3       4,733.1     135.6 %     10,557.7       592.6     5.6 %

Operating Gain (Loss) (2)

                                            

Health Care Segment

   $ 916.6     $ 344.6     166.0 %   $ 759.4     $ 157.2     20.7 %

Specialty Segment

     89.2       19.5     357.4 %     85.6       3.6     4.2 %

Other Segment

     (21.0 )     (21.6 )   (2.8 %)     (29.9 )     8.9     (29.8 %)

Operating Margin (3)

                                            

Health Care Segment

     8.6 %     7.5 %   110 bp     7.5 %           110 bp

Specialty Segment

     12.3 %     7.0 %   530 bp     12.8 %           (50 )bp
                                              
($ In Millions)    Nine Months Ended
September 30


    Comparable Basis (1)
Nine Months Ended
September 30


 
     2005

    2004

    % Change

    2004

    $ Change

    % Change

 

Operating Revenue (2)

                                            

Health Care Segment

   $ 31,814.7     $ 13,296.1     139.3 %   $ 29,504.2     $ 2,310.5     7.8 %

Specialty Segment

     2,114.4       809.1     161.3 %     1,943.5       170.9     8.8 %

Other Segment

     (680.0 )     (368.8 )   84.4 %     (511.4 )     (168.6 )   33.0 %
    


 


       


 


     

Total Operating Revenue

     33,249.1       13,736.4     142.1 %     30,936.3       2,312.8     7.5 %

Operating Gain (Loss) (2)

                                            

Health Care Segment

   $ 2,562.8     $ 999.3     156.5 %   $ 2,218.6     $ 344.2     15.5 %

Specialty Segment

     273.0       54.9     397.3 %     235.8       37.2     15.8 %

Other Segment

     (94.6 )     (49.7 )   90.3 %     (89.1 )     (5.5 )   6.2 %

Operating Margin (3)

                                            

Health Care Segment

     8.1 %     7.5 %   60 bp     7.5 %           60 bp

Specialty Segment

     12.9 %     6.8 %   610 bp     12.1 %           80 bp

 

(1) The “Comparable Basis” information is a non-GAAP measure. Refer to the tables entitled, “Reclassified Reportable Segment Highlights - Comparable Basis Reconciliation,” for a description of the calculations of this information, including reconciliations to the historical GAAP information of the former Anthem, Inc. and the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc.

 

(2) Operating revenue and operating gain are the key measures used by management to evaluate performance in each segment. Operating gain is defined as operating revenue less benefit expense, selling expense, general and administrative expense, and cost of drugs. Operating gain is used to analyze profit or loss on a segment basis only and not on a consolidated basis. Consolidated operating gain is a non-GAAP measure.

 

(3) Operating margin is calculated as operating gain as a percentage of operating revenue.

 

15


WellPoint, Inc.

Reclassified Consolidated Statements of Income - Comparable Basis Reconciliation

(Unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

 
($ In Millions)   ATH (1)
As Reported


    Reclassifications (2)

    ATH (1)
Reclassified


    WHN (1)
As Reported


    Reclassifications (2)

    WHN (1)
Reclassified


    WellPoint, Inc.
Comparable
Basis (3)


 

Revenues

                                                       

Premiums

  $ 4,335.3     $ 1.6     $ 4,336.9     $ 5,463.2     $ (2.4 )   $ 5,460.8     $ 9,797.7  

Administrative fees

    344.8       (5.7 )     339.1       308.2       (18.4 )     289.8       628.9  

Other revenue

    48.8       8.3       57.1       –         74.0       74.0       131.1  
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total operating revenue

    4,728.9       4.2       4,733.1       5,771.4       53.2       5,824.6       10,557.7  

Net investment income

    67.9       –         67.9       76.7       (8.6 )     68.1       136.0  

Net realized gains on investments

    6.2       –         6.2       –         8.3       8.3       14.5  
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total revenues

