Elevance Health, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2020 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
| ☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2020
OR
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-16751
ANTHEM, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Indiana | 35-2145715 | |||||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) | |||||||
220 Virginia Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 331-1476
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
| Common Stock, $0.01 par value | ANTM | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | ||||||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | ||||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of October 21, 2020, 248,704,310 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.
Anthem, Inc.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
For the Period Ended September 30, 2020
Table of Contents
| Page | ||||||||
| PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||||||
| ITEM 1. | ||||||||
| ITEM 2. | ||||||||
| ITEM 3. | ||||||||
| ITEM 4. | ||||||||
| PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | ||||||||
| ITEM 1. | ||||||||
| ITEM 1A. | ||||||||
| ITEM 2. | ||||||||
| ITEM 3. | ||||||||
| ITEM 4. | ||||||||
| ITEM 5. | ||||||||
| ITEM 6. | ||||||||
-1-
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Anthem, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
| September 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||
| (In millions, except share data) | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,984 | $ | 4,937 | |||||||
| Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost of $21,867 and $19,021; allowance for credit losses of $12 and $0) | 22,707 | 19,676 | |||||||||
| Equity securities | 3,075 | 1,009 | |||||||||
| Premium receivables | 5,343 | 5,014 | |||||||||
| Self-funded receivables | 2,985 | 2,570 | |||||||||
| Other receivables | 3,209 | 2,807 | |||||||||
| Other current assets | 4,147 | 3,020 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 45,450 | 39,033 | |||||||||
| Long-term investments: | |||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost of $530 and $487; allowance for credit losses of $0 and $0) | 558 | 505 | |||||||||
| Other invested assets | 4,170 | 4,258 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 3,363 | 3,133 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 21,687 | 20,500 | |||||||||
| Other intangible assets | 9,497 | 8,674 | |||||||||
| Other noncurrent assets | 1,849 | 1,350 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 86,574 | $ | 77,453 | |||||||
| Liabilities and shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Medical claims payable | $ | 10,252 | $ | 8,842 | |||||||
| Other policyholder liabilities | 3,804 | 3,050 | |||||||||
| Unearned income | 961 | 1,017 | |||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 5,550 | 4,198 | |||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | 150 | 700 | |||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 1,599 | 1,598 | |||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 6,245 | 4,127 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 28,561 | 23,532 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, less current portion | 19,094 | 17,787 | |||||||||
| Reserves for future policy benefits | 784 | 759 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities, net | 2,375 | 2,227 | |||||||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | 1,839 | 1,420 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 52,653 | 45,725 | |||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies – Note 12 | |||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Preferred stock, without par value, shares authorized – 100,000,000; shares issued and outstanding – none | — | — | |||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01, shares authorized – 900,000,000; shares issued and outstanding – 249,444,426 and 252,922,161 | 3 | 3 | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 9,352 | 9,448 | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 24,678 | 22,573 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (112) | (296) | |||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 33,921 | 31,728 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 86,574 | $ | 77,453 | |||||||
See accompanying notes.
-2-
Anthem, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions, except per share data) | 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premiums | $ | 26,392 | $ | 23,793 | $ | 77,001 | $ | 70,137 | |||||||||||||||
| Product revenue | 2,598 | 1,116 | 7,485 | 1,260 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative fees and other revenue | 1,659 | 1,535 | 4,789 | 4,612 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating revenue | 30,649 | 26,444 | 89,275 | 76,009 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | 280 | 242 | 591 | 737 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gains on financial instruments | 247 | 1 | 241 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment losses on investments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total impairment losses on investments | (24) | (14) | (119) | (36) | |||||||||||||||||||
Portion of impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income | 6 | 1 | 55 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment losses recognized in income | (18) | (13) | (64) | (30) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 31,158 | 26,674 | 90,043 | 76,806 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit expense | 22,921 | 20,753 | 63,957 | 60,403 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of products sold | 2,222 | 745 | 6,431 | 843 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 5,305 | 3,418 | 13,132 | 9,862 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 198 | 185 | 593 | 556 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of other intangible assets | 93 | 84 | 269 | 256 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt | 30 | — | 34 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 30,769 | 25,185 | 84,416 | 71,919 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income before income tax expense | 389 | 1,489 | 5,627 | 4,887 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 167 | 306 | 1,606 | 1,014 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 222 | $ | 1,183 | $ | 4,021 | $ | 3,873 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income per share | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.88 | $ | 4.64 | $ | 15.96 | $ | 15.11 | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.87 | $ | 4.55 | $ | 15.75 | $ | 14.83 | |||||||||||||||
| Dividends per share | $ | 0.95 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 2.85 | $ | 2.40 | |||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes.
-3-
Anthem, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 222 | $ | 1,183 | $ | 4,021 | $ | 3,873 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized losses/gains on investments | 113 | 116 | 154 | 711 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in non-credit component of impairment losses on investments | 16 | (1) | (6) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized gains/losses on cash flow hedges | 4 | (34) | 10 | (31) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net periodic pension and postretirement costs | 8 | 4 | 25 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | 1 | (1) | 1 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | 142 | 84 | 184 | 687 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | $ | 364 | $ | 1,267 | $ | 4,205 | $ | 4,560 | ||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes.
-4-
Anthem, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
| Nine Months Ended September 30 | |||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||
| Operating activities | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 4,021 | $ | 3,873 | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net realized gains on financial instruments | (241) | (90) | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 864 | 887 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (102) | (29) | |||||||||
| Impairment of property and equipment | 195 | — | |||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 214 | 226 | |||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Receivables, net | (845) | (880) | |||||||||
| Other invested assets | 6 | (30) | |||||||||
| Other assets | (988) | (280) | |||||||||
| Policy liabilities | 1,624 | 1,394 | |||||||||
| Unearned income | (95) | 46 | |||||||||
| Accounts payable and other liabilities | 1,953 | (256) | |||||||||
| Income taxes | 104 | (81) | |||||||||
| Other, net | 165 | (46) | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 6,875 | 4,734 | |||||||||
| Investing activities | |||||||||||
| Purchases of investments | (16,708) | (17,310) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of investments | 8,739 | 12,832 | |||||||||
| Maturities, calls and redemptions from investments | 3,763 | 1,583 | |||||||||
| Changes in securities lending collateral | (668) | 139 | |||||||||
| Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | (1,973) | — | |||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | (743) | (726) | |||||||||
| Other, net | (39) | (33) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (7,629) | (3,515) | |||||||||
| Financing activities | |||||||||||
| Net repayments of commercial paper borrowings | (400) | (197) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from long-term borrowings | 2,485 | 2,473 | |||||||||
| Repayments of long-term borrowings | (964) | (923) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from short-term borrowings | 970 | 6,480 | |||||||||
| Repayments of short-term borrowings | (1,520) | (6,915) | |||||||||
| Changes in securities lending payable | 668 | (139) | |||||||||
| Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (1,342) | (1,396) | |||||||||
| Cash dividends | (720) | (616) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock plans | 112 | 137 | |||||||||
| Taxes paid through withholding of common stock under employee stock plans | (112) | (82) | |||||||||
| Other, net | 623 | 216 | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (200) | (962) | |||||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | 1 | (1) | |||||||||
| Change in cash and cash equivalents | (953) | 256 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 4,937 | 3,934 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 3,984 | $ | 4,190 | |||||||
See accompanying notes.
-5-
Anthem, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Number of Shares | Par Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 (audited) | 252.9 | $ | 3 | $ | 9,448 | $ | 22,573 | $ | (296) | $ | 31,728 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (Note 2) | — | — | — | (35) | — | (35) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 1, 2020 | 252.9 | 3 | 9,448 | 22,538 | (296) | 31,693 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 1,523 | — | 1,523 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | (712) | (712) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (1.9) | — | (71) | (458) | — | (529) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends and dividend equivalents | — | — | — | (243) | — | (243) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans, net of related tax benefits | 1.0 | — | 3 | — | — | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible debenture repurchases and conversions | — | — | (42) | — | — | (42) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2020 | 252.0 | 3 | 9,338 | 23,360 | (1,008) | 31,693 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 2,276 | — | 2,276 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | 754 | 754 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (0.2) | — | (9) | (46) | — | (55) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends and dividend equivalents | — | — | — | (244) | — | (244) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans, net of related tax benefits | 0.3 | — | 113 | — | — | 113 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible debenture repurchases and conversions | — | — | (82) | — | — | (82) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2020 | 252.1 | 3 | 9,360 | 25,346 | (254) | 34,455 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 222 | — | 222 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | 142 | 142 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (2.9) | — | (106) | (652) | — | (758) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends and dividend equivalents | — | — | — | (238) | — | (238) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans, net of related tax benefits | 0.2 | — | 98 | — | — | 98 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2020 | 249.4 | $ | 3 | $ | 9,352 | $ | 24,678 | $ | (112) | $ | 33,921 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes.
-6-
Anthem, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (continued) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Number of Shares | Par Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2018 (audited) | 257.4 | $ | 3 | $ | 9,536 | $ | 19,988 | $ | (986) | $ | 28,541 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 | — | — | — | 26 | — | 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 1, 2019 | 257.4 | 3 | 9,536 | 20,014 | (986) | 28,567 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 1,551 | — | 1,551 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | 363 | 363 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (1.1) | — | (71) | (223) | — | (294) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends and dividend equivalents | — | — | — | (206) | — | (206) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans, net of related tax benefits | 1.1 | — | 69 | — | — | 69 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible debenture repurchases and conversions | — | — | (52) | — | — | (52) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2019 | 257.4 | 3 | 9,482 | 21,136 | (623) | 29,998 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 1,139 | — | 1,139 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | 240 | 240 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (1.7) | — | (70) | (388) | — | (458) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends and dividend equivalents | — | — | — | (208) | — | (208) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans, net of related tax benefits | 0.2 | — | 91 | — | — | 91 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible debenture repurchases and conversions | — | — | (9) | — | — | (9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2019 | 255.9 | 3 | 9,494 | 21,679 | (383) | 30,793 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 1,183 | — | 1,183 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | 84 | 84 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (2.4) | — | (90) | (554) | — | (644) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends and dividend equivalents | — | — | — | (204) | — | (204) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans, net of related tax benefits | 0.3 | — | 120 | — | — | 120 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2019 | 253.8 | $ | 3 | $ | 9,524 | $ | 22,104 | $ | (299) | $ | 31,332 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes.
-7-
Anthem, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2020
(In Millions, Except Per Share Data or As Otherwise Stated Herein)
1. Organization
References to the terms “we,” “our,” “us” or “Anthem” used throughout these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements refer to Anthem, Inc., an Indiana corporation, and unless the context otherwise requires, its direct and indirect subsidiaries. References to the “states” include the District of Columbia, unless the context otherwise requires.
We are one of the largest health benefits companies in the United States in terms of medical membership, serving approximately 43 million medical members through our affiliated health plans as of September 30, 2020. We offer a broad spectrum of network-based managed care plans to Large Group, Small Group, Individual, Medicaid and Medicare markets. Our managed care plans include: Preferred Provider Organizations, or PPOs; Health Maintenance Organizations, or HMOs; Point-of-Service plans; traditional indemnity plans and other hybrid plans, including Consumer-Driven Health Plans; and hospital only and limited benefit products. In addition, we provide a broad array of managed care services to self-funded customers, including claims processing, stop loss insurance, actuarial services, provider network access, medical cost management, disease management, wellness programs and other administrative services. We provide an array of specialty and other insurance products and services such as pharmacy benefits management, or PBM, dental, vision, life and disability insurance benefits, radiology benefit management and analytics-driven personal healthcare. We also provide services to the federal government in connection with our Federal Health Products & Services business, which administers the Federal Employees Health Benefits, or FEHB, Program.
We are an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, or BCBSA, an association of independent health benefit plans. We serve our members as the Blue Cross licensee for California and as the Blue Cross and Blue Shield, or BCBS, licensee for Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area), Nevada, New Hampshire, New York (in the New York City metropolitan area and upstate New York), Ohio, Virginia (excluding the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.) and Wisconsin. In a majority of these service areas, we do business as Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield or Empire Blue Cross. We also conduct business through arrangements with other BCBS licensees as well as other strategic partners. Through our subsidiaries, we also serve customers in numerous states across the country as AIM Specialty Health, Amerigroup, Aspire Health, Beacon, CareMore, Freedom Health, HealthLink, HealthSun, Optimum HealthCare, Simply Healthcare, and/or Unicare. Also, in the second quarter of 2019, we began providing PBM services through our IngenioRx subsidiary. We are licensed to conduct insurance operations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through our subsidiaries.
2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. We have omitted certain footnote disclosures that would substantially duplicate the disclosures in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the information contained in those disclosures materially changed or is required by GAAP. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. For additional information on prior year reclassifications, see Note 16, “Segment Information.” In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 have been recorded. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2020, or any other period. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
-8-
Certain of our subsidiaries operate outside of the United States and have functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar, or USD. We translate the assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries to USD using the exchange rate in effect at the end of the period. We translate the revenues and expenses of those subsidiaries to USD using the average exchange rates in effect during the period. The net effect of these translation adjustments is included in “Foreign currency translation adjustments” in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: We control a number of bank accounts that are used exclusively to hold customer funds for the administration of customer benefits, and we have cash and cash equivalents on deposit to meet certain regulatory requirements. These amounts totaled $179 and $215 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and are included in the cash and cash equivalents line on our consolidated balance sheets.
Investments: Prior to 2020, our fixed maturities were evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment where credit-related impairments were presented within the other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in our consolidated statements of income with an adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis. Effective January 1, 2020, if a fixed maturity security is in an unrealized loss position and we have the intent to sell the fixed maturity security, or it is more likely than not that we will have to sell the fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, we write down the fixed maturity security’s cost basis to fair value and record an impairment loss in our consolidated statements of income. For impaired fixed maturity securities that we do not intend to sell or if it is more likely than not that we will not have to sell such securities, but we expect that we will not fully recover the amortized cost basis, we recognize the credit component of the impairment as an allowance for credit loss in our consolidated balance sheets and record an impairment loss in our consolidated statements of income. The non-credit component of the impairment is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Furthermore, unrealized losses entirely caused by non-credit-related factors related to fixed maturity securities for which we expect to fully recover the amortized cost basis continue to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
The credit component of an impairment is determined primarily by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security. The net present value is calculated by discounting our best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the fixed maturity security at the date of purchase. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, cash flow estimates are based on assumptions regarding the underlying collateral, including prepayment speeds, vintage, type of underlying asset, geographic concentrations, default rates, recoveries and changes in value. For all other securities, cash flow estimates are driven by assumptions regarding probability of default, including changes in credit ratings and estimates regarding timing and amount of recoveries associated with a default.
For asset-backed securities included in fixed maturity securities, we recognize income using an effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When estimates of prepayments change, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments. The net investment in the securities is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied since the purchase date of the securities. Such adjustments are reported within net investment income.
In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, guidance, the changes in fair value of our marketable equity securities are recognized in our results of operations within net realized gains and losses on financial instruments.
We have corporate-owned life insurance policies on certain participants in our deferred compensation plans and other members of management. The cash surrender value of the corporate-owned life insurance policies is reported under the caption “Other invested assets” in our consolidated balance sheets.
We use the equity method of accounting for investments in companies in which our ownership interest may enable us to influence the operating or financial decisions of the investee company. Our proportionate share of equity in net income of these unconsolidated affiliates is reported within net investment income. The equity method investments are reported under the caption “Other invested assets” in our consolidated balance sheets.
Investment income is recorded when earned. All securities sold resulting in investment gains and losses are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses are determined on the basis of the cost or amortized cost of the specific securities sold.
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We participate in securities lending programs whereby marketable securities in our investment portfolio are transferred to independent brokers or dealers in exchange for cash and securities collateral. Under FASB guidance related to accounting for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities, we recognize the collateral as an asset, which is reported under the caption “Other current assets” in our consolidated balance sheets, and we record a corresponding liability for the obligation to return the collateral to the borrower, which is reported under the caption “Other current liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets. The securities on loan are reported in the applicable investment category on our consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains or losses on securities lending collateral are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. The market value of loaned securities and that of the collateral pledged can fluctuate in non-synchronized fashions. To the extent the loaned securities’ value appreciates faster or depreciates slower than the value of the collateral pledged, we are exposed to the risk of the shortfall. As a primary mitigating mechanism, the loaned securities and collateral pledged are marked to market on a daily basis and the shortfall, if any, is collected accordingly. Secondarily, the collateral level is set at 102% of the value of the loaned securities, which provides a cushion before any shortfall arises. The investment of the cash collateral is subject to market risk, which is managed by limiting the investments to higher quality and shorter duration instruments.
Receivables: Receivables are reported net of amounts for expected credit losses. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical collection trends, future forecasts and our judgment regarding the ability to collect specific accounts.
Premium receivables include the uncollected amounts from insured groups, individuals and government programs. Premium receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $250 and $237 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Self-funded receivables include administrative fees, claims and other amounts due from self-funded customers. Self-funded receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $55 and $46 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Other receivables include pharmacy rebates, provider advances, claims recoveries, reinsurance receivables, proceeds due from brokers on investment trades, other government receivables and other miscellaneous amounts due to us. These receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $390 and $242 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Revenue Recognition: For our non-fully-insured contracts, we had no material contract assets, contract liabilities or deferred contract costs recorded on our consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2020. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods, such as due to changes in transaction price, was not material. For contracts that have an original expected duration of greater than one year, revenue expected to be recognized in future periods related to unfulfilled contractual performance obligations and contracts with variable consideration related to undelivered performance obligations is not material.