    4,803.0       4.2       4,807.2       5,848.1       52.9       5,901.0       10,708.2  

Expenses

                                                       

Benefit expense

    3,583.8       3.6       3,587.4       4,412.7       (9.5 )     4,403.2       7,990.6  

Selling, general and administrative expense

                                                       

Selling expense

    –         116.9       116.9       227.9       –         227.9       344.8  

General and administrative expense

    800.9       (135.2 )     665.7       655.0       17.8       672.8       1,338.5  
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total selling, general and administrative expense

    800.9       (18.3 )     782.6       882.9       17.8       900.7       1,683.3  

Cost of drugs

    –         20.6       20.6       –         48.1       48.1       68.7  

Interest expense

    32.9       –         32.9       12.2       –         12.2       45.1  

Amortization of other intangible assets

    11.3       –         11.3       –         11.7       11.7       23.0  

Other expenses

    –         –         –         15.2       (15.2 )     –         –    
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total expenses

    4,428.9       5.9       4,434.8       5,323.0       52.9       5,375.9       9,810.7  
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Income before income taxes

    374.1       (1.7 )     372.4       525.1       –         525.1       897.5  

Income taxes

    131.0       (0.7 )     130.3       210.0       –         210.0       340.3  

Minority interest

    1.0       (1.0 )     –         –         –         –         –    
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Net income

  $ 242.1     $ –       $ 242.1     $ 315.1     $ –       $ 315.1     $ 557.2  
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Benefit expense as a percentage of premiums

    82.7 %             82.7 %     80.8 %             80.6 %     81.6 %

Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of total operating revenue

    16.9 %             16.5 %     15.3 %             15.5 %     15.9 %

 

(1) ATH = Anthem, Inc.; WHN = WellPoint Health Networks Inc.

 

(2) To reflect the reclassification of certain historical amounts to a consistent presentation format adopted by the combined organization.

 

(3) The “Comparable Basis” information was calculated by adding the reclassified, historical, consolidated statements of income for the former Anthem, Inc. and the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. This “Comparable Basis” information contains no intercompany eliminations or pro forma adjustments resulting from Anthem, Inc.’s November 30, 2004, acquisition of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. “Comparable Basis” information is presented in order to provide investors with a more meaningful comparison to the current period, due to the acquisition of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. “Comparable Basis” information is not calculated in accordance with GAAP and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the results that WellPoint, Inc. would have reported, had the acquisition been completed as of January 1, 2004.

 

16


WellPoint, Inc.

Reclassified Consolidated Statements of Income - Comparable Basis Reconciliation

(Unaudited)

 

    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

 
($ In Millions)   ATH (1)
As Reported


    Reclassifications (2)

    ATH (1)
Reclassified


    WHN (1)
As Reported


    Reclassifications (2)

    WHN (1)
Reclassified


    WellPoint, Inc.
Comparable
Basis (3)


 

Revenues

                                                       

Premiums

  $ 12,577.5     $ (1.0 )   $ 12,576.5     $ 16,127.5     $ (9.5 )   $ 16,118.0     $ 28,694.5  

Administrative fees

    1,011.5       (14.1 )     997.4       918.3       (53.1 )     865.2       1,862.6  

Other revenue

    140.1       22.4       162.5       –         216.7       216.7       379.2  
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total operating revenue

    13,729.1       7.3       13,736.4       17,045.8       154.1       17,199.9       30,936.3  

Net investment income

    211.8       –         211.8       228.8       (24.9 )     203.9       415.7  

Net realized gains on investments

    40.7       –         40.7       –         25.0       25.0       65.7  
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total revenues

    13,981.6       7.3       13,988.9       17,274.6       154.2       17,428.8       31,417.7  

Expenses

                                                       

Benefit expense

    10,343.1       (7.0 )     10,336.1       12,964.4       (32.1 )     12,932.3       23,268.4  

Selling, general and administrative expense

                                                       