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance: In November 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. In May 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief. In April 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments. In November 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-19, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. These updates provide an option to irrevocably elect to measure certain individual financial assets at fair value instead of amortized cost and provide additional clarification and implementation guidance on certain aspects of the previously issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, or ASU 2016-13, and have the same effective date and transition requirements as ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 introduces a current expected credit loss model for measuring expected credit losses for certain types of financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss model for measuring expected credit losses, requires expected losses on available-for-sale debt securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses rather than as reductions in the amortized cost of the securities and provides for additional disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-13 requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on the balance sheet at the date of adoption and a prospective transition approach for debt securities for which an other-than-
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temporary impairment had been recognized before the adoption date. The effect of a prospective transition approach is to maintain the same amortized cost basis before and after the date of adoption. We adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, and recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of $35 to our opening retained earnings for credit related allowances on receivables. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated statements of income or cash flows.
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract, or ASU 2018-15. The amendments in ASU 2018-15 require implementation costs incurred by customers in cloud computing arrangements to be deferred and recognized over the term of the arrangement, if those costs would be capitalized by the customer in a software licensing arrangement under the internal-use software guidance. The amendments also require an entity to disclose the nature of its hosting arrangements and adhere to certain presentation requirements in its balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows. We adopted ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020 using a prospective approach for all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption, and the adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, or ASU 2018-13. The amendments in ASU 2018-13 eliminate, add, and modify certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for either the entirety of ASU 2018-13 or only the provisions that eliminate or modify disclosure requirements. We early adopted the provisions that eliminate and modify disclosure requirements, on a retrospective basis, effective in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We adopted the new disclosure requirements on January 1, 2020, on a prospective basis.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, or ASU 2017-04. This update removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test under current guidance, which required a hypothetical purchase price allocation. The new guidance requires an impairment charge to be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. We adopted ASU 2017-04 on January 1, 2020, and the adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted: In October 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-08, Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, or ASU 2020-08. The amendments clarify when an entity should assess whether a callable debt security is within the scope of accounting guidance, which impacts the amortization period for nonrefundable fees and other costs. ASU 2020-08 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the amendments are to be applied on a prospective basis as of the beginning of the period of adoption for existing or newly purchased callable debt securities. We are currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2020-08 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity, or ASU 2020-06. The amendments eliminate two of the three accounting models that require separate accounting for convertible features of debt securities, simplify the contract settlement assessment for equity classification, require the use of the if-converted method for all convertible instruments in the diluted earnings per share calculation and expand disclosure requirements. The amendments are effective for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The guidance can be applied on a full retrospective basis to all periods presented or a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings during the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2020-06 will have on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In March 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, or ASU 2020-04. ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, or another reference rate expected to
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be discontinued because of the reference rate reform. The provisions must be applied at a Topic, Subtopic, or Industry Subtopic level for all transactions other than derivatives, which may be applied at a hedging relationship level. The provisions within ASU 2020-04 are available until December 31, 2022, when the reference rate replacement activity is expected to have been completed. We are currently evaluating the provisions within ASU 2020-04.
In December 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, or ASU 2019-12. The amendments in ASU 2019-12 remove certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740. The amendments also clarify and amend existing guidance to improve consistent application. The amendments are effective for our annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The transition method (retrospective, modified retrospective, or prospective basis) related to the amendments depends on the applicable guidance, and all amendments for which there is no transition guidance specified are to be applied on a prospective basis. We are currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2019-12 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, or ASU 2018-14. The amendments in ASU 2018-14 eliminate, add, and modify certain disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The amendments are effective for our annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2018-14 will have on our disclosures.
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-12, Financial Services—Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts, or ASU 2018-12. The amendments in ASU 2018-12 make changes to a variety of areas to simplify or improve the existing recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure requirements for long-duration contracts issued by an insurance entity. The amendments require insurers to annually review the assumptions they make about their policyholders and update the liabilities for future policy benefits if the assumptions change. The amendments also simplify the amortization of deferred contract acquisition costs and add new disclosure requirements about the assumptions insurers use to measure their liabilities and how they may affect future cash flows. The amendments in ASU 2018-12 will be effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The amendments related to the liability for future policy benefits for traditional and limited-payment contracts and deferred acquisition costs are to be applied to contracts in force as of the beginning of the earliest period presented, with an option to apply such amendments retrospectively with a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the earliest period presented. The amendments for market risk benefits are to be applied retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2018-12 will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and related disclosures.
There were no other new accounting pronouncements that were issued or became effective since the issuance of our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K that had, or are expected to have, a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
3. Business Acquisition
Beacon Health Options, Inc.
On February 28, 2020, we completed our acquisition of Beacon Health Options, Inc., or Beacon, the largest independently held behavioral health organization in the country. At the time of acquisition, Beacon served more than thirty-four million individuals across all fifty states. This acquisition aligns with our strategy to diversify into health services and deliver both integrated solutions and care delivery models that personalize care for people with complex and chronic conditions.
In accordance with FASB accounting guidance for business combinations, the consideration transferred was allocated to the preliminary fair value of Beacon’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including identifiable intangible assets. The excess of the consideration transferred over the preliminary fair value of net assets acquired resulted in preliminary goodwill of $1,067 at September 30, 2020, all of which was allocated to our Other segment. Preliminary goodwill recognized from the
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acquisition of Beacon primarily relates to the future economic benefits arising from the assets acquired and is consistent with our stated intentions and strategy. As of September 30, 2020, the initial accounting for the acquisition has not been finalized. Any additional payments or receipts of cash resulting from contractual purchase price adjustments or any subsequent adjustments made to the assets acquired or liabilities assumed during the measurement period will continue to be recorded as an adjustment to goodwill.
The preliminary fair value of the net assets acquired from Beacon includes $752 of other intangible assets at September 30, 2020, which primarily consist of finite-lived customer relationships with amortization periods ranging from 9 to 21 years. The results of operations of Beacon are included in our consolidated financial statements within our Other segment for the period following February 28, 2020. The pro forma effects of this acquisition for prior periods were not material to our consolidated results of operations.
4. Business Optimization Initiatives
During the third quarter of 2020, management introduced enterprise-wide initiatives to optimize our business and, as a result, we recorded a charge of $607 in selling, general and administrative expenses. We believe these initiatives represent the next step forward in our progression towards becoming a more agile organization, including process automation and a reduction in our office space footprint. This charge includes $224 for impairment and abandonment of operating-lease related right-of-use assets, $195 for impairment and abandonment of property and equipment and $188 for future payments for employee termination costs in connection with the repositioning and reskilling of our workforce and contract exit costs. We expect most of the employee termination and contract exit costs to be paid by the end of 2021.
The charges recognized in the Commercial & Specialty Business, Government Business, IngenioRx and Other segments (see Note 16, “Segment Information”) in the third quarter of 2020, were $299, $183, $3 and $122, respectively.
5. Investments
Fixed Maturity Securities
We evaluate our available-for-sale fixed maturity securities for declines based on qualitative and quantitative factors. We have established an allowance for credit loss and recorded credit loss expense as a reflection of our expected impairment losses. We continue to review our investment portfolios under our impairment review policy. Given the inherent uncertainty of changes in market conditions and the significant judgments involved, there is a continuing risk that declines in fair value may occur and additional material impairment losses on investments may be recorded in future periods.
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A summary of current and long-term fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows:
| Cost or Amortized Cost | Non-Credit Component of Impairment Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Allowance For Credit Losses | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less than 12 Months | 12 Months or Greater | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
United States Government securities | $ | 802 | $ | 17 | $ | (6) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 813 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government sponsored securities | 75 | 6 | — | — | — | 81 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign government securities | 296 | 10 | (13) | — | (1) | 292 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
States, municipalities and political subdivisions | 5,042 | 339 | (18) | — | — | 5,363 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | 10,140 | 579 | (114) | (23) | (11) | 10,571 | (10) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 4,075 | 151 | (48) | (10) | — | 4,168 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 76 | 3 | (1) | (3) | — | 75 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other securities | 1,891 | 31 | (14) | (6) | — | 1,902 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed maturity securities | $ | 22,397 | $ | 1,136 | $ | (214) | $ | (42) | $ | (12) | $ | 23,265 | $ | (11) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
United States Government securities | $ | 524 | $ | 4 | $ | (3) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 525 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government sponsored securities | 136 | 5 | — | — | — | 141 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
States, municipalities and political subdivisions | 4,592 | 262 | (3) | — | — | 4,851 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | 8,870 | 339 | (9) | (15) | — | 9,185 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 3,654 | 87 | (6) | (3) | — | 3,732 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 84 | 2 | — | — | — | 86 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other securities | 1,648 | 21 | (3) | (5) | — | 1,661 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed maturity securities | $ | 19,508 | $ | 720 | $ | (24) | $ | (23) | $ | — | $ | 20,181 | $ | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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For fixed maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the following table summarizes the aggregate fair values and gross unrealized losses by length of time those securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position:
| Less than 12 Months | 12 Months or Greater | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Securities are whole amounts) | Number of Securities | Estimated Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss | Number of Securities | Estimated Fair Value | Gross Unrealized Loss | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government securities | 17 | $ | 377 | $ | (6) | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government sponsored securities | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign government securities | 191 | 141 | (13) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
States, municipalities and political subdivisions | 283 | 512 | (18) | 1 | 3 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | 1,481 | 2,140 | (114) | 146 | 171 | (23) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 407 | 976 | (48) | 82 | 108 | (10) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 6 | 17 | (1) | 3 | 4 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other securities | 302 | 763 | (14) | 75 | 185 | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed maturity securities | 2,688 | $ | 4,927 | $ | (214) | 308 | $ | 471 | $ | (42) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
United States Government securities | 27 | $ | 250 | $ | (3) | 2 | $ | 1 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Government sponsored securities | 14 | 12 | — | 3 | 1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
States, municipalities and political subdivisions | 114 | 306 | (3) | 14 | 11 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate securities | 386 | 558 | (9) | 224 | 286 | (15) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 321 | 635 | (6) | 189 | 237 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 1 | 3 | — | 4 | 8 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other securities | 166 | 415 | (3) | 113 | 358 | (5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed maturity securities | 1,029 | $ | 2,179 | $ | (24) | 549 | $ | 902 | $ | (23) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Below are discussions by security type for unrealized losses and credit losses as of September 30, 2020:
Foreign government securities: An allowance for credit loss was established on foreign government security holdings of the Republic of Ecuador. Notification of the request for delayed interest payments, a ratings downgrade and a significant decline in the fair value were factors indicating a credit loss. No other foreign government securities had material unrealized losses or qualitative factors to indicate a credit loss. We do not intend to sell these investments and it is likely we will not be required to sell these investments prior to maturity or recovery of amortized cost.
Corporate securities: An allowance for credit losses on certain retail, travel and entertainment as well as energy sector fixed maturity corporate securities has been determined based on qualitative and quantitative factors including credit rating, decline in fair value and industry condition along with other available market data. With multiple risk factors present, these securities were reviewed for expected future cash flow to determine the portion of unrealized losses that were credit related and to record an allowance for credit losses. Unrealized losses on our other corporate securities were largely due to market conditions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, qualitative factors did not indicate a credit loss as of September 30, 2020. We do not intend to sell these investments and it is likely we will not have to sell these investments prior to maturity or recovery of amortized cost.
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As for the remaining securities shown in the table above, unrealized losses on these securities have not been recognized into income because we do not intend to sell these investments and it is likely that we will not be required to sell these investments prior to their anticipated recovery. The decline in fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates and other market conditions. We have evaluated these securities for any change in credit rating and have determined that no allowance is necessary. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach maturity.
The table below presents a roll-forward by major security type of the allowance for credit losses on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale held at period end for the three months ended September 30, 2020:
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Corporate Securities | Foreign Government Securities | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 23 | $ | 1 | $ | 24 | |||||||||||||||||
| Additions for securities for which no previous expected credit losses were recognized | 1 | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities sold during the period | (5) | — | (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Decreases to the allowance for credit losses on securities | (8) | — | (8) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total allowance for credit losses | $ | 11 | $ | 1 | $ | 12 | |||||||||||||||||
The table below presents a roll-forward by major security type of the allowance for credit losses on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale held at period end for the nine months ended September 30, 2020:
| Nine Months Ended September 30 | Corporate Securities | Foreign Government Securities | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Additions for securities for which no previous expected credit losses were recognized | 61 | 1 | 62 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities sold during the period | (13) | — | (13) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Decreases to the allowance for credit losses on securities | (37) | — | (37) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total allowance for credit losses | $ | 11 | $ | 1 | $ | 12 | |||||||||||||||||
The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2020, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations.
| Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||
| Due in one year or less | $ | 772 | $ | 780 | |||||||
| Due after one year through five years | 5,813 | 6,023 | |||||||||
| Due after five years through ten years | 6,741 | 7,023 | |||||||||
| Due after ten years | 4,920 | 5,196 | |||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 4,151 | 4,243 | |||||||||
| Total fixed maturity securities | $ | 22,397 | $ | 23,265 | |||||||
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Proceeds from sales, maturities, calls or redemptions of fixed maturity securities and the related gross realized gains and gross realized losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds | $ | 4,597 | $ | 2,048 | $ | 9,146 | $ | 5,502 | |||||||||||||||
| Gross realized gains | 51 | 26 | 131 | 66 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross realized losses | (14) | (9) | (84) | (43) | |||||||||||||||||||
In the ordinary course of business, we may sell securities at a loss for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to: (i) changes in the investment environment; (ii) expectation that the fair value could deteriorate further; (iii) desire to reduce exposure to an issuer or an industry; (iv) changes in credit quality; or (v) changes in expected cash flow.
All securities sold resulting in investment gains and losses are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses are determined on the basis of the cost or amortized cost of the specific securities sold.
Equity Securities
A summary of marketable equity securities at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows:
| September 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||
| Equity securities: | |||||||||||
| Exchange traded funds | $ | 2,646 | $ | 44 | |||||||
| Fixed maturity mutual funds | 143 | 643 | |||||||||
| Common equity securities | 225 | 237 | |||||||||
| Private equity securities | 61 | 85 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,075 | $ | 1,009 | |||||||
The gains and losses related to equity securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities | $ | 188 | $ | (16) | $ | 183 | $ | 75 | |||||||||||||||
| Less: Net realized gains recognized on equity securities sold during the period | (15) | (6) | (20) | (55) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) recognized on equity securities still held at September 30 | $ | 173 | $ | (22) | $ | 163 | $ | 20 | |||||||||||||||
Other Invested Assets
Other invested assets include primarily our investments in limited partnerships, joint ventures and other non-controlled corporations, as well as the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies. Investments in limited partnerships, joint ventures and other non-controlled corporations are carried at our share in the entities’ undistributed earnings, which approximates fair value. Financial information for certain of these investments are reported on a one or three month lag due to the timing of when we receive financial information from the companies. Given the recent market volatility, there is a risk that the value of some of these investments may decline in future periods.
Investment Income
At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, accrued investment income totaled $184 and $173, respectively. We recognize accrued investment income under the caption “Other receivables” on our consolidated balance sheets.
-17-
Securities Lending Programs
We participate in securities lending programs whereby marketable securities in our investment portfolio are transferred to independent brokers or dealers in exchange for cash and securities collateral. The fair value of the collateral received at the time of the transactions amounted to $1,019 and $351 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The value of the collateral represented 102% and 103% of the market value of the securities on loan at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. We recognize the collateral as an asset under the caption “Other current assets” in our consolidated balance sheets, and we recognize a corresponding liability for the obligation to return the collateral to the borrower under the caption “Other current liabilities.” The securities on loan are reported in the applicable investment category on our consolidated balance sheets.
The remaining contractual maturity of our securities lending agreements at September 30, 2020 is as follows:
| Overnight and Continuous | |||||
| Securities lending collateral | |||||
| Cash | $ | 898 | |||
| United States Government securities | 121 | ||||
| Total | $ | 1,019 | |||
6. Derivative Financial Instruments
We primarily invest in the following types of derivative financial instruments: interest rate swaps, futures, forward contracts, put and call options, swaptions, embedded derivatives and warrants. We also enter into master netting agreements, which reduce credit risk by permitting net settlement of transactions.
We have entered into various interest rate swap contracts to convert a portion of our interest rate exposure on our long-term debt from fixed rates to floating rates. The floating rates payable on all of our fair value hedges are benchmarked to LIBOR. Any amounts recognized for changes in fair value of these derivatives are included in the captions “Other current or noncurrent assets” or “Other current or noncurrent liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets.
Prior to 2020, we entered into a series of forward starting pay fixed interest rate swaps with the objective of reducing the variability of cash flows in the interest payments on anticipated future financings. The unrecognized loss for all expired and terminated cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, was $252 and $262 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
For additional information relating to the fair value of our derivative assets and liabilities, see Note 7, “Fair Value,” of this Form 10-Q.
7. Fair Value
Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Level inputs, as defined by FASB guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures, are as follows:
| Level Input | Input Definition | |||||||
| Level I | Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date. | |||||||
| Level II | Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level I that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with market data at the measurement date. | |||||||
| Level III | Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. | |||||||
-18-
The following methods, assumptions and inputs were used to determine the fair value of each class of the following assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets:
Cash equivalents: Cash equivalents primarily consist of highly rated money market funds with maturities of three months or less and are purchased daily at par value with specified yield rates. Due to the high ratings and short-term nature of the funds, we designate all cash equivalents as Level I.
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: Fair values of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. These fair values are obtained primarily from third-party pricing services, which generally use Level I or Level II inputs for the determination of fair value to facilitate fair value measurements and disclosures. Level II securities primarily include corporate securities, securities from states, municipalities and political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities, United States Government securities, foreign government securities, and certain other asset-backed securities. For securities not actively traded, the pricing services may use quoted market prices of comparable instruments or discounted cash flow analyses, incorporating inputs that are currently observable in the markets for similar securities. We have controls in place to review the pricing services’ qualifications and procedures used to determine fair values. In addition, we periodically review the pricing services’ pricing methodologies, data sources and pricing inputs to ensure the fair values obtained are reasonable. Inputs that are often used in the valuation methodologies include, but are not limited to, broker quotes, benchmark yields, credit spreads, default rates and prepayment speeds. We also have certain fixed maturity securities, primarily corporate debt securities, which are designated Level III securities. For these securities, the valuation methodologies may incorporate broker quotes or discounted cash flow analyses using assumptions for inputs such as expected cash flows, benchmark yields, credit spreads, default rates and prepayment speeds that are not observable in the markets.
Equity securities: Fair values of equity securities are generally designated as Level I and are based on quoted market prices. For certain equity securities, quoted market prices for the identical security are not always available, and the fair value is estimated by reference to similar securities for which quoted prices are available. These securities are designated Level II. We also have certain equity securities, including private equity securities, for which the fair value is estimated based on each security’s current condition and future cash flow projections. Such securities are designated Level III. The fair values of these private equity securities are generally based on either broker quotes or discounted cash flow projections using assumptions for inputs such as the weighted-average cost of capital, long-term revenue growth rates and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and/or revenue multiples that are not observable in the markets.
Securities lending collateral: Fair values of securities lending collateral are based on quoted market prices, where available. These fair values are obtained primarily from third-party pricing services, which generally use Level I or Level II inputs for the determination of fair value, to facilitate fair value measurements and disclosures.
Derivatives: Fair values are based on the quoted market prices by the financial institution that is the counterparty to the derivative transaction. We independently verify prices provided by the counterparties using valuation models that incorporate observable market inputs for similar derivative transactions. Derivatives are designated as Level II securities. Derivatives presented within the fair value hierarchy table below are presented on a gross basis and not on a master netting basis by counterparty.
-19-
A summary of fair value measurements by level for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows:
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents | $ | 1,764 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,764 | |||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government securities | — | 813 | — | 813 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Government sponsored securities | — | 81 | — | 81 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign government securities | — | 292 | — | 292 | |||||||||||||||||||
| States, municipalities and political subdivisions, tax-exempt | — | 5,363 | — | 5,363 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | — | 10,258 | 313 | 10,571 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | — | 4,166 | 2 | 4,168 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | — | 75 | — | 75 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other securities | — | 1,897 | 5 | 1,902 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | — | 22,945 | 320 | 23,265 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange traded funds | 2,646 | — | — | 2,646 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity mutual funds | — | 143 | — | 143 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Common equity securities | 197 | 28 | — | 225 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Private equity securities | — | — | 61 | 61 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity securities | 2,843 | 171 | 61 | 3,075 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Securities lending collateral | — | 1,019 | — | 1,019 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | — | 40 | — | 40 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 4,607 | $ | 24,175 | $ | 381 | $ | 29,163 | |||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives | $ | — | $ | (1) | $ | — | $ | (1) | |||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | $ | — | $ | (1) | $ | — | $ | (1) | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents | $ | 2,015 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,015 | |||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States Government securities | — | 525 | — | 525 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Government sponsored securities | — | 141 | — | 141 | |||||||||||||||||||
| States, municipalities and political subdivisions, tax-exempt | — | 4,851 | — | 4,851 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | — | 8,882 | 303 | 9,185 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | — | 3,730 | 2 | 3,732 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial mortgage-backed securities | — | 86 | — | 86 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other securities | — | 1,654 | 7 | 1,661 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale | — | 19,869 | 312 | 20,181 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange traded funds | 44 | — | — | 44 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity mutual funds | — | 643 | — | 643 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Common equity securities | 206 | 31 | — | 237 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Private equity securities | — | — | 85 | 85 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity securities | 250 | 674 | 85 | 1,009 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Securities lending collateral | — | 353 | — | 353 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Derivatives | — | 23 | — | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 2,265 | $ | 20,919 | $ | 397 | $ | 23,581 | |||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives | $ | — | $ | (1) | $ | — | $ | (1) | |||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | $ | — | $ | (1) | $ | — | $ | (1) | |||||||||||||||
-20-
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level III inputs for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
| Corporate Securities | Residential Mortgage- backed Securities | Other Securities | Equity Securities | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance at July 1, 2020 | $ | 314 | $ | 2 | $ | 5 | $ | 62 | $ | 383 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total (losses) gains: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recognized in net income | (1) | — | — | (3) | (4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss | 14 | — | — | — | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases | 5 | — | — | 2 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | (5) | — | — | — | (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlements | (14) | — | — | — | (14) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ending balance at September 30, 2020 | $ | 313 | $ | 2 | $ | 5 | $ | 61 | $ | 381 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Change in unrealized losses included in net income related to assets still held at September 30, 2020 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (3) | $ | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance at July 1, 2019 | $ | 297 | $ | 3 | $ | 11 | $ | 305 | $ | 616 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total (losses) gains: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recognized in net income | (3) | — | — | (5) | (8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss | 12 | — | — | — | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases | 28 | — | — | 25 | 53 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | (9) | — | — | (19) | (28) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlements | (18) | — | — | — | (18) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfers into Level III | 4 | — | — | — | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ending balance at September 30, 2019 | $ | 311 | $ | 3 | $ | 11 | $ | 306 | $ | 631 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Change in unrealized losses included in net income related to assets still held at September 30, 2019 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (4) | $ | (4) | |||||||||||||||||||
-21-
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level III inputs for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
| Corporate Securities | Residential Mortgage- backed Securities | Other Securities | Equity Securities | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance at January 1, 2020 | $ | 303 | $ | 2 | $ | 7 | $ | 85 | $ | 397 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total losses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recognized in net income | (2) | — | — | (19) | (21) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss | (3) | — | — | — | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases | 44 | — | — | 17 | 61 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | (9) | — | — | (22) | (31) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlements | (33) | — | (2) | — | (35) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfers into Level III | 13 | — | — | — | 13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ending balance at September 30, 2020 | $ | 313 | $ | 2 | $ | 5 | $ | 61 | $ | 381 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Change in unrealized losses included in net income related to assets still held at September 30, 2020 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (20) | $ | (20) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance at January 1, 2019 | $ | 287 | $ | 6 | $ | 17 | $ | 313 | $ | 623 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total (losses) gains: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recognized in net income | (7) | — | — | (5) | (12) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss | 14 | — | — | — | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases | 91 | — | 2 | 46 | 139 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales | (11) | — | — | (48) | (59) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlements | (58) | (1) | (2) | — | (61) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfers into Level III | 4 | — | 3 | — | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfers out of Level III | (9) | (2) | (9) | — | (20) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ending balance at September 30, 2019 | $ | 311 | $ | 3 | $ | 11 | $ | 306 | $ | 631 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Change in unrealized losses included in net income related to assets still held at September 30, 2019 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (4) | $ | (4) | |||||||||||||||||||
There were no individually material transfers into or out of Level III during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 or 2019.
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances. As disclosed in Note 3, “Business Acquisitions,” we completed our acquisition of Beacon on February 28, 2020. The preliminary values of net assets acquired in our acquisition of Beacon and resulting goodwill and other intangible assets were recorded at fair value primarily using Level III inputs. The majority of Beacon’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their carrying values as of the respective date of acquisition, as their carrying values approximated their fair values due to their short-term nature. The preliminary fair values of goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in our acquisition of Beacon were internally estimated based on the income approach. The income approach estimates fair value based on the present value of the cash flows that the assets could be expected to generate in the future. We developed internal estimates for the expected cash flows and discount rate in the present value calculation. Other than the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in our acquisition of Beacon described above, there were no material assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 or 2019.
-22-
Our valuation policy is determined by members of our treasury and accounting departments. Whenever possible, our policy is to obtain quoted market prices in active markets to estimate fair values for recognition and disclosure purposes. Where quoted market prices in active markets are not available, fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, broker quotes, unobservable inputs or other valuation techniques. These techniques are significantly affected by our assumptions, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. The use of assumptions for unobservable inputs for the determination of fair value involves a level of judgment and uncertainty. Changes in assumptions that reasonably could have been different at the reporting date may result in a higher or lower determination of fair value. Changes in fair value measurements, if significant, may affect performance of cash flows.
Potential taxes and other transaction costs are not considered in estimating fair values. Our valuation policy is generally to obtain quoted prices for each security from third-party pricing services, which are derived through recently reported trades for identical or similar securities making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable information. As we are responsible for the determination of fair value, we perform analysis on the prices received from the pricing services to determine whether the prices are reasonable estimates of fair value. This analysis is performed by our internal treasury personnel who are familiar with our investment portfolios, the pricing services engaged and the valuation techniques and inputs used. Our analysis includes procedures such as a review of month-to-month price fluctuations and price comparisons to secondary pricing services. There were no adjustments to quoted market prices obtained from the pricing services during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 or 2019.
In addition to the preceding disclosures on assets recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, FASB guidance also requires the disclosure of fair values for certain other financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value, whether or not such values are recognized in our consolidated balance sheets.
Non-financial instruments such as real estate, property and equipment, other current or noncurrent assets, deferred income taxes, intangible assets and certain financial instruments, such as policy liabilities, are excluded from the fair value disclosures. Therefore, the fair value amounts cannot be aggregated to determine our underlying economic value.
The carrying amounts for cash, accrued investment income, premium receivables, self-funded receivables, other receivables, income taxes receivable/payable, unearned income, accounts payable and accrued expenses, security trades pending payable, securities lending payable and certain other current liabilities approximate fair value because of the short term nature of these items. These assets and liabilities are not listed in the table below.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument that is recorded at its carrying value in our consolidated balance sheets:
Other invested assets: Other invested assets include primarily our investments in limited partnerships, joint ventures and other non-controlled corporations, as well as the cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies. Investments in limited partnerships, joint ventures and other non-controlled corporations are carried at our share in the entities’ undistributed earnings, which approximates fair value. The carrying value of corporate-owned life insurance policies represents the cash surrender value as reported by the respective insurer, which approximates fair value.
Short-term borrowings: The fair value of our short-term borrowings is based on quoted market prices for the same or similar debt, or, if no quoted market prices were available, on the current market interest rates estimated to be available to us for debt of similar terms and remaining maturities.
Long-term debt – commercial paper: The carrying amount for commercial paper approximates fair value, as the underlying instruments have variable interest rates at market value.
Long-term debt – senior unsecured notes and surplus notes: The fair values of our notes are based on quoted market prices in active markets for the same or similar debt, or, if no quoted market prices are available, on the current market observable rates estimated to be available to us for debt of similar terms and remaining maturities.
Long-term debt – convertible debentures: The fair value of our convertible debentures is based on the quoted market price in the active private market in which the convertible debentures trade.
-23-
A summary of the estimated fair values by level of each class of financial instrument that is recorded at its carrying value on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is as follows:
| Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Level I | Level II | Level III | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other invested assets | $ | 4,170 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 4,170 | $ | 4,170 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | 150 | — | 150 | — | 150 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes | 20,574 | — | 23,714 | — | 23,714 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible debentures | 119 | — | 656 | — | 656 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other invested assets | $ | 4,258 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 4,258 | $ | 4,258 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | 700 | — | 700 | — | 700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial paper | 400 | — | 400 | — | 400 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes | 18,840 | — | 20,470 | — | 20,470 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible debentures | 145 | — | 904 | — | 904 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
8. Income Taxes
During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we recognized income tax expense of $167 and $306, respectively, which represent effective income tax rates of 42.9% and 20.6%, respectively. The increase in our effective income tax rate was primarily due to the reinstatement of the non-tax deductible Health Insurance Provider Fee, or HIP Fee, for 2020, applied to our quarterly results, which include the impact of expenses recognized during the three months ended September 2020, for our initiatives disclosed in Note 4. “Business Optimization Initiatives” and the litigation settlement accrual described in Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies - Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings – Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation”.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we recognized income tax expense of $1,606 and $1,014, respectively, which represent effective income tax rates of 28.5% and 20.7%, respectively. The increase in our effective income tax rate was primarily due to the reinstatement of the non-tax deductible HIP Fee for 2020.
Income taxes receivable totaled $230 and $335 at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. We recognize the income tax receivable as an asset under the caption “Other current assets” in our consolidated balance sheets.
-24-
9. Retirement Benefits
The components of net periodic benefit credit included in our consolidated statements of income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
| Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Three Months Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | 12 | 15 | 3 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on assets | (35) | (35) | (6) | (6) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Recognized actuarial loss | 6 | 5 | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement loss | 6 | 4 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service credit | — | — | (2) | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net periodic benefit credit | $ | (11) | $ | (11) | $ | (5) | $ | (4) | |||||||||||||||
The components of net periodic benefit credit included in our consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
| Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | 37 | 47 | 8 | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on assets | (104) | (104) | (18) | (17) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Recognized actuarial loss | 18 | 13 | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement loss | 21 | 8 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service credit | — | — | (6) | (9) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net periodic benefit credit | $ | (28) | $ | (36) | $ | (16) | $ | (12) | |||||||||||||||
For the year ending December 31, 2020, no material contributions are expected to be necessary to meet the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or ERISA, required funding levels; however, we may elect to make discretionary contributions up to the maximum amount deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions of $3 and $0 were made to our retirement benefit plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.
-25-
10. Medical Claims Payable
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for medical claims payable, by segment (see Note 16, “Segment Information”), for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is as follows:
| Commercial & Specialty Business | Government Business | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross medical claims payable, beginning of period | $ | 3,039 | $ | 5,608 | $ | — | $ | 8,647 | |||||||||||||||
| Ceded medical claims payable, beginning of period | (14) | (19) | — | (33) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net medical claims payable, beginning of period | 3,025 | 5,589 | — | 8,614 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Business combinations and purchase adjustments | — | 141 | 198 | 339 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net incurred medical claims: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current period | 17,964 | 43,135 | 878 | 61,977 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Prior periods redundancies | (379) | (321) | — | (700) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total net incurred medical claims | 17,585 | 42,814 | 878 | 61,277 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net payments attributable to: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current period medical claims | 15,319 | 36,680 | 880 | 52,879 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Prior periods medical claims | 2,426 | 5,063 | — | 7,489 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total net payments | 17,745 | 41,743 | 880 | 60,368 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net medical claims payable, end of period | 2,865 | 6,801 | 196 | 9,862 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Ceded medical claims payable, end of period | 102 | 27 | — | 129 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross medical claims payable, end of period | $ | 2,967 | $ | 6,828 | $ | 196 | $ | 9,991 | |||||||||||||||
Activity in the Other segment resulted from our acquisition of Beacon.
At September 30, 2020, the total of net incurred but not reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims for the Commercial & Specialty Business was $30, $189 and $2,646 for the claim years 2018 and prior, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
At September 30, 2020, the total of net incurred but not reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims for the Government Business was $42, $163 and $6,596 for the claim years 2018 and prior, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
At September 30, 2020, the total of net incurred but not reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims for Other was $0, $0 and $196 for the claim years 2018 and prior, 2019 and 2020, respectively.
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A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for medical claims payable, by segment (see Note 16, “Segment Information”), for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is as follows:
| Commercial & Specialty Business | Government Business | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross medical claims payable, beginning of period | $ | 2,586 | $ | 4,680 | $ | — | $ | 7,266 | |||||||||||||||
| Ceded medical claims payable, beginning of period | (10) | (24) | — | (34) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net medical claims payable, beginning of period | 2,576 | 4,656 | — | 7,232 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net incurred medical claims: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current period | 18,986 | 39,171 | — | 58,157 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Prior periods redundancies | (162) | (275) | — | (437) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total net incurred medical claims | 18,824 | 38,896 | — | 57,720 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net payments attributable to: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current period medical claims | 16,277 | 33,474 | — | 49,751 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Prior periods medical claims | 2,213 | 4,253 | — | 6,466 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total net payments | 18,490 | 37,727 | — | 56,217 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net medical claims payable, end of period | 2,910 | 5,825 | — | 8,735 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Ceded medical claims payable, end of period | 8 | 27 | — | 35 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross medical claims payable, end of period | $ | 2,918 | $ | 5,852 | $ | — | $ | 8,770 | |||||||||||||||
The reconciliation of net incurred medical claims to benefit expense included in our consolidated statements of income for periods in 2020 are as follows:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2020 | June 30, 2020 | September 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net incurred medical claims: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Specialty Business | $ | 5,797 | $ | 5,147 | $ | 6,641 | $ | 17,585 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Government Business | 14,603 | 13,233 | 14,978 | 42,814 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 130 | 368 | $ | 380 | 878 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net incurred medical claims | 20,530 | 18,748 | 21,999 | 61,277 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quality improvement and other claims expense | 959 | 799 | 922 | 2,680 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit expense | $ | 21,489 | $ | 19,547 | $ | 22,921 | $ | 63,957 | ||||||||||||||||||
The reconciliation of net incurred medical claims to benefit expense included in our consolidated statements of income for periods in 2019 are as follows:
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2019 | June 30, 2019 | September 30, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net incurred medical claims: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Specialty Business | $ | 5,856 | $ | 6,422 | $ | 6,546 | $ | 18,824 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Government Business | 12,483 | 13,062 | 13,351 | 38,896 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net incurred medical claims | 18,339 | 19,484 | 19,897 | 57,720 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quality improvement and other claims expense | 943 | 884 | 856 | 2,683 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit expense | $ | 19,282 | $ | 20,368 | $ | 20,753 | $ | 60,403 | ||||||||||||||||||
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The reconciliation of the medical claims payable reflected in the tables above to the consolidated ending balance for medical claims payable included in the consolidated balance sheet, as of September 30, 2020, is as follows:
| Commercial & Specialty Business | Government Business | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net medical claims payable, end of period | $ | 2,865 | $ | 6,801 | $ | 196 | $ | 9,862 | |||||||||||||||
| Ceded medical claims payable, end of period | 102 | 27 | — | 129 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Insurance lines other than short duration | — | 261 | — | 261 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross medical claims payable, end of period | $ | 2,967 | $ | 7,089 | $ | 196 | $ | 10,252 | |||||||||||||||
11. Debt
We generally issue senior unsecured notes for long-term borrowing purposes. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had $20,549 and $18,815, respectively, outstanding under these notes.