Selling expense

    –         340.0       340.0       668.4       –         668.4       1,008.4  

General and administrative expense

    2,377.5       (380.2 )     1,997.3       2,050.8       45.4       2,096.2       4,093.5  
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total selling, general and administrative expense

    2,377.5       (40.2 )     2,337.3       2,719.2       45.4       2,764.6       5,101.9  

Cost of drugs

    –         58.5       58.5       –         142.2       142.2       200.7  

Interest expense

    97.4       –         97.4       37.4       –         37.4       134.8  

Amortization of other intangible assets

    33.7       –         33.7       –         35.3       35.3       69.0  

Other expenses

    –         –         –         36.6       (36.6 )     –         –    
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total expenses

    12,851.7       11.3       12,863.0       15,757.6       154.2       15,911.8       28,774.8  
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Income before income taxes

    1,129.9       (4.0 )     1,125.9       1,517.0       –         1,517.0       2,642.9  

Income taxes

    351.7       (1.4 )     350.3       606.8       –         606.8       957.1  

Minority interest

    2.6       (2.6 )     –         –         –         –         –    
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Net income

  $ 775.6     $ –       $ 775.6     $ 910.2     $ –       $ 910.2     $ 1,685.8  
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Benefit expense as a percentage of premiums

    82.2 %             82.2 %     80.4 %             80.2 %     81.1 %

Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of total operating revenue

    17.3 %             17.0 %     16.0 %             16.1 %     16.5 %

 

(1) ATH = Anthem, Inc.; WHN = WellPoint Health Networks Inc.

 

(2) To reflect the reclassification of certain historical amounts to a consistent presentation format adopted by the combined organization.

 

(3) The “Comparable Basis” information was calculated by adding the reclassified, historical, consolidated statements of income for the former Anthem, Inc. and the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. This “Comparable Basis” information contains no intercompany eliminations or pro forma adjustments resulting from Anthem, Inc.'s November 30, 2004, acquisition of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. “Comparable Basis” information is presented in order to provide investors with a more meaningful comparison to the current period, due to the acquisition of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. “Comparable Basis” information is not calculated in accordance with GAAP and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the results that WellPoint, Inc. would have reported, had the acquisition been completed as of January 1, 2004.

 

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WellPoint, Inc.

Reclassified Reportable Segment Highlights - Comparable Basis Reconciliation

(Unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

 
($ In Millions)   ATH (1)
As Reported


    Reclassifications (2)

    ATH (1)
Reclassified


    WHN (1)
As Reported


    Reclassifications (2)

    WHN (1)
Reclassified


    WellPoint, Inc.
Comparable
Basis (3)


 

Operating Revenue (4)

                                                       

Health Care

  $ 4,587.4     $ (4.8 )   $ 4,582.6     $ 5,525.2     $ (38.9 )   $ 5,486.3     $ 10,068.9  

Specialty

    279.1       –         279.1       243.5       144.9       388.4       667.5  

Other

    (137.6 )     9.0       (128.6 )     2.7       (52.8 )     (50.1 )     (178.7 )
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total operating revenue

    4,728.9       4.2       4,733.1       5,771.4       53.2       5,824.6       10,557.7  

Operating Gain (Loss) (4)

       

Health Care

    345.7       (1.1 )     344.6       420.0       (5.2 )     414.8       759.4  

Specialty

    19.5       –         19.5       63.7       2.4       66.1       85.6  

Other

    (21.0 )     (0.6 )     (21.6 )     (7.9 )     (0.4 )     (8.3 )     (29.9 )
                                                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

 
($ In Millions)   ATH (1)
As Reported


    Reclassifications (2)

    ATH (1)
Reclassified


    WHN (1)
As Reported


    Reclassifications (2)

    WHN (1)
Reclassified


    WellPoint, Inc.
Comparable
Basis (3)


 

Operating Revenue (4)

                                                       