We have an unsecured surplus note with an outstanding principal balance of $25 at both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
On August 17, 2020, we repaid, at maturity, the $700 outstanding balance of our 4.350% senior unsecured notes.
Additionally, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we repurchased $79 of outstanding principal amount of certain other senior unsecured notes, plus applicable premium for early redemption plus accrued and unpaid interest, for cash totaling $109. We recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $30 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 for the repurchase of these notes.
On May 5, 2020, we issued $400 aggregate principal amount of additional senior notes pursuant to a reopening of our existing 2.375% Notes due 2025, or the 2025 Notes, $1,100 aggregate principal amount of 2.250% Notes due 2030, or the 2030 Notes, and $1,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.125% Notes due 2050, or the 2050 Notes, under our shelf registration statement. The 2025 Notes constitute an additional issuance of our 2.375% notes due 2025, of which $850 aggregate principal amount was issued on September 9, 2019. Interest on the 2025 Notes is deemed to have accrued from January 15, 2020 and is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, commencing July 15, 2020. Interest on the 2030 Notes and 2050 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing November 15, 2020. The proceeds were used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, repayment of short-term and long-term debt, repurchase of our common stock pursuant to our share repurchase program and to fund acquisitions.
We have a senior revolving credit facility, or the 5-Year Facility, with a group of lenders for general corporate purposes. The 5-Year Facility provides credit up to $2,500 and matures in June 2024. We also have a 364-day senior revolving credit facility, or 364-Day Facility, with a group of lenders for general corporate purposes, which provides for credit in the amount of $1,000. In May 2020, we amended and extended the 364-Day Facility, which now matures in June 2021. Our ability to borrow under these credit facilities is subject to compliance with certain covenants, including covenants requiring us to maintain a defined debt-to-capital ratio of not more than 60%, subject to increase in certain circumstances set forth in the applicable credit agreement. As of September 30, 2020, our debt-to-capital ratio, as defined and calculated under the credit facilities, was 38.1%. We do not believe the restrictions contained in any of our credit facility covenants materially affect our financial or operating flexibility. As of September 30, 2020, we were in compliance with all of the debt covenants under these credit facilities. There were no amounts outstanding under the 364-Day Facility at any time during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 or the year ended December 31, 2019. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, there were no amounts outstanding under our 5-Year Facility.
Through certain subsidiaries, we have entered into multiple 364-day lines of credit, or the Subsidiary Credit Facilities, with separate lenders for general corporate purposes. The Subsidiary Credit Facilities provide combined credit of up to $400. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, $0 and $50, respectively, were outstanding under our Subsidiary Credit Facilities.
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We have an authorized commercial paper program of up to $3,500, the proceeds of which may be used for general corporate purposes. At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had $0 and $400, respectively, outstanding under this program.
We have outstanding senior unsecured convertible debentures due 2042, or the Debentures, which are governed by an indenture between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, or the indenture. We have accounted for the Debentures in accordance with the FASB cash conversion guidance for debt with conversion and other options. As a result, the value of the embedded conversion option (net of deferred taxes and equity issuance costs) has been bifurcated from its debt host and recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital in our consolidated balance sheets. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, $0 and $40, respectively, of aggregate principal amount of the Debentures were surrendered for conversion by certain holders in accordance with the terms and provisions of the indenture. We elected to settle the excess of the principal amount of the conversions with cash for total payments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 of $0 and $155, respectively. We recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt related to the Debentures of $0 and $4, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, based on the fair values of the debt on the conversion settlement dates.
The following table summarizes at September 30, 2020 the related balances, conversion rate and conversion price of the Debentures:
| Outstanding principal amount | $ | 175 | |||
| Unamortized debt discount | $ | 54 | |||
| Net debt carrying amount | $ | 119 | |||
| Equity component carrying amount | $ | 63 | |||
| Conversion rate (shares of common stock per $1,000 of principal amount) | 14.0519 | ||||
| Effective conversion price (per $1,000 of principal amount) | $ | 71.1648 | |||
We are a member, through certain subsidiaries, of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta and the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, or collectively, the FHLBs. As a member, we have the ability to obtain short-term cash advances, subject to certain minimum collateral requirements. We had $150 and $650 in outstanding short-term borrowings from the FHLBs at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, with fixed interest rates of 0.200% and 1.664%, respectively.
All debt is a direct obligation of Anthem, Inc., except for the surplus note, the FHLB borrowings, and the Subsidiary Credit Facilities.
12. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, we are defendants in, or parties to, a number of pending or threatened legal actions or proceedings. To the extent a plaintiff or plaintiffs in the following cases have specified in their complaint or in other court filings the amount of damages being sought, we have noted those alleged damages in the descriptions below. With respect to the cases described below, we contest liability and/or the amount of damages in each matter and believe we have meritorious defenses.
Where available information indicates that it is probable that a loss has been incurred as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and we can reasonably estimate the amount of that loss, we accrue the estimated loss by a charge to income. In many proceedings, however, it is difficult to determine whether any loss is probable or reasonably possible. In addition, even where loss is possible or an exposure to loss exists in excess of the liability already accrued with respect to a previously identified loss contingency, it is not always possible to reasonably estimate the amount of the possible loss or range of loss.
With respect to many of the proceedings to which we are a party, we cannot provide an estimate of the possible losses, or the range of possible losses in excess of the amount, if any, accrued, for various reasons, including but not limited to
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some or all of the following: (i) there are novel or unsettled legal issues presented, (ii) the proceedings are in early stages, (iii) there is uncertainty as to the likelihood of a class being certified or decertified or the ultimate size and scope of the class, (iv) there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions, (v) there are significant factual issues to be resolved, and/or (vi) in many cases, the plaintiffs have not specified damages in their complaint or in court filings. For those legal proceedings where a loss is probable, or reasonably possible, and for which it is possible to reasonably estimate the amount of the possible loss or range of losses, we currently believe that the range of possible losses, in excess of established reserves is, in the aggregate, from $0 to approximately $300 at September 30, 2020. This estimated aggregate range of reasonably possible losses is based upon currently available information taking into account our best estimate of such losses for which such an estimate can be made.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation
We are a defendant in multiple lawsuits that were initially filed in 2012 against the BCBSA and Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield licensees, or Blue plans, across the country. Cases filed in twenty-eight states were consolidated into a single, multi- district proceeding captioned In re Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation that is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, or the Court. Generally, the suits allege that the BCBSA and the Blue plans have conspired to horizontally allocate geographic markets through license agreements, best efforts rules that limit the percentage of non-Blue revenue of each plan, restrictions on acquisitions, rules governing the BlueCard® and National Accounts programs and other arrangements in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, or Sherman Act, and related state laws. The cases were brought by two putative nationwide classes of plaintiffs, health plan subscribers and providers.
In response to cross motions for partial summary judgment by plaintiffs and defendants, the Court issued an order in April 2018 determining that the defendants’ aggregation of geographic market allocations and output restrictions are to be analyzed under a per se standard of review, and the BlueCard® program and other alleged Section 1 Sherman Act violations are to be analyzed under the rule of reason standard of review. The Court also found that there remain genuine issues of material fact as to whether the defendants operate as a single entity with regard to the enforcement of the Blue Cross Blue Shield trademarks. In April 2019, plaintiffs filed their motions for class certification in conjunction with their supporting expert reports, and the defendants filed their motions to exclude plaintiffs’ experts, as well as their opposition to plaintiffs’ motions for class certification, in July 2019.
The BCBSA and Blue plans have approved a settlement agreement and release, or the Subscriber Settlement Agreement, with the subscriber plaintiffs. If approved by the Court, the Subscriber Settlement Agreement will require the defendants to make a monetary settlement payment, our portion of which is estimated to be $594, and will contain certain non-monetary terms including (i) eliminating the “national best efforts” rule in the BCBSA license agreements (which rule limits the percentage of non-Blue revenue permitted for each Blue plan) and (ii) allowing for some large national employers with self-funded benefit plans to be able to request a bid for insurance coverage from a second Blue plan in addition to the local Blue plan. We accrued our estimated payment obligation in the third quarter of 2020. All terms of the Subscriber Settlement Agreement are subject to approval by the Court before they become effective.
In October 2020, after the Court lifted the stay as to the provider litigation, provider plaintiffs filed a renewed motion for class certification, and defendants filed an opposition to that motion. We intend to continue to vigorously defend the provider suit; however, its ultimate outcome cannot be presently determined.
Blue Cross of California Taxation Litigation
In July 2013, our California affiliate Blue Cross of California (doing business as Anthem Blue Cross), or BCC, was named as a defendant in a California taxpayer action filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, or the Superior Court, captioned Michael D. Myers v. State Board of Equalization, et al. This action was brought under a California statute that permits an individual taxpayer to sue a governmental agency when the taxpayer believes the agency has failed to enforce governing law. Plaintiff contends that BCC, a licensed Health Care Service Plan, or HCSP, is an “insurer” for purposes of taxation despite acknowledging it is not an “insurer” under regulatory law. At the time, under California law, “insurers” were required to pay a gross premiums tax, or GPT, calculated as 2.35% on gross premiums. As a licensed HCSP, BCC has paid the California Corporate Franchise Tax, or CFT, the tax paid by California businesses generally. Plaintiff contends that BCC must pay the GPT rather than the CFT, and seeks a writ of mandate directing the taxing agencies to collect the GPT
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and an order requiring BCC to pay GPT back taxes, interest, and penalties for the eight-year period prior to the filing of the complaint.
In March 2018, the Superior Court denied BCC’s motion for judgment on the pleadings and similar motions brought by other entities. We filed a writ of mandate in the California Court of Appeal. Although the California Court of Appeal initially accepted our writ, it later indicated that it would not hear the issues raised by our writ until the case concludes in the Superior Court. The Superior Court postponed the July 2020 trial date to January 2021. The parties are currently engaged in discovery. BCC has filed a motion for summary judgment, which is scheduled to be heard in October 2020.
Because the GPT is constitutionally imposed in lieu of certain other taxes, BCC has filed protective tax refund claims with the City of Los Angeles, the California Department of Health Care Services and the Franchise Tax Board to protect its rights to recover certain taxes previously paid should BCC eventually be determined to be subject to the GPT for the tax periods at issue in the litigation. BCC intends to vigorously defend this suit; however, its ultimate outcome cannot be presently determined.
Express Scripts, Inc. Pharmacy Benefit Management Litigation
In March 2016, we filed a lawsuit against Express Scripts, Inc., or Express Scripts, our vendor at the time for PBM services, captioned Anthem, Inc. v. Express Scripts, Inc., in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit seeks to recover over $14,800 in damages for pharmacy pricing that is higher than competitive benchmark pricing under the agreement between the parties, or the ESI PBM Agreement, over $158 in damages related to operational breaches, as well as various declarations under the ESI PBM Agreement, including that Express Scripts: (i) breached its obligation to negotiate in good faith and to agree in writing to new pricing terms; (ii) was required to provide competitive benchmark pricing to us through the term of the ESI PBM Agreement; (iii) has breached the ESI PBM Agreement; and (iv) is required under the ESI PBM Agreement to provide post-termination services, at competitive benchmark pricing, for one year following any termination.
Express Scripts has disputed our contractual claims and is seeking declaratory judgments: (i) regarding the timing of the periodic pricing review under the ESI PBM Agreement, and (ii) that it has no obligation to ensure that we receive any specific level of pricing, that we have no contractual right to any change in pricing under the ESI PBM Agreement and that its sole obligation is to negotiate proposed pricing terms in good faith. In the alternative, Express Scripts claims that we have been unjustly enriched by its payment of $4,675 at the time we entered into the ESI PBM Agreement. In March 2017, the court granted our motion to dismiss Express Scripts’ counterclaims for (i) breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and (ii) unjust enrichment with prejudice. The only remaining claims are for breach of contract and declaratory relief. Rebuttal expert reports are due in October 2020 and all discovery must be completed by December 2020. Motions for summary judgment must be filed by January 2021. We intend to vigorously pursue our claims and defend against any counterclaims, which we believe are without merit; however, the ultimate outcome cannot be presently determined.
In re Express Scripts/Anthem ERISA Litigation
We are a defendant in a class action lawsuit that was initially filed in June 2016 against Anthem, Inc. and Express Scripts, which has been consolidated into a single multi-district lawsuit captioned In Re Express Scripts/Anthem ERISA Litigation, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The consolidated complaint was filed by plaintiffs against Express Scripts and us on behalf of all persons who are participants in or beneficiaries of any ERISA or non-ERISA healthcare plan from December 1, 2009 to December 31, 2019 in which we provided prescription drug benefits through the ESI PBM Agreement and paid a percentage based co-insurance payment in the course of using that prescription drug benefit. The plaintiffs allege that we breached our duties, either under ERISA or with respect to the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing implied in the health plans, (i) by failing to adequately monitor Express Scripts’ pricing under the ESI PBM Agreement, (ii) by placing our own pecuniary interest above the best interests of our insureds by allegedly agreeing to higher pricing in the ESI PBM Agreement in exchange for the purchase price for our NextRx PBM business, and (iii) with respect to the non-ERISA members, by negotiating and entering into the ESI PBM Agreement that was allegedly detrimental to the interests of such non-ERISA members. Plaintiffs seek to hold us and Express Scripts jointly and severally liable and to recover all losses suffered by the proposed class, equitable relief, disgorgement of alleged ill-gotten gains, injunctive relief, attorney’s fees and costs and interest.
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In April 2017, we filed a motion to dismiss the claims brought against us, and it was granted, without prejudice, in January 2018. Plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which was heard in October 2018 but has not yet been decided. We intend to vigorously defend this suit; however, its ultimate outcome cannot be presently determined.
Cigna Corporation Merger Litigation
In July 2015, we and Cigna Corporation, or Cigna, announced that we entered into the Cigna Agreement and Plan of Merger, or Cigna Merger Agreement, pursuant to which we would acquire all outstanding shares of Cigna. In July 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice, or DOJ, along with certain state attorneys general, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, or District Court, seeking to block the merger. In February 2017, Cigna purported to terminate the Cigna Merger Agreement and commenced litigation against us in the Delaware Court of Chancery, or Delaware Court, seeking damages, including the $1,850 termination fee pursuant to the terms of the Cigna Merger Agreement, and a declaratory judgment that its purported termination of the Cigna Merger Agreement was lawful, among other claims, which is captioned Cigna Corp. v. Anthem Inc.
Also in February 2017, we initiated our own litigation against Cigna in the Delaware Court seeking a temporary restraining order to enjoin Cigna from terminating the Cigna Merger Agreement, specific performance compelling Cigna to comply with the Cigna Merger Agreement and damages, which is captioned Anthem Inc. v. Cigna Corp. In April 2017, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed the ruling of the District Court, which blocked the merger. In May 2017, after the Delaware Court denied our motion to enjoin Cigna from terminating the Cigna Merger Agreement, we delivered to Cigna a notice terminating the Cigna Merger Agreement.
In the Delaware Court litigation, trial commenced in late February 2019 and concluded in March 2019. The Delaware Court held closing argument in November 2019 and took the matter under consideration. In February 2020, the Delaware Court requested supplemental briefing, which has been submitted. In August 2020, the Delaware Court issued an opinion finding that neither party was owed damages and that we did not owe Cigna the $1,850 termination fee. The Delaware Court issued an order implementing its opinion in October 2020. Any notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days of that order. We believe Cigna’s allegations are without merit and we intend to vigorously pursue our claims and defend against Cigna’s allegations; however, the ultimate outcome of any appeal of this litigation with Cigna cannot be presently determined.
In October 2018, a shareholder filed a derivative lawsuit in the State of Indiana Marion County Superior Court, captioned Henry Bittmann, Derivatively, et al. v. Joseph R Swedish, et al., purportedly on behalf of us and our shareholders against certain current and former directors and officers alleging breaches of fiduciary duties, unjust enrichment and corporate waste associated with the Cigna Merger Agreement. This case has been stayed at the request of the parties pending the outcome of our litigation with Cigna in the Delaware Court. This lawsuit’s ultimate outcome cannot be presently determined.
Medicare Risk Adjustment Litigation
In March 2020, the DOJ filed a civil lawsuit against Anthem, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in a case captioned United States v. Anthem, Inc. The DOJ’s suit alleges, among other things, that we falsely certified the accuracy of the diagnosis data we submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, for risk-adjustment purposes under Medicare Part C and knowingly failed to delete inaccurate diagnosis codes. The DOJ further alleges that, as a result of these purported acts, we caused CMS to calculate the risk-adjustment payments based on inaccurate diagnosis information, which enabled us to obtain unspecified amounts of payments in Medicare funds in violation of the False Claims Act. The DOJ filed an amended complaint in July 2020, alleging the same causes of action but revising some of its allegations. In September 2020, we filed a motion to transfer the lawsuit to the Southern District of Ohio, a motion to dismiss part of the lawsuit, and a motion to strike certain allegations in the amended complaint. The motions are being briefed and no decision has been rendered. We intend to continue to vigorously defend this suit; however, the ultimate outcome cannot be presently determined.
Investigations of CareMore and HealthSun
With the assistance of outside counsel, we are conducting investigations of risk-adjustment practices involving data submitted to CMS (unrelated to our retrospective chart review program) at CareMore Health Plans, Inc., or CareMore, one of
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our California subsidiaries and HealthSun Health Plans, Inc., or HealthSun, one of our Florida subsidiaries. Our CareMore investigation has resulted in the termination of CareMore’s relationship with one contracted provider in California. Our HealthSun investigation focuses on risk adjustment practices initiated prior to our acquisition of HealthSun in December 2017 that continued after the acquisition. We have voluntarily self-disclosed the existence of both of our investigations to CMS and the Criminal Division of the DOJ, which then initiated an investigation. We are cooperating with the government's investigation. We are in the process of analyzing the scope of potential data corrections to be submitted to CMS. We have also asserted indemnity claims for escrowed funds under the HealthSun purchase agreement for, among other things, breach of healthcare representation provisions, based on the conduct discovered during our investigation. We are in active litigation with two groups of sellers regarding part of the escrowed funds in a cases captioned Shareholder Representative Services, LLC v. ATH Holding Company, LLC and Highland Acquisition Holdings, LLC and LPPAS Representative, LLC v. ATH Holding Company, LLC, both pending in the Delaware Court.
Cyber Attack Regulatory Proceedings and Litigation
In February 2015, we reported that we were the target of a sophisticated external cyber attack during which the attackers gained unauthorized access to certain of our information technology systems and obtained personal information related to many individuals and employees. To date, there is no evidence that credit card or medical information was accessed or obtained. Upon discovery of the cyber attack, we took immediate action to remediate the security vulnerability and have continued to implement security enhancements since this incident.
Federal and state agencies have investigated events related to the cyber attack, including how it occurred, its consequences and our responses. In September 2020, we entered into a settlement to resolve the investigation by a multi-state group of attorneys general, which was the final outstanding matter related to the 2015 cyber attack. We have undertaken commitments that align with our ongoing and consistent focus to protect information in addition to a monetary payment of $39, which was fully accrued in a prior period.
We have contingency plans and insurance coverage for certain expenses and potential liabilities of this nature and will pursue coverage for all applicable losses; however, the ultimate outcome of our pursuit of insurance coverage cannot be presently determined.
Other Contingencies
From time to time, we and certain of our subsidiaries are parties to various legal proceedings, many of which involve claims for coverage encountered in the ordinary course of business. We, like HMOs and health insurers generally, exclude certain healthcare and other services from coverage under our HMO, PPO and other plans. We are, in the ordinary course of business, subject to the claims of our enrollees arising out of decisions to restrict or deny reimbursement for uncovered services. The loss of even one such claim, if it results in a significant punitive damage award, could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, the risk of potential liability under punitive damage theories may increase significantly the difficulty of obtaining reasonable reimbursement of coverage claims.
In addition to the lawsuits described above, we are also involved in other pending and threatened litigation of the character incidental to our business, and are from time to time involved as a party in various governmental investigations, audits, reviews and administrative proceedings. These investigations, audits, reviews and administrative proceedings include routine and special inquiries by state insurance departments, state attorneys general, the U.S. Attorney General and subcommittees of the U.S. Congress. Such investigations, audits, reviews and administrative proceedings could result in the imposition of civil or criminal fines, penalties, other sanctions and additional rules, regulations or other restrictions on our business operations. Any liability that may result from any one of these actions, or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
In March 2020, we entered into an agreement with a vendor for information technology infrastructure and related management and support services through June 2025. The new agreement supersedes certain prior agreements for such services and includes provisions for additional services not provided under those agreements. Our remaining commitment under this agreement at September 30, 2020 is approximately $1,377. We will have the ability to terminate the agreement upon the occurrence of certain events, subject to early termination fees.
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In the second quarter of 2019, we began using our new pharmacy benefits manager named IngenioRx, Inc., or IngenioRx, to market and offer PBM services to fully-insured and self-funded Anthem health plan customers, as well as to external customers outside of the health plans we own. The comprehensive prescription benefits management services portfolio includes, but is not limited to, formulary management, pharmacy networks, prescription drug database, member services and mail order capabilities. Also in the second quarter of 2019, IngenioRx began delegating certain PBM administrative functions, such as claims processing and prescription fulfillment, to CaremarkPCS Health, L.L.C., which is a subsidiary of CVS Health Corporation, pursuant to a five-year agreement. With IngenioRx, we retain the responsibilities for clinical and formulary strategy and development, member and employer experiences, operations, sales, marketing, account management and retail network strategy.
From December 2009 through December 2019, we delegated certain PBM functions and administrative services to Express Scripts pursuant to the ESI PBM Agreement. In January 2019, we exercised our contractual right to terminate the ESI PBM Agreement earlier than the original expiration date of December 31, 2019, due to the acquisition of Express Scripts by Cigna. We began transitioning existing members from Express Scripts to IngenioRx in the second quarter of 2019, and completed the transition of all of our members by January 1, 2020. Prior to the termination of the ESI PBM Agreement, Express Scripts managed the network of pharmacy providers, operated mail order pharmacies and processed prescription drug claims on our behalf, while we sold and supported the product for our members, made formulary decisions, sold drug benefit design strategy and provided front line member support. Express Scripts continues to provide certain audit and run out transition services related to our PBM business. Notwithstanding our termination of the ESI PBM Agreement, the litigation between us and Express Scripts regarding the ESI PBM Agreement continues. For additional information regarding this lawsuit, refer to the Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings–Express Scripts, Inc. Pharmacy Benefit Management Litigation section above. We believe we have appropriately recognized all rights and obligations under the ESI PBM Agreement as of September 30, 2020.
13. Capital Stock
Use of Capital – Dividends and Stock Repurchase Program
We regularly review the appropriate use of capital, including acquisitions, common stock and debt security repurchases and dividends to shareholders. The declaration and payment of any dividends or repurchases of our common stock or debt is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and depends upon our financial condition, results of operations, future liquidity needs, regulatory and capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
A summary of our cash dividend activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
| Declaration Date | Record Date | Payment Date | Cash Dividend per Share | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 28, 2020 | March 16, 2020 | March 27, 2020 | $0.95 | $ | 240 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| April 28, 2020 | June 10, 2020 | June 25, 2020 | $0.95 | $ | 242 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| July 28, 2020 | September 10, 2020 | September 25, 2020 | $0.95 | $ | 238 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| January 29, 2019 | March 18, 2019 | March 29, 2019 | $0.80 | $ | 206 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| April 23, 2019 | June 10, 2019 | June 25, 2019 | $0.80 | $ | 206 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| July 23, 2019 | September 10, 2019 | September 25, 2019 | $0.80 | $ | 204 | |||||||||||||||||||||
On October 27, 2020, our Audit Committee declared a fourth quarter 2020 dividend to shareholders of $0.95 per share, payable on December 22, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 7, 2020.
Under our Board of Directors’ authorization, we maintain a common stock repurchase program. On December 7, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a $5,000 increase to the common stock repurchase program. Repurchases may be made from time to time at prevailing market prices, subject to certain restrictions on volume, pricing and timing. The repurchases
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are effected from time to time in the open market, through negotiated transactions, including accelerated share repurchase agreements, and through plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our stock repurchase program is discretionary, as we are under no obligation to repurchase shares. We repurchase shares under the program when we believe it is a prudent use of capital. The excess cost of the repurchased shares over par value is charged on a pro rata basis to additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. We temporarily suspended our share repurchase program in March 2020 as a precautionary measure in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed the program in late June 2020 after market conditions improved.
A summary of common stock repurchases for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
| Nine Months Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||
| Shares repurchased | 5.0 | 5.2 | ||||||||||||
| Average price per share | $ | 269.15 | $ | 270.42 | ||||||||||
| Aggregate cost | $ | 1,342 | $ | 1,396 | ||||||||||
| Authorization remaining at the end of the period | $ | 2,450 | $ | 4,098 | ||||||||||
For additional information regarding the use of capital for debt security repurchases, see Note 11, “Debt”, included in this Form 10-Q and Note 12, “Debt,” to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Stock Incentive Plans
A summary of stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is as follows:
| Number of Shares | Weighted- Average Option Price per Share | Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at January 1, 2020 | 3.1 | $ | 190.31 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | 1.0 | 271.32 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | (0.6) | 123.36 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited or expired | (0.1) | 271.54 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at September 30, 2020 | 3.4 | 223.68 | 6.84 | $ | 180 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable at September 30, 2020 | 1.9 | 181.32 | 5.41 | $ | 176 | ||||||||||||||||||
A summary of the nonvested restricted stock activity, including restricted stock units, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 is as follows:
| Restricted Stock Shares and Units | Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share | ||||||||||
| Nonvested at January 1, 2020 | 1.4 | $ | 242.47 | ||||||||
| Granted | 1.3 | 272.11 | |||||||||
| Vested | (1.2) | 194.30 | |||||||||
| Forfeited | (0.1) | 271.24 | |||||||||
| Nonvested at September 30, 2020 | 1.4 | 272.04 | |||||||||
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During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we granted approximately 0.3 restricted stock units that are contingent upon us achieving earnings targets over the three year period from 2020 to 2022. These grants have been included in the activity shown above, but will be subject to adjustment at the end of 2022 based on results in the three year period.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we granted an additional 0.6 restricted stock units associated with our 2017 grants that were earned as a result of satisfactory completion of performance measures between 2017 and 2019. These grants and vested shares have been included in the activity shown above.
Fair Value
We use a binomial lattice valuation model to estimate the fair value of all stock options granted. For a more detailed discussion of our stock incentive plan fair value methodology, see Note 14, “Capital Stock,” to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following weighted-average assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:
| Nine Months Ended September 30 | |||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | 1.30 | % | 2.69 | % | |||||||
| Volatility factor | 26.00 | % | 25.00 | % | |||||||
| Quarterly dividend yield | 0.350 | % | 0.260 | % | |||||||
| Weighted-average expected life (years) | 4.30 | 4.40 | |||||||||
The following weighted-average fair values per option or share were determined for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:
| Nine Months Ended September 30 | |||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Options granted during the period | $ | 54.02 | $ | 68.69 | |||||||
| Restricted stock awards granted during the period | 272.11 | 306.13 | |||||||||
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14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
A reconciliation of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
| September 30 | |||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Investments: | |||||||||||
| Gross unrealized gains | $ | 1,136 | $ | 770 | |||||||
| Gross unrealized losses | (245) | (54) | |||||||||
| Net pre-tax unrealized gains | 891 | 716 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liability | (216) | (164) | |||||||||
| Net unrealized gains on investments | 675 | 552 | |||||||||
| Non-credit components of impairments on investments: | |||||||||||
| Unrealized losses | (11) | (5) | |||||||||
| Deferred tax asset | 3 | 1 | |||||||||
| Net unrealized non-credit component of impairments on investments | (8) | (4) | |||||||||
| Cash flow hedges: | |||||||||||
| Gross unrealized losses | (319) | (340) | |||||||||
| Deferred tax asset | 67 | 63 | |||||||||
| Net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges | (252) | (277) | |||||||||
| Defined benefit pension plans: | |||||||||||
| Deferred net actuarial loss | (695) | (730) | |||||||||
| Deferred prior service credits | (1) | (1) | |||||||||
| Deferred tax asset | 178 | 188 | |||||||||
| Net unrecognized periodic benefit costs for defined benefit pension plans | (518) | (543) | |||||||||
| Postretirement benefit plans: | |||||||||||
| Deferred net actuarial loss | (25) | (57) | |||||||||
| Deferred prior service costs | 14 | 25 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax asset | 3 | 8 | |||||||||
| Net unrecognized periodic benefit costs for postretirement benefit plans | (8) | (24) | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments: | |||||||||||
| Gross unrealized losses | (1) | (4) | |||||||||
| Deferred tax asset | — | 1 | |||||||||
| Net unrealized losses on foreign currency translation adjustments | (1) | (3) | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | (112) | $ | (299) | |||||||
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Other comprehensive income (loss) reclassification adjustments for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30 | |||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Investments: | |||||||||||
| Net holding gain on investment securities arising during the period, net of tax expense of ($43) and ($35), respectively | $ | 152 | $ | 119 | |||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for net realized loss on investment securities, net of tax expense of $10 and $1, respectively | (39) | (3) | |||||||||
| Total reclassification adjustment on investments | 113 | 116 | |||||||||
| Non-credit component of impairments on investments: | |||||||||||
| Non-credit component of impairments on investments, net of tax expense of ($5) and ($0), respectively | 16 | (1) | |||||||||
| Cash flow hedges: | |||||||||||
| Holding gain (loss), net of tax expense of ($0) and ($2), respectively | 4 | (34) | |||||||||
| Other: | |||||||||||
| Net change in unrecognized periodic benefit costs for defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of tax expense of ($2) and ($1), respectively | 8 | 4 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense of ($1) and ($0), respectively | 1 | (1) | |||||||||
| Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax expense of ($41) and ($37), respectively | $ | 142 | $ | 84 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) reclassification adjustments for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
| Nine Months Ended September 30 | |||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Investments: | |||||||||||
| Net holding gain on investment securities arising during the period, net of tax expense of ($68) and ($205), respectively | $ | 182 | $ | 705 | |||||||
| Reclassification adjustment for net realized (gain) loss on investment securities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $7 and ($1), respectively | (28) | 6 | |||||||||
| Total reclassification adjustment on investments | 154 | 711 | |||||||||
| Non-credit component of impairments on investments: | |||||||||||
| Non-credit component of impairments on investments, net of tax benefit of $2 and $0, respectively | (6) | (2) | |||||||||
| Cash flow hedges: | |||||||||||
| Holding gain (loss), net of tax expense of ($2) and ($2), respectively | 10 | (31) | |||||||||
| Other: | |||||||||||
| Net change in unrecognized periodic benefit costs for defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of tax expense of ($9) and ($3), respectively | 25 | 10 | |||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense of ($1) and ($0), respectively | 1 | (1) | |||||||||
| Net gain recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax expense of ($71) and ($211), respectively | $ | 184 | $ | 687 | |||||||
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15. Earnings per Share
The denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted-average shares | 251.0 | 255.2 | 251.9 | 256.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities – employee stock options, nonvested restricted stock awards and convertible debentures | 3.2 | 4.8 | 3.4 | 4.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Denominator for diluted earnings per share | 254.2 | 260.0 | 255.3 | 261.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, weighted-average shares related to certain stock options of 1.6 and 0.7, respectively, were excluded from the denominator for diluted earnings per share because the stock options were anti-dilutive. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, weighted-average shares related to certain stock options of 1.4 and 0.6, respectively, were excluded from the denominator for diluted earnings per share because the stock options were anti-dilutive.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we issued approximately 0.0 and 1.3 restricted stock units under our stock incentive plans, 0.3 of which vesting is contingent upon us meeting specified annual earnings targets for the three year period of 2020 through 2022. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we issued approximately 0.0 and 0.5 restricted stock units under our stock incentive plans, 0.2 of which vesting is contingent upon us meeting specified annual earnings targets for the three year period of 2019 through 2021. The contingent restricted stock units have been excluded from the denominator for diluted earnings per share and will be included only if and when the contingency is met.
16. Segment Information
The results of our operations are now described through four reportable segments: Commercial & Specialty Business, Government Business, IngenioRx and Other.
Our Commercial & Specialty Business segment includes our Local Group, National Accounts, Individual and Specialty businesses. Business units in the Commercial & Specialty Business segment offer fully-insured health products; provide a broad array of managed care services to self-funded customers including claims processing, underwriting, stop loss insurance, actuarial services, provider network access, medical cost management, disease management, wellness programs and other administrative services; and provide an array of specialty and other insurance products and services such as dental, vision, life and disability insurance benefits.
Our Government Business segment includes our Medicare and Medicaid businesses, National Government Services, or NGS, and services provided to the federal government in connection with the FEHB program. Our Medicare business includes services such as Medicare Supplement plans; Medicare Advantage, including Special Needs Plans; Medicare Part D; and dual-eligible programs through Medicare-Medicaid Plans. Our Medicaid business includes our managed care alternatives through publicly funded healthcare programs, including Medicaid, Medicaid expansion programs related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, as amended, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, programs for seniors and people with disabilities, Children’s Health Insurance Programs, and specialty programs such as those focused on long-term services and support, HIV/AIDS, foster care, behavioral health and/or substance abuse disorders, and intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities. NGS acts as a Medicare contractor for the federal government in several regions across the nation.
Our IngenioRx segment includes our PBM business, which began its operations during the second quarter of 2019. IngenioRx markets and offers PBM services to fully-insured and self-funded Anthem health plan customers, as well as to external customers outside of the health plans we own. IngenioRx has a comprehensive PBM services portfolio, which includes services such as formulary management, pharmacy networks, prescription drug database, member services and mail order capabilities. In 2019, IngenioRx was included in our Other reportable segment. Beginning in 2020, IngenioRx meets
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the quantitative thresholds for a reportable segment based on the FASB guidance. Amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation for comparability.
Our Other segment includes our Diversified Business Group, or DBG, which is our integrated health services business, and certain eliminations and corporate expenses not allocated to our other reportable segments. We reclassified DBG from our Government Business segment to the Other segment during the second quarter of 2019 to reflect changes in how our segments are being managed. Also, beginning on February 28, 2020, DBG includes Beacon.
For our 2019 segment reporting, operating gains (losses) generated from IngenioRx and DBG affiliated activity were included in our Commercial & Specialty Business and Government Business segments based upon their utilization of services from IngenioRx and DBG, which aligns with the method by which we assessed the 2019 operating performance of our reportable segments. Beginning January 1, 2020, we are managing the operating performance of each of our segments on a standalone basis.