Health Care

  $ 13,313.0     $ (16.9 )   $ 13,296.1     $ 16,326.3     $ (118.2 )   $ 16,208.1     $ 29,504.2  

Specialty

    809.1       –         809.1       711.4       423.0       1,134.4       1,943.5  

Other

    (393.0 )     24.2       (368.8 )     8.1       (150.7 )     (142.6 )     (511.4 )
   


 


 


 


 


 


 


Total operating revenue

    13,729.1       7.3       13,736.4       17,045.8       154.1       17,199.9       30,936.3  

Operating Gain (Loss) (4)

                                                       

Health Care

    1,001.0       (1.7 )     999.3       1,229.2       (9.9 )     1,219.3       2,218.6  

Specialty

    54.9       –         54.9       174.9       6.0       180.9       235.8  

Other

    (47.4 )     (2.3 )     (49.7 )     (41.9 )     2.5       (39.4 )     (89.1 )

 

(1) ATH = Anthem, Inc.; WHN = WellPoint Health Networks Inc.

 

(2) To reflect the reclassification of certain historical amounts to a consistent presentation format adopted by the combined organization.

 

(3) The “Comparable Basis” information was calculated by adding the historical reportable segment information for the former Anthem, Inc. and the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. This “Comparable Basis” information contains no intercompany eliminations or pro forma adjustments resulting from Anthem, Inc.’s November 30, 2004, acquisition of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. “Comparable Basis” information is presented in order to provide investors with a more meaningful comparison to the current period, due to the acquisition of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. “Comparable Basis” information is not calculated in accordance with GAAP and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the results that WellPoint, Inc. would have reported, had the acquisition been completed as of January 1, 2004.

 

(4) Operating revenue and operating gain are the key measures used by management to evaluate performance in each segment. Operating gain is defined as operating revenue less benefit expense, selling expense, general and administrative expense, and cost of drugs. Operating gain is used to analyze profit or loss on a segment basis only and not on a consolidated basis. Consolidated operating gain is a non-GAAP measure.

 

18


WellPoint, Inc.

Reconciliation of Medical Claims Payable - Supplemental Footnote Statistics

(Unaudited)

 

Note: Below are reconciliations for the supplemental statistics listed in footnotes 3, 4 and 5 to the table entitled, “Reconciliation of Medical Claims Payable.” These supplemental statistics are not calculated in accordance with GAAP and are not intended to be alternatives to any measure or statistic calculated in accordance with GAAP. Rather, these supplemental statistics are intended to facilitate understanding of the effects that recent acquisitions have had on the reconciliation of medical claims payable.

 

Footnote 3:

 

Current year medical claims paid as a percent of current year net incurred medical claims - year ended December 31, 2004.

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2004

 
     As Reported

    WHN (1)

   Excluding
WHN


 

Net incurred medical claims related to:

                       

Current year

   $ 15,452.6     $ 1,509.8    $ 13,942.8  

Net payments attributable to:

                       

Current year medical claims

   $ 12,556.3     $ 385.5    $ 12,170.8  

Current year medical claims paid as a percent of current year net incurred medical claims

     81.3 %     –        87.3 %

 

(1) Net incurred medical claims and payments for the month of December 2004 related to the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc.

 

Footnote 4:

 

Prior year redundancies in the current period as a percent of prior year net incurred medical claims - nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005 - As Reported

        

Net incurred medical claims related to prior years (redundancies)

   $ 609.9  

Year Ended December 31, 2004 - As Reported

        

Net incurred medical claims related to current year

   $ 15,452.6  
Prior year redundancies in the current period as a percent of
prior year net incurred medical claims - As Reported
     3.9 %

Year Ended December 31, 2004 - Estimated (2)

        

Net incurred medical claims related to current year

   $ 31,281.2  
Prior year redundancies in the current period as a percent of
prior year net incurred medical claims - Comparable
     1.9 %

 

(2) Assumes the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. had been owned for the entire year ended December 31, 2004.