Affiliated revenues represent revenues or cost for services provided by IngenioRx and DBG to our subsidiaries, are recorded at cost or management’s estimate of fair market value, and are eliminated in consolidation.
Financial data by reportable segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
| Commercial & Specialty Business | Government Business | IngenioRx | Other | Eliminations | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenue - unaffiliated | $ | 9,326 | $ | 18,101 | $ | 2,598 | $ | 624 | $ | — | $ | 30,649 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenue - affiliated | — | — | 2,984 | 1,174 | (4,158) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating (loss) gain | (234) | 246 | 345 | (156) | — | 201 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenue - unaffiliated | $ | 9,284 | $ | 15,955 | $ | 774 | $ | 431 | $ | — | $ | 26,444 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenue - affiliated | — | — | 1,148 | 155 | (1,303) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating gain (loss) | 924 | 616 | — | (12) | — | 1,528 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenue - unaffiliated | $ | 27,476 | $ | 52,809 | $ | 7,485 | $ | 1,505 | $ | — | $ | 89,275 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenue - affiliated | — | — | 8,563 | 2,772 | (11,335) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating gain (loss) | 2,558 | 2,275 | 998 | (76) | — | 5,755 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenue - unaffiliated | $ | 28,093 | $ | 46,419 | $ | 880 | $ | 617 | $ | — | $ | 76,009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenue - affiliated | — | — | 1,290 | 1,063 | (2,353) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating gain (loss) | 3,505 | 1,470 | — | (74) | — | 4,901 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The major product revenues for each of the reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Specialty Business | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Managed care products | $ | 7,523 | $ | 7,542 | $ | 22,209 | $ | 22,806 | |||||||||||||||
Managed care services | 1,391 | 1,330 | 4,036 | 4,049 | |||||||||||||||||||
Dental/Vision products and services | 318 | 325 | 917 | 975 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | 94 | 87 | 314 | 263 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Commercial & Specialty Business | 9,326 | 9,284 | 27,476 | 28,093 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Government Business | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Managed care products | 17,999 | 15,847 | 52,523 | 46,111 | |||||||||||||||||||
Managed care services | 102 | 108 | 286 | 308 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Government Business | 18,101 | 15,955 | 52,809 | 46,419 | |||||||||||||||||||
| IngenioRx | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pharmacy products and services | 5,582 | 1,922 | 16,048 | 2,170 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total IngenioRx | 5,582 | 1,922 | 16,048 | 2,170 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 1,798 | 586 | 4,277 | 1,680 | |||||||||||||||||||
Eliminations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Eliminations | (4,158) | (1,303) | (11,335) | (2,353) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total product revenues | $ | 30,649 | $ | 26,444 | $ | 89,275 | $ | 76,009 | |||||||||||||||
The classification between managed care products and managed care services in the above table primarily distinguishes between the levels of risk assumed. Managed care products represent insurance products where we bear the insurance risk, whereas managed care services represent product offerings where we provide claims adjudication and other administrative services to the customer, but the customer principally bears the insurance risk.
A reconciliation of reportable segments’ operating revenue to the amounts of total revenues included in our consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Reportable segments’ operating revenue | $ | 30,649 | $ | 26,444 | $ | 89,275 | $ | 76,009 | |||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | 280 | 242 | 591 | 737 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gains on financial instruments | 247 | 1 | 241 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment losses recognized in income | (18) | (13) | (64) | (30) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 31,158 | $ | 26,674 | $ | 90,043 | $ | 76,806 | |||||||||||||||
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A reconciliation of reportable segments’ operating gain to income before income tax expense included in our consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Reportable segments’ operating gain | $ | 201 | $ | 1,528 | $ | 5,755 | $ | 4,901 | |||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | 280 | 242 | 591 | 737 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gains on financial instruments | 247 | 1 | 241 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment losses recognized in income | (18) | (13) | (64) | (30) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (198) | (185) | (593) | (556) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of other intangible assets | (93) | (84) | (269) | (256) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt | (30) | — | (34) | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income tax expense | $ | 389 | $ | 1,489 | $ | 5,627 | $ | 4,887 | |||||||||||||||
17. Leases
We lease office space and certain computer and related equipment using noncancelable operating leases. Our leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 12 years.
The information related to our leases is as follows:
| Balance Sheet Location | September 30, 2020 | December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating Leases | |||||||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets | Other noncurrent assets | $ | 679 | $ | 575 | ||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities, current | Other current liabilities | 192 | 158 | ||||||||||||||
| Lease liabilities, noncurrent | Other noncurrent liabilities | 798 | 482 | ||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lease Expense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease expense | $ | 272 | $ | 48 | $ | 378 | $ | 138 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term lease expense | 11 | 9 | 38 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sublease income | (1) | (4) | (8) | (12) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total lease expense | $ | 282 | $ | 53 | $ | 408 | $ | 159 | ||||||||||||||||||
Our activities as disclosed in Note 4, “Business Optimization Initiatives”, include reducing our office space footprint. As a result, we performed an interim impairment test and recorded an impairment charge of $224 for affected right-of-use assets during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 which is included in the operating lease expense shown above.
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities, operating leases | $ | 47 | $ | 43 | $ | 137 | $ | 132 | ||||||||||||||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities, operating leases | $ | 17 | $ | 33 | $ | 372 | $ | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||
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As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the weighted average remaining lease term of our operating leases was 7 years and 6 years, respectively. The lease liabilities reflect a weighted average discount rate of 3.26% at September 30, 2020 and 4.09% at December 31, 2019.
Future lease payments for noncancellable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more are as follows:
| 2020 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2020) | $ | 50 | |||
| 2021 | 195 | ||||
| 2022 | 179 | ||||
| 2023 | 157 | ||||
| 2024 | 125 | ||||
| Thereafter | 322 | ||||
| Total future minimum payments | 1,028 | ||||
| Less imputed interest | (38) | ||||
| Total lease liabilities | $ | 990 | |||
As of September 30, 2020, we have additional operating leases for building spaces that have not yet commenced, and some building spaces are being constructed by the lessors and their agents. These leases have terms of up to 12 years and are expected to commence on various dates during 2020 and 2021 when the construction is complete and we take possession of the buildings. The undiscounted lease payments for these leases, which are not included in the tables above, aggregate $142.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(In Millions, Except Per Share Data or as Otherwise Stated Herein)
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or MD&A, should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes, our consolidated financial statements and notes as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the MD&A included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. References to the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” or “Anthem” used throughout this MD&A refer to Anthem, Inc., an Indiana corporation, and unless the context otherwise requires, its direct and indirect subsidiaries. References to the “states” include the District of Columbia, unless the context otherwise requires.
Results of operations, cost of care trends, investment yields and other measures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results and trends that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2020, or any other period.
Overview
We are one of the largest health benefits companies in the United States in terms of medical membership, serving approximately 43 million medical members through our affiliated health plans as of September 30, 2020. We serve our members as the Blue Cross licensee for California and as the Blue Cross and Blue Shield, or BCBS, licensee for Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area), Nevada, New Hampshire, New York (in the New York City metropolitan area and upstate New York), Ohio, Virginia (excluding the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.) and Wisconsin. In a majority of these service areas, we do business as Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield or Empire Blue Cross. We also conduct business through arrangements with other BCBS licensees as well as other strategic partners. Through our subsidiaries, we also serve customers in numerous states across the country as AIM Specialty Health, Amerigroup, Aspire Health, Beacon, CareMore, Freedom Health, HealthLink, HealthSun, Optimum HealthCare, Simply Healthcare, and/or Unicare. Also, in the second quarter of 2019, we began providing pharmacy benefits management, or PBM, services through our IngenioRx subsidiary. We are licensed to conduct insurance operations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through our subsidiaries.
For additional information about our organization, see Part I, Item 1, “Business” and Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional information on our segments can be found in this MD&A and in Note 16, “Segment Information” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
COVID-19
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus, or COVID-19, a global health pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and the virus and efforts to prevent its spread have continued to impact the global economy, cause market instability and increased unemployment in the United States, and it has impacted and will continue to impact our membership and benefit expense. Although increased unemployment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decline in our Local Group membership, our Medicaid membership grew as a result of the temporary suspension of eligibility recertification efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the deferral of non-emergent or elective health services by our members decreased our claim costs in the second quarter of 2020, utilization of such services began to rebound and claim costs began to normalize in the third quarter of 2020 as the shelter-in-place, stay-at-home orders and other restrictions on the conduct of businesses were lifted. Furthermore, our expenses increased in the third quarter of 2020 to cover COVID-19 related costs such as testing, treatment of the disease, expanded coverage in benefits and waivers for cost-sharing.
As COVID-19 continues to spread, we remain focused on increasing access and coverage for our members, making changes to our membership benefits and business operations and adapting tools and policies to assist consumers and care providers. We are providing expanded telehealth coverage for our Medicare and Medicaid plans, where permissible, through December 31, 2020 and waiving cost shares for in-network telehealth visits, including telephonic visits and those for mental health. We provided expanded telehealth coverage for our members in fully-insured employer plans and Individual plans
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through September 30, 2020. We relaxed early prescription refill policies for maintenance and specialty medications for our members in fully-insured employer plans and Individual plans through September 30, 2020 and for our Medicare and Medicaid plans, where permissible, through January 31, 2021 and are encouraging the use of home delivery services to enable access to necessary medications. We are waiving cost sharing for in-network COVID-19 diagnostic tests and treatment and provided various premium credits to members. Future regulatory action could require us to provide additional coverage or credits related to COVID-19 treatments.
We are also leveraging data and advanced analytics to provide innovative solutions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and introduced a suite of digital tools that serve various functions, including providing member data and updates related to COVID-19, aggregating real-time COVID-19 data to present trends and predictions for our communities, and helping individuals with mental health support or emergency services.
We are also providing support to care provider partners of our affiliated health plans to help them continue to focus on caring for patients, including funding and financial assistance, working with care providers to accelerate claims processing for outstanding accounts receivables, resolving claims where possible and appropriate, as well as accelerating payments to support state-specific Medicaid programs. We are simplifying access to care by temporarily suspending select prior authorization requirements for certain services and equipment critical to COVID-19 treatment.
To protect our employees and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we have continued travel limitations and workplace modifications consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and social distancing protocols. We are gradually reopening our offices in accordance with local guidelines; however, the majority of our workforce continues to work remotely. In addition to transitioning to a remote work environment, we expanded our employee benefits to provide additional support.
With many individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, we remain committed to lifting up our local communities through a variety of partnership and relief efforts. During the second quarter of 2020, we contributed $50 million to the Anthem Foundation to support its COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, such as emergency response, food insecurity, mental health and care provider safety resources.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique and unprecedented challenges, and although it has impacted and will likely continue to impact our membership and benefit expense, we have proactively taken actions to minimize these effects, as discussed above, and it has not had a material adverse effect on our reported results through September 30, 2020. However, this may change in the future as the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving and the extent of its impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic as well as resulting legislative and regulatory changes that may impact our business. For additional discussion regarding our risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and our other risk factors, see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included in this Form 10-Q.
Business Trends
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, as amended, or collectively, the ACA, has changed and may continue to make broad-based changes to the U.S. healthcare system. We expect the ACA will continue to impact our business model and strategy. Also, the legal challenges regarding the ACA, including a federal district court decision invalidating the ACA, or the 2018 ACA Decision, which judgment has been stayed pending appeal, could significantly disrupt our business. During 2019, we modestly expanded our participation in the Individual ACA-compliant market. Our strategy has been, and will continue to be, to only participate in rating regions where we have an appropriate level of confidence that these markets are on a path toward sustainability, including, but not limited to, factors such as expected financial performance, regulatory environment, and underlying market characteristics. We currently offer Individual ACA-compliant products in 91 of the 143 rating regions in which we operate. In addition, the continuing growth in our government-sponsored business exposes us to increased regulatory oversight.
In the second quarter of 2019, we began using IngenioRx to market and offer PBM services to Anthem health plan customers throughout the country, as well as to external customers outside of the health plans we own. Our comprehensive PBM services portfolio includes services such as formulary management, pharmacy networks, a prescription drug database, member services and mail order capabilities. IngenioRx delegates certain PBM administrative functions, such as claims processing and prescription fulfillment, to CaremarkPCS Health, L.L.C., which is a subsidiary of CVS Health Corporation,
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pursuant to a five-year agreement. With IngenioRx, we retain the responsibilities for clinical and formulary strategy and development, member and employer experiences, operations, sales, marketing, account management and retail network strategy. From December 2009 through December 2019, we delegated certain PBM functions and administrative services to Express Scripts Inc., or Express Scripts, pursuant to our PBM agreement with Express Scripts, or the ESI PBM Agreement. We began transitioning existing members from Express Scripts to IngenioRx in the second quarter of 2019, and completed the transition of all of our members by January 1, 2020. We expect IngenioRx to provide our members with more cost-effective solutions and improve our ability to integrate pharmacy benefits within our medical and specialty platform.
Pricing Trends: We strive to price our healthcare benefit products consistent with anticipated underlying medical cost trends. We continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts it may have on our pricing, such as surges in COVID-19 related hospitalizations, infection rates, and the cost of a potential COVID-19 vaccine. We frequently make adjustments to respond to legislative and regulatory changes as well as pricing and other actions taken by existing competitors and new market entrants. Product pricing in our Commercial & Specialty Business segment, including our Individual and Small Group lines of business, remains competitive. Revenues from the Medicare and Medicaid programs are dependent, in whole or in part, upon annual funding from the federal government and/or applicable state governments. The ACA imposed an annual Health Insurance Provider Fee, or HIP Fee, on health insurers that write certain types of health insurance on U.S. risks. We price our affected products to cover the impact of the HIP Fee, when applicable. The HIP Fee was suspended for 2019, has resumed for 2020 and has been permanently eliminated effective in 2021.
Medical Cost Trends: Our medical cost trends are primarily driven by increases in the utilization of services across all provider types and the unit cost increases of these services. We work to mitigate these trends through various medical management programs such as utilization management, condition management, program integrity and specialty pharmacy management, as well as benefit design changes. There are many drivers of medical cost trends that can cause variance from our estimates, such as changes in the level and mix of services utilized, regulatory changes, aging of the population, health status and other demographic characteristics of our members, epidemics, pandemics, advances in medical technology, new high cost prescription drugs, and healthcare provider or member fraud. Our underlying Local Group medical cost trends reflect the “allowed amount,” or contractual rate, paid to providers. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused our members to defer non-emergent or elective health services, which decreased our claim costs in the second quarter of 2020. The utilization of such services began to rebound and claim costs began to normalize in the third quarter of 2020 and further increases in the utilization of such services may increase our claim costs in the future and affect our medical cost trends. Further, our expenses increased in the third quarter of 2020 to cover COVID-19 related costs such as testing, treatment, expanded coverage in benefits and waivers for cost-sharing. In response to the current crisis, we expanded coverage for certain members in our affiliated health plans for testing and treatment related to a COVID-19 diagnosis through December 31, 2020. Governmental action has required us to provide full coverage for COVID-19 testing to our members, and future governmental action could require us to provide additional coverage, including, for example, for potential future vaccines. The continued cost and volume of covered services related to the COVID-19 pandemic may have a material adverse effect on our future claim costs. We continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on our business, financial condition, results of operations and medical cost trend.
For additional discussion regarding business trends, see Part I, Item 1, “Business” included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Regulatory Trends and Uncertainties
Federal and state legislation has been enacted, and is likely to continue to be enacted, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has had, and we expect will continue to have, a significant impact on all of our lines of business, including mandates to waive cost-sharing on COVID-19 testing and related services. The federal government enacted the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act in March 2020 and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act in April 2020. These acts provide, among other things, prohibitions on prior authorization and cost-sharing for certain items and services related to COVID-19 tests, reforms including waiving Medicare originating site restrictions for qualified providers providing telehealth services, financial support to health care providers, including expansion of the Medicare accelerated payment program to all providers receiving Medicare payments, and funding to replenish and administer small business loan programs to help small businesses keep their workers employed and healthcare benefits covered in the group market.
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Regulatory changes have also been enacted, and are likely to continue to be enacted, at the state and federal level in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those changes, which could have a significant impact on health benefits, consumer eligibility for public programs, and our cash flows, include mandated expansion of premium payment terms including the time period for which claims can be denied for lack of payment, mandates related to prior authorizations and payment levels to providers, additional consumer enrollment windows, and an increased ability to provide services through telehealth. We are providing extensions to premium payment terms in certain situations and continue to work closely with state regulators that are mandating or requesting such relief.
The ACA presented us with new growth opportunities, but also introduced new risks, regulatory challenges and uncertainties, and required changes in the way products are designed, underwritten, priced, distributed and administered. Changes to our business environment are likely to continue as elected officials at the national and state levels continue to enact, and both elected officials and candidates for election continue to propose, significant modifications to existing laws and regulations, including changes to taxes and fees. In addition, the legal challenges regarding the ACA, including the 2018 ACA Decision, which judgment has been stayed pending appeal, continue to contribute to this uncertainty. In a separate development, in April 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal government is required to pay health insurance companies for amounts owed, as calculated under the risk corridor program of the ACA. In June 2020, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims entered a final judgment stipulating that we are entitled to reimbursement for risk corridor amounts from 2014, 2015 and 2016. At the end of September 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, issued draft guidance on how to treat the risk corridor recoveries that we expect to receive. Under the proposed guidance from HHS, we will be required to revise previously filed minimum medical loss ratio reports by December 31, 2020, or within 60 days of receiving payment, whichever is later. We will recognize the net premium impact of the risk corridor recoveries in the fourth quarter of 2020. We will continue to review developments and evaluate the impact of the ACA as any further developments or judicial rulings occur.
The annual HIP Fee is allocated to health insurers based on the ratio of the amount of an insurer’s net premium revenues written during the preceding calendar year to the amount of health insurance premium for all U.S. health risk for those certain lines of business written during the preceding calendar year. We record our estimated liability for the HIP Fee in full at the beginning of the year with a corresponding deferred asset that is amortized on a straight-line basis to selling, general and administrative expense. The final calculation and payment of the annual HIP Fee is due by September 30th of each fee year. The HIP Fee is non-deductible for federal income tax purposes. Our affected products are priced to cover the increased selling, general and administrative and income tax expenses associated with the HIP Fee. The total amount due from allocations to all health insurers is $15,523 for 2020. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recognized $346 and $1,181, respectively as selling, general and administrative expense for our portion of the HIP Fee. There was no corresponding expense for 2019 due to the suspension of the HIP Fee for 2019. The HIP Fee has been permanently eliminated effective in 2021.
For additional discussion regarding regulatory trends and uncertainties and risk factors, see Part I, Item 1, “Business - Regulation”, Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, and the “Regulatory Trends and Uncertainties” section of Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” included in this Form 10-Q.
Other Significant Items
Business and Operational Matters
During the third quarter of 2020, we introduced enterprise-wide initiatives to optimize our business and as a result, recorded a charge of $607 in selling, general and administrative expenses. We believe these initiatives largely represent the next step forward in our progression towards becoming a more agile organization, including process automation and a reduction in our office space footprint. For additional information, see Note 4, “Business Optimization Initiatives” and Note 17 “Leases,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part 1, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
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On February 28, 2020, we completed our acquisition of Beacon Health Options, Inc., or Beacon, the largest independently held behavioral health organization in the country. At the time of acquisition, Beacon served more than thirty-four million individuals across all fifty states. This acquisition aligns with our strategy to diversify into health services and deliver both integrated solutions and care delivery models that personalize care for people with complex and chronic conditions. For additional information, see Note 3, “Business Acquisitions,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part 1, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Litigation Matters
In the consolidated multi-district proceeding in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, or the Court, captioned In re Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation, or the BCBSA Litigation, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, or BCBSA, and Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield licensees, including us, or the Blue plans, have approved a settlement agreement and release, or the Subscriber Settlement Agreement, with the plaintiffs representing a putative nationwide class of health plan subscribers. Generally, the lawsuits in the BCBSA Litigation challenge elements of the licensing agreements between the BCBSA and the independently owned and operated Blue plans. The cases were brought by two putative nationwide classes of plaintiffs, health plan subscribers and providers, and the Subscriber Settlement Agreement applies only to the putative subscriber class. No settlement agreement has been reached with the provider plaintiffs at this time, and the defendants continue to contest the consolidated cases brought by the provider plaintiffs.
If approved by the Court, the Subscriber Settlement Agreement will require the defendants to make a monetary settlement payment, our portion of which is estimated to be $594, and will contain certain non-monetary terms including (i) eliminating the “national best efforts” rule in the BCBSA license agreements (which rule limits the percentage of non-Blue revenue permitted for each Blue plan) and (ii) allowing for some large national employers with self-funded benefit plans to be able to request a bid for insurance coverage from a second Blue plan in addition to the local Blue plan. We accrued our estimated payment obligation in the third quarter of 2020.
On October 30, 2020, subscriber plaintiffs are expected to file a motion for certification of a settlement class and for preliminary approval of the Subscriber Settlement Agreement with the Court. Members of the class will be provided notice of the Subscriber Settlement Agreement and an opportunity to opt out of the class. Following the opt out deadline, if the Court grants approval of the Subscriber Settlement Agreement, and after all appellate rights have expired or have been exhausted in a manner that affirms the Court’s final order and judgment, the defendants’ payment and non-monetary obligations under the Subscriber Settlement Agreement will become effective. For additional information regarding this lawsuit, see Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies - Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings – Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
In August 2020, the Delaware Court of Chancery ruled that neither we nor Cigna Corporation could collect damages in connection with the now terminated Agreement and Plan of Merger, between us and Cigna Corporation. For additional information, see Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies - Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings - Cigna Corporation Merger Litigation,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
In January 2019, we exercised our contractual right to terminate the ESI PBM Agreement, and we completed the transition of our members from Express Scripts to IngenioRx on January 1, 2020. Notwithstanding our termination of the ESI PBM Agreement, the litigation between us and Express Scripts regarding the ESI PBM Agreement continues. For additional information regarding this lawsuit, see Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies - Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings - Express Scripts, Inc. Pharmacy Benefit Management Litigation,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Selected Operating Performance
For the twelve months ended September 30, 2020, total medical membership increased 1.6 million, or 4.0%. Our medical membership grew in both our Government Business and Commercial & Specialty Business segments. The increase in medical membership in our Government Business segment was driven by organic growth in our Medicaid business due to the temporary suspension of eligibility recertification efforts in our markets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and growth in our Medicare business. The increase in medical membership in our Commercial & Specialty Business segment was
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primarily driven by growth in our self-funded business, partially offset by declines in our fully-insured membership due to negative in-group changes as a result of increased unemployment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operating revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $30,649, an increase of $4,205, or 15.9%, from the three months ended September 30, 2019. Operating revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $89,275, an increase of $13,266, or 17.5%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in operating revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily driven by higher premium revenue in our Government Business segment, as well as pharmacy product revenue related to the launch of IngenioRx.
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $222, a decrease of $961, or 81.2%, from the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2020 was primarily due to lower operating results in our Commercial & Specialty Business and Government Business segments primarily attributable to expenses for the BCBSA litigation accrual and business optimization initiatives recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2020. These decreases were partially offset by higher operating results in our IngenioRx segment, higher net realized gains on financial instruments and lower income tax expense.
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $4,021, an increase of $148, or 3.8%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily a result of higher operating results in our IngenioRx and Government Business segments. These increases were partially offset by lower operating results in our Commercial & Specialty Business segment, higher income tax expense and a decrease in net earnings from investment activities.
Our fully-diluted earnings per share, or EPS, was $0.87 for the three months ended September 30, 2020, which represented an 80.9% decrease from EPS of $4.55 for the three months ended September 30, 2019. The decrease in EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to 2019 resulted from the decrease in net income.
Our fully-diluted EPS was $15.75 for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, which represented a 6.2% increase from fully-diluted EPS of $14.83 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 compared to 2019 resulted from the increase in net income and the impact of a lower weighted average number of shares outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Operating cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was $6,875 and $4,734, respectively. This increase was primarily attributable to higher net income in 2020, when excluding the non-cash impact of accrued expenses related to our business optimization initiatives and the BCBSA litigation accrual recognized in the third quarter of 2020. The increase was further due to a delay of certain payroll tax payments in 2020 as permitted by the CARES Act.
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Membership
The following table presents our medical membership by customer type, funding arrangement and reportable segment as of September 30, 2020 and 2019. Also included below is other membership by product. At this time, the following table does not include membership resulting from our acquisition of Beacon. The medical membership and other membership data presented are unaudited and in certain instances include estimates of the number of members represented by each contract at the end of the period. For a more detailed description of our medical membership, see the “Membership” section of Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
| September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2020 | 2019 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Medical Membership | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer Type | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Local Group | 15,509 | 15,659 | (150) | (1.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Individual | 701 | 711 | (10) | (1.4) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| National: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| National Accounts | 7,773 | 7,666 | 107 | 1.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
BlueCard® | 6,106 | 5,967 | 139 | 2.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total National | 13,879 | 13,633 | 246 | 1.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Medicare: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Medicare Advantage | 1,416 | 1,203 | 213 | 17.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Medicare Supplement | 933 | 893 | 40 | 4.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Medicare | 2,349 | 2,096 | 253 | 12.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Medicaid | 8,569 | 7,293 | 1,276 | 17.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Federal Employees Health Benefits | 1,618 | 1,592 | 26 | 1.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Medical Membership by Customer Type | 42,625 | 40,984 | 1,641 | 4.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Funding Arrangement | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Self-Funded | 25,633 | 25,368 | 265 | 1.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fully-Insured | 16,992 | 15,616 | 1,376 | 8.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Medical Membership by Funding Arrangement | 42,625 | 40,984 | 1,641 | 4.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Reportable Segment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Specialty Business | 30,089 | 30,003 | 86 | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Government Business | 12,536 | 10,981 | 1,555 | 14.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Medical Membership by Reportable Segment | 42,625 | 40,984 | 1,641 | 4.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other Membership | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Life and Disability Members | 5,029 | 4,970 | 59 | 1.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Dental Members | 6,051 | 5,942 | 109 | 1.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Dental Administration Members | 1,315 | 5,526 | (4,211) | (76.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Vision Members | 7,487 | 7,232 | 255 | 3.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Medicare Part D Standalone Members | 405 | 285 | 120 | 42.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Medical Membership
Total medical membership grew in both our Government Business and Commercial & Specialty Business segments as well as by funding arrangement. Fully-insured membership increased primarily due to growth in our Medicaid and Medicare businesses, partially offset by membership decreases in our fully-insured Local Group business. Local Group membership decreased due to negative in-group changes as a result of increased unemployment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which was partially offset by sales exceeding lapses. Self-funded medical membership increased primarily as a result of membership increases in our National business driven by higher BlueCard® activity at other BCBSA plans whose members reside in or travel to our licensed areas and our acquisition of a third-party administrator. Medicaid membership increased primarily due to organic growth in existing markets due to the temporary suspension of eligibility recertification during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as our acquisition of Medicaid plans in Missouri and Nebraska. Medicare membership increased primarily due to higher sales.
Other Membership
Our other membership can be impacted by changes in our medical membership, as our medical members often purchase our other products that are ancillary to our health business. We have experienced growth in our life and disability membership primarily due to higher sales in our Local Group business. Dental membership increased due to higher sales in our National Accounts and growth in membership in our Federal Employees Health Benefits program. Dental administration membership decreased due to the lapse of a large dental administration services contract. Vision membership increased due to higher sales in our Medicare and Local Group businesses.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Our consolidated summarized results of operations and other financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 vs. 2019 | 2020 vs. 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenue | $ | 30,649 | $ | 26,444 | $ | 89,275 | $ | 76,009 | $ | 4,205 | 15.9 | % | $ | 13,266 | 17.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 280 | 242 | 591 | 737 | 38 | 15.7 | % | (146) | (19.8) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gains on financial instruments | 247 | 1 | 241 | 90 | 246 | NM | 151 | 167.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment losses recognized in income | (18) | (13) | (64) | (30) | (5) | 38.5 | % | (34) | 113.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 31,158 | 26,674 | 90,043 | 76,806 | 4,484 | 16.8 | % | 13,237 | 17.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Benefit expense | 22,921 | 20,753 | 63,957 | 60,403 | 2,168 | 10.4 | % | 3,554 | 5.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of products sold | 2,222 | 745 | 6,431 | 843 | 1,477 | 198.3 | % | 5,588 | 662.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense | 5,305 | 3,418 | 13,132 | 9,862 | 1,887 | 55.2 | % | 3,270 | 33.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other expense1 | 321 | 269 | 896 | 811 | 52 | 19.3 | % | 85 | 10.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 30,769 | 25,185 | 84,416 | 71,919 | 5,584 | 22.2 | % | 12,497 | 17.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income before income tax expense | 389 | 1,489 | 5,627 | 4,887 | (1,100) | (73.9) | % | 740 | 15.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | 167 | 306 | 1,606 | 1,014 | (139) | (45.4) | % | 592 | 58.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 222 | $ | 1,183 | $ | 4,021 | $ | 3,873 | $ | (961) | (81.2) | % | $ | 148 | 3.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average diluted shares outstanding | 254.2 | 260.0 | 255.3 | 261.1 | (5.8) | (2.2) | % | (5.8) | (2.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted net income per share | $ | 0.87 | $ | 4.55 | $ | 15.75 | $ | 14.83 | $ | (3.68) | (80.9) | % | $ | 0.92 | 6.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 42.9 | % | 20.6 | % | 28.5 | % | 20.7 | % | 2,230bp3 | 780bp3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Benefit expense ratio2 | 86.8 | % | 87.2 | % | 83.1 | % | 86.1 | % | (40)bp3 | (300)bp3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense ratio4 | 17.3 | % | 12.9 | % | 14.7 | % | 13.0 | % | 440bp3 | 170bp3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income before income tax expense as a percentage of total revenues | 1.2 | % | 5.6 | % | 6.2 | % | 6.4 | % | (440)bp3 | (20)bp3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income as a percentage of total revenues | 0.7 | % | 4.4 | % | 4.5 | % | 5.0 | % | (370)bp3 | (50)bp3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Certain of the following definitions are also applicable to all other results of operations tables in this discussion:
NM Not meaningful.
1 Includes interest expense, amortization of other intangible assets and loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt.
2 Benefit expense ratio represents benefit expense as a percentage of premium revenue. Premiums for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $26,392 and $23,793, respectively. Premiums for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $77,001 and $70,137, respectively. Premiums are included in total operating revenue presented above.
3 bp = basis point; one hundred basis points = 1%.
4 Selling, general and administrative expense ratio represents selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of total operating revenue.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Total operating revenue increased as a result of higher premium revenue due mainly to membership growth in our Government Business segment related to our Medicaid and Medicare businesses. The increase in operating revenue was further attributable to pharmacy product revenue related to the launch of IngenioRx and an increase in premiums attributable to rate increases designed to cover the impact of the HIP Fee reinstatement for 2020. The increase in operating revenue was partially offset by a decrease in premiums in our Commercial & Specialty Business segment related to fully-insured membership declines as a result of increased unemployment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Product revenue represents services performed by our IngenioRx pharmacy benefit manager for unaffiliated PBM customers and includes ingredient costs (net of any rebates or discounts), including co-payments made by or on behalf of the customer, and administrative fees. Unaffiliated PBM customers include our self-funded groups that contract with IngenioRx for PBM services and external customers outside of the health plans we own. The increase in product revenue reflects the completed transition of our unaffiliated PBM customers to IngenioRx between the second quarter of 2019, when it began operations, and January 1, 2020.
Net realized gains on financial instruments increased primarily due to the changes in the fair values of our investments in equity securities.
Benefit expense increased primarily due to increased costs as a result of membership growth in our Medicaid and Medicare businesses as well as costs associated with actions taken to support our members in response to the pandemic and COVID-19 related care. These increases were partially offset by the impact of slightly lower healthcare claims volume due to the broad-based member delays of non-emergent and elective health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our benefit expense ratio decreased primarily due to lower utilization rates of non-emergent and elective health services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to a lesser extent, the HIP Fee reinstatement for 2020. These decreases were partially offset by costs associated with actions taken to support our members in response to the pandemic and COVID-19 related care as well as retroactive rate adjustments in our Medicaid business.
Cost of products sold reflects the cost of pharmaceuticals dispensed by IngenioRx for our unaffiliated PBM customers. Cost of products sold increased as we completed the transition of all of our unaffiliated PBM customers to IngenioRx between the second quarter of 2019, when it began its operations, and January 1, 2020.
Selling, general and administrative expense increased primarily due to the recognition of expenses related to our business optimization initiatives and the BCBSA litigation accrual during the third quarter of 2020. The increase was further due to the reinstatement of the HIP Fee for 2020 and increased spend to support growth in our businesses.
Our selling, general and administrative expense ratio increased as a result of the higher selling, general and administrative expenses discussed above, partially offset by the growth in operating revenue.
Our effective income tax rate increased primarily due to the reinstatement of the non-tax deductible HIP Fee for 2020, applied to our quarterly results, which include the impact of expenses recognized for our business optimization initiatives and the BCBSA litigation accrual during the third quarter of 2020.
Our net income as a percentage of total revenues decreased in 2020 as compared to 2019 as a result of all factors discussed above.
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Total operating revenue increased as a result of higher premium revenue due mainly to membership growth in our Government Business segment and rate increases and the impact of the HIP Fee reinstatement for 2020. The increase in operating revenue was further attributable to increase in pharmacy product revenue as we completed the transition of all of our unaffiliated PBM customers to IngenioRx between the second quarter of 2019 and January 1, 2020. The increase in operating revenue was partially offset by a decrease in premiums in our Commercial & Specialty Business segment related to fully-insured membership declines as a result of increased unemployment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Net investment income decreased primarily due to losses from energy sector private equity funds recognized in the second quarter of 2020 as a result of a decrease in the worldwide demand for energy due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Net realized gains on financial instruments increased primarily due to changes in the fair values of our investments in equity securities, partially offset by a decrease in net realized gains on sales of equity securities.
Benefit expense increased primarily due to increased costs as a result of growth in our Medicaid and Medicare membership and overall cost trends across our businesses including due to COVID-19 and actions taken to support our members in response to the pandemic. These increases were partially offset by the lower volume of healthcare claims experienced resulting from member delays of non-emergent and elective health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our benefit expense ratio decreased primarily due to the COVID-19 impact of lower utilization rates of healthcare benefits, and to a lesser extent, the HIP Fee reinstatement for 2020. These decreases were partially offset by costs associated with actions taken to support our members in response to the pandemic and COVID-19 related care. The decreases were further offset by the impact of retroactive rate adjustments in our Medicaid business and premium credits provided in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to our members enrolled in select Individual plans and fully-insured employer customers.
Cost of products sold increased as we completed the transition of all of our unaffiliated PBM customers to IngenioRx between the second quarter of 2019, when it began its operations, and January 1, 2020.
Selling, general and administrative expense increased primarily due to the reinstatement of the HIP Fee for 2020, the recognition of expenses related to our business optimization initiatives and the BCBSA litigation accrual during the third quarter of 2020, and increased spend to support growth in our businesses.
Our selling, general and administrative expense ratio increased as a result of the higher selling, general and administrative expenses discussed above, partially offset by the growth in operating revenue.