 

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Footnote 5:

 

Prior year redundancies in the current period as a percent of prior year net incurred medical claims - year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Year Ended December 31, 2003 - As Reported

        

Net incurred medical claims related to prior years (redundancies)

   $ 226.2  

Year Ended December 31, 2002 - As Reported

        

Net incurred medical claims related to current year

   $ 9,887.9  
Prior year redundancies in the current period as a percent of
prior year net incurred medical claims - As Reported
     2.3 %

Year Ended December 31, 2002 - Estimated (3)

        

Net incurred medical claims related to current year

   $ 11,107.2  
Prior year redundancies in the current period as a percent of prior year net incurred medical claims - Comparable      2.0 %

 

(3) Assumes the former Trigon Healthcare Inc. had been owned for the entire year ended December 31, 2002.

 

20


SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

 

This press release contains certain forward-looking information about WellPoint, Inc. (“WellPoint”), WellChoice, Inc. (“WellChoice”) and the combined company after completion of the transactions that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Words such as “expect(s)”, “feel(s)”, “believe(s)”, “will”, “may”, “anticipate(s)” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions; statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, products and services; and statements regarding future performance. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of WellPoint and WellChoice, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include: those discussed and identified in public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) made by WellPoint (formerly Anthem, Inc.), WellPoint Health Networks Inc. (“WellPoint Health”) and WellChoice; trends in health care costs and utilization rates; our ability to secure sufficient premium rate increases; competitor pricing below market trends of increasing costs; increased government regulation of health benefits and managed care; significant acquisitions or divestitures by major competitors; introduction and utilization of new prescription drugs and technology; a downgrade in our financial strength ratings; litigation targeted at health benefits companies; our ability to contract with providers consistent with past practice; other potential uses of cash in the future that present attractive alternatives to share repurchases; our ability to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies in the WellPoint Health merger within the expected time-frames or at all and to successfully integrate our operations; such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; revenues following the transaction may be lower than expected; operating costs, customer loss and business disruption, including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, customers, clients or suppliers, may be greater than expected following the transaction; our ability to consummate WellPoint’s merger with WellChoice, to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies in the merger within the expected time-frames or at all; to meet expectations regarding repurchases of shares of our common stock and to successfully integrate our operations; such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; revenues following the transaction may be lower than expected; operating costs, customer loss and business disruption, including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees, customers, clients or suppliers, may be greater than expected following the transaction; the regulatory approvals required for the transaction may not be obtained on the terms expected or on the anticipated schedule; our ability to meet expectations regarding the timing, completion and accounting and tax treatments of the transaction and the value of the transaction consideration; future bio-terrorist activity or other potential public health epidemics; and general economic downturns. Readers

 

21


are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. Neither WellPoint nor WellChoice undertakes any obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are also urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures in WellPoint’s and WellChoice’s various SEC reports, including but not limited to Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the reporting periods of 2005.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT

 

This communication is being made in respect of the proposed merger transaction involving WellPoint and WellChoice. In connection with the proposed transaction, WellPoint and WellChoice will prepare a registration statement on Form S-4, containing a proxy statement/prospectus for the stockholders of WellChoice to be filed with the SEC and each will be filing other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC as well. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. The final proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to WellChoice’s stockholders. Investors and security holders will be able to receive the registration statement containing the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents free of charge at the SEC’s web site, www.sec.gov, from WellPoint Investor Relations at 120 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, or from WellChoice Investor Relations at 11 West 42nd Street, New York, New York 10036.

 

PARTICIPANTS IN SOLICITATION

 

WellPoint, WellChoice and their directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding WellPoint’s directors and executive officers is available in WellPoint’s proxy statement for its 2005 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 8, 2005, and information regarding WellChoice’s directors and executive officers is available in WellChoice’s proxy statement for its 2005 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with SEC on March 28, 2005. Information regarding the persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of WellChoice stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed with the SEC.

 

#         #         #

 

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