Our effective income tax rate increased primarily due to the reinstatement of the non-tax deductible HIP Fee for 2020.
Our net income as a percentage of total revenue decreased in 2020 as compared to 2019 as a result of all factors discussed above.
Reportable Segments Results of Operations
Our results of operations discussed throughout this MD&A are determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. We also calculate operating gain and operating margin to further aid investors in understanding and analyzing our core operating results and comparing them among periods. We define operating revenue as premium income, product revenue and administrative fees and other revenue. Operating gain is calculated as total operating revenue less benefit expense, cost of products sold and selling, general and administrative expense. It does not include net investment income, net realized gains (losses) on financial instruments, impairment recoveries (losses) recognized in income, interest expense, amortization of other intangible assets, loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt or income taxes, as these items are managed in our corporate shared service environment and are not the responsibility of operating segment management. Operating margin is calculated as operating gain divided by operating revenue. We use these measures as a basis for evaluating segment performance, allocating resources, forecasting future operating periods and setting incentive compensation targets. This information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for income before income tax expense, net income or EPS, prepared in accordance with GAAP, and may not be comparable to similarly titled
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measures reported by other companies. For a reconciliation of reportable segments’ operating revenue to the amounts of total revenue included in the consolidated statements of income and a reconciliation of reportable segments’ operating gain to income before income tax expense, see Note 16, “Segment Information,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Beginning in 2020, IngenioRx meets the quantitative thresholds for a reportable segment and the results of our operations are now described through four reportable segments: Commercial & Specialty Business, Government Business, IngenioRx and Other. For additional information, see Note 16, “Segment Information,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
The following table presents a summary of the reportable segment financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30 | Nine Months Ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 vs. 2019 | 2020 vs. 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | 2019 | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Specialty Business | $ | 9,326 | $ | 9,284 | $ | 27,476 | $ | 28,093 | $ | 42 | 0.5 | % | $ | (617) | (2.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government Business | 18,101 | 15,955 | 52,809 | 46,419 | 2,146 | 13.5 | % | 6,390 | 13.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IngenioRx | 5,582 | 1,922 | 16,048 | 2,170 | 3,660 | 190.4 | % | 13,878 | 639.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 1,798 | 586 | 4,277 | 1,680 | 1,212 | 206.8 | % | 2,597 | 154.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eliminations | (4,158) | (1,303) | (11,335) | (2,353) | (2,855) | NM | (8,982) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating revenue | $ | 30,649 | $ | 26,444 | $ | 89,275 | $ | 76,009 | $ | 4,205 | 15.9 | % | $ | 13,266 | 17.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Gain (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial & Specialty Business1 | $ | (234) | $ | 924 | $ | 2,558 | $ | 3,505 | $ | (1,158) | NM | $ | (947) | (27.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Government Business2 | 246 | 616 | 2,275 | 1,470 | (370) | (60.1) | % | 805 | 54.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IngenioRx3 | 345 | — | 998 | — | 345 | NM | 998 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other4 | (156) | (12) | (76) | (74) | (144) | 1,200.0 | % | (2) | 2.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Margin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Specialty Business | (2.5) | % | 10.0 | % | 9.3 | % | 12.5 | % | (1,250) | bp | (320) | bp | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government Business | 1.4 | % | 3.9 | % | 4.3 | % | 3.2 | % | (250) | bp | 110 | bp | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IngenioRx | 6.2 | % | — | % | 6.2 | % | — | NM | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Includes expenses of $566 for the BCBSA litigation accrual and $299 for business optimization initiatives recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.
2 Includes expenses of $183 for business optimization initiatives and $28 for the BCBSA litigation accrual recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.
3 Includes expenses of $3 for business optimization initiatives recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.
4 Includes expenses of $122 for business optimization initiatives recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Commercial & Specialty Business
Operating revenue increased primarily due to higher premium revenue resulting from rate increases designed to cover overall cost trends and the impact of the HIP Fee reinstatement for 2020, and to a lesser extent, an increase in administrative fees and other revenue largely resulting from higher penetration of value-added services for our self-funded members. These
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increases were largely offset by fully-insured membership declines and the absence of pharmacy administrative fee revenue that is now recognized within our IngenioRx segment.
We recognized an operating loss during the three months ended September 30, 2020 compared to an operating gain in 2019. The change was primarily driven by expenses for the BCBSA litigation accrual and our business optimization initiatives recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2020. The change was further attributable to costs associated with actions taken to support our members in response to the pandemic and COVID-19 related care, as well as the shift of pharmacy earnings to our IngenioRx segment. These increases in expenses were partially offset by the impact of lower volume of healthcare claims experienced resulting from member delays of non-emergent and elective health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government Business
Operating revenue increased primarily due to higher premium revenue as a result of organic growth driven by the temporary suspension of eligibility recertification efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, acquisitions and new expansions in our Medicaid business and membership growth in our Medicare business. The increase in premium revenue was further attributable to the HIP Fee reinstatement for 2020.
The decrease in operating gain was primarily driven by costs associated with actions taken to support our members in response to the pandemic and COVID-19 related care and retroactive rate adjustments in our Medicaid business. The decrease was further due to expenses for business optimization initiatives recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and increased spend to support growth. The decrease was partially offset by the impact of lower volume of healthcare claims experienced resulting from member delays of non-emergent and elective health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
IngenioRx
Operating revenue and operating gain increased as a result of the transition of our existing members to IngenioRx, which commenced its operations during the second quarter of 2019. Operating revenue represents product revenues from services performed for our fully-insured Anthem health plans and self-funded customers and external customers outside of the health plans we own. Product revenues and cost of goods sold for fully-insured Anthem health plan customers are eliminated in consolidation. Operating gain represents operating revenue less cost of products sold and selling, general and administrative expenses.
Other
Operating revenue increased primarily due to higher administrative fees and other revenue from services performed by our Diversified Business Group, or DBG, which is our integrated health services business. The increase was further due to our acquisition of Beacon in February 2020.
The increase in operating loss was driven by expenses recognized for our business optimization initiatives and an increase in unallocated corporate expenses.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Commercial & Specialty Business
Operating revenue decreased primarily due to fully-insured membership declines. The decrease in operating revenue was further attributable to the absence of pharmacy administrative fee revenue that is now recognized within the IngenioRx segment and the impact of premium credits provided to certain members during the second quarter of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These decreases were partially offset by the impact of the HIP Fee reinstatement for 2020.
The decrease in operating gain was primarily driven by expenses for the BCBSA litigation accrual and business optimization initiatives recognized in the third quarter of 2020 as well as costs associated with actions taken to support our members in response to the pandemic and COVID-19 related care. The decrease was further attributable to the shift of pharmacy earnings to our IngenioRx segment and the impact of premium credits provided in response to the COVID-19
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pandemic. These increases were partially offset by the impact of the lower volume of healthcare claims experienced resulting from member delays of non-emergent and elective health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government Business
Operating revenue increased primarily due to higher premium revenue as a result of membership growth in our Medicaid business driven by the temporary suspension of eligibility recertification efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, acquisitions and new expansions, as well as membership growth in our Medicare business. The increase in premium revenue was further attributable to the HIP Fee reinstatement for 2020.
The increase in operating gain was primarily driven by the lower volume of healthcare claims experienced resulting from member delays to non-emergent and elective health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase was partially offset by costs associated with actions taken to support our members in response to the pandemic and COVID-19 related care and retroactive rate adjustments and higher experience-rated refunds in our Medicaid business. The increase in operating gain was further offset by increased spend to support growth and expenses for business optimization initiatives recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2020.
IngenioRx
Operating revenue and operating gain increased as a result of the transition of our existing members to IngenioRx, which commenced its operations during the second quarter of 2019. Operating revenue represents product revenues from services performed for our fully-insured Anthem health plans and self-funded customers and external customers outside of the health plans we own. Product revenues and cost of goods sold for fully-insured Anthem health plan customers are eliminated in consolidation. Operating gain represents operating revenue less cost of products sold and selling, general and administrative expenses.
Other
Operating revenue increased primarily due to our acquisition of Beacon in February 2020 and higher administrative fees and other revenue from services performed by DBG in certain markets.
Operating loss remained steady as the growth in value-added services performed by DBG for our other segments were more than offset by the expenses recognized for our business optimization initiatives and the increase in unallocated corporate expenses.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Application of GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and within this MD&A. We consider our most important accounting policies that require significant estimates and management judgment to be those policies with respect to liabilities for medical claims payable, income taxes, goodwill and other intangible assets, investments and retirement benefits. Our accounting policies related to these items are discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K in Note 2, “Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies,” to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, as well as in the “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” As of September 30, 2020, our critical accounting policies and estimates have not changed from those described in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the policies related to investments and receivables, which changed as a result of the adoption of a new accounting pronouncement.
Medical Claims Payable
The most subjective accounting estimate in our consolidated financial statements is our liability for medical claims payable. Our accounting policies related to medical claims payable are discussed in the references cited above. As of September 30, 2020, our critical accounting policies and estimates related to medical claims payable have not changed from those described in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. For a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for
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medical claims payable for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, see Note 10, “Medical Claims Payable,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
The following table provides a summary of the two key assumptions having the most significant impact on our incurred but not paid liability estimates for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, which are the trend and completion factors. These two key assumptions can be influenced by utilization levels, unit costs, mix of business, benefit plan designs, provider reimbursement levels, processing system conversions and changes, claim inventory levels, claim processing patterns, claim submission patterns and operational changes resulting from business combinations.
| Favorable Developments by Changes in Key Assumptions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed trend factors | $ | 606 | $ | 311 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed completion factors | 94 | 126 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 700 | $ | 437 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
The favorable development recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 resulted primarily from trend factors in late 2019 and late 2018, respectively, developing more favorably than originally expected. Favorable development in the completion factors resulting from the latter parts of 2019 and 2018 developing faster than expected also contributed to the favorability.
The ratio of current year medical claims paid as a percent of current year net medical claims incurred was 85.3% and 85.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. This ratio serves as an indicator of claims processing speed whereby claims were processed at a similar speed during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019.
We calculate the percentage of prior year redundancies in the current period as a percent of prior year net medical claims payable less prior year redundancies in the current period in order to demonstrate the development of the prior year reserves. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, this metric was 8.8%, largely driven by favorable trend factor development at the end of 2019 as well as favorable completion factor development from 2019. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, this metric was 6.4%, largely driven by favorable trend factor development at the end of 2018.
We calculate the percentage of prior year redundancies in the current period as a percent of prior year net incurred medical claims to indicate the percentage of redundancy included in the preceding year calculation of current year net incurred medical claims. We believe this calculation supports the reasonableness of our prior year estimate of incurred medical claims and the consistency in our methodology. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, this metric was 0.9%, which was calculated using the redundancy of $700. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the comparable metric was 0.6%, which was calculated using the redundancy of $437. We believe these metrics demonstrate an appropriate level of reserve conservatism.
Investments
On January 1, 2020, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, or ASU 2016-13. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 replaced the incurred loss model for measuring expected credit losses and require expected losses on available-for-sale fixed maturity securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses rather than as reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. There were no other changes to our accounting policy for investments, as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. For additional information, see Note 5, “Investments,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
The COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to prevent its spread have significantly impacted the global economy, causing market instability and declines in the fair value of our holdings of fixed maturity securities in the energy sector and consumer-driven industries such as travel, entertainment and retail. While the markets have stabilized since the onset of the
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COVID-19 pandemic, the extent and length of the recovery remain uncertain. Further, the energy sector and consumer-driven industries remain distressed. Given the market uncertainty, there is a risk that our investments that have declined may not recover in future periods.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For information regarding new accounting pronouncements that were adopted and new accounting pronouncements that were issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, see the “Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance” and “Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted” sections of Note 2, “Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Capital
Our cash receipts result primarily from premiums, product revenue, administrative fees and other revenue, investment income, proceeds from the sale or maturity of our investment securities, proceeds from borrowings, and proceeds from the issuance of common stock under our employee stock plans. Cash disbursements result mainly from claims payments, administrative expenses, taxes, purchases of investment securities, interest expense, payments on borrowings, acquisitions, capital expenditures, repurchases of our debt securities and common stock and the payment of cash dividends. Cash outflows fluctuate with the amount and timing of settlement of these transactions. Any future decline in our profitability would likely have an unfavorable impact on our liquidity.
The COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to prevent its spread have significantly impacted the economy, causing market instability and increasing unemployment in the United States. While the full impact of COVID-19 on our business remains uncertain, it could have a material adverse effect on our claim payments, collection of our premiums, product or administrative fee revenues, our investments and our ability to access credit. Additional discussion regarding the impact of COVID-19 can be found elsewhere in this MD&A.
For a more detailed overview of our liquidity and capital resources management, see the “Introduction” section included in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section of Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
For additional information regarding our sources and uses of capital during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, see Note 6, “Derivative Financial Instruments,” Note 11, “Debt,” and Note 13, “Capital Stock - Use of Capital - Dividends and Stock Repurchase Program,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
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Liquidity
A summary of our major sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:
| Nine Months Ended September 30 | 2020 vs. 2019 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2020 | 2019 | Change | |||||||||||||||
| Sources of Cash: | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 6,875 | $ | 4,734 | $ | 2,141 | |||||||||||
| Issuances of commercial paper and short- and long-term debt, net of repayments | 570 | 918 | (348) | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock plans | 112 | 137 | (25) | ||||||||||||||
| Other sources of cash, net | 586 | 389 | 197 | ||||||||||||||
| Total sources of cash | 8,143 | 6,178 | 1,965 | ||||||||||||||
| Uses of Cash: | |||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of investments, net of proceeds from sales, maturities, calls and redemptions | (4,207) | (2,895) | (1,312) | ||||||||||||||
| Purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | (1,973) | — | (1,973) | ||||||||||||||
| Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (1,342) | (1,396) | 54 | ||||||||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | (743) | (726) | (17) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends | (720) | (616) | (104) | ||||||||||||||
| Other uses of cash, net | (112) | (288) | 176 | ||||||||||||||
| Total uses of cash | (9,097) | (5,921) | (3,176) | ||||||||||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | 1 | (1) | 2 | ||||||||||||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | $ | (953) | $ | 256 | $ | (1,209) | |||||||||||
The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to higher net income in 2020, when excluding the non-cash impact of accrued expenses related to our business optimization initiatives and the BCBSA litigation accrual recognized in the third quarter of 2020. The increase was further due to a delay of certain payroll tax payments in 2020 as permitted by the CARES Act.
Other significant changes in sources or uses of cash year-over-year included an increase in cash paid for acquisitions, an increase in net purchases of investments and a decrease in net proceeds from the issuances of commercial paper and short- and long-term debt.
Financial Condition
We maintained a strong financial condition and liquidity position, with consolidated cash, cash equivalents and investments in fixed maturity and equity securities of $30,324 at September 30, 2020. Since December 31, 2019, total cash, cash equivalents and investments in fixed maturity and equity securities increased by $4,197, primarily due to cash generated from operations. This increase was partially offset by cash paid for acquisitions and common stock repurchases.
Many of our subsidiaries are subject to various government regulations that restrict the timing and amount of dividends and other distributions that may be paid to their respective parent companies. Certain accounting practices prescribed by insurance regulatory authorities, or statutory accounting practices, differ from GAAP. Changes that occur in statutory accounting practices, if any, could impact our subsidiaries’ future dividend capacity. In addition, we have agreed to certain undertakings to regulatory authorities, including requirements to maintain certain capital levels in certain of our subsidiaries.
At September 30, 2020, we held $2,634 of cash, cash equivalents and investments at the parent company, which are available for general corporate use, including investment in our businesses, acquisitions, potential future common stock repurchases and dividends to shareholders, repurchases of debt securities and debt and interest payments.
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Debt
Periodically, we access capital markets and issue debt, or Notes, for long-term borrowing purposes, for example, to refinance debt, to finance acquisitions or for share repurchases. Certain of these Notes may have a call feature that allows us to redeem the Notes at any time at our option and/or a put feature that allows a Note holder to redeem the Notes upon the occurrence of both a change in control event and a downgrade of the Notes below an investment grade rating. For more information on our debt, including redemptions and issuances, see Note 11, “Debt,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
We calculate our consolidated debt-to-capital ratio, a non-GAAP measure, from the amounts presented on our consolidated balance sheets included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q. Our debt-to-capital ratio is calculated as total debt divided by total debt plus total shareholders’ equity. Total debt is the sum of short-term borrowings, current portion of long-term debt, long-term debt, less current portion and lease liabilities. We believe our debt-to-capital ratio assists investors and rating agencies in measuring our overall leverage and additional borrowing capacity. In addition, our bank covenants include a maximum debt-to-capital ratio that we cannot and did not exceed. Our debt-to-capital ratio may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Our consolidated debt-to-capital ratio was 39.2% and 39.5% as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Our senior debt is rated “A” by S&P Global Ratings, “BBB” by Fitch Ratings, Inc., “Baa2” by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. and “bbb+” by AM Best Company, Inc. We intend to maintain our senior debt investment grade ratings. If our credit ratings are downgraded, our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely impacted by limitations on future borrowings and a potential increase in our borrowing costs.
Future Sources and Uses of Liquidity
The COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to prevent its spread have significantly impacted the global economy and caused increased volatility in the securities and credit markets. While the full impact of COVID-19 on our business is currently uncertain, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and our liquidity.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we took certain precautionary measures to preserve our liquidity and financial flexibility, including reducing our discretionary spending and temporarily suspending our share repurchase activity. After careful consideration, we lifted the temporary suspension and resumed our share repurchase activities in late June 2020. To increase our cash on hand, we also delayed our quarterly estimated federal income tax payments normally due during the second quarter of 2020 until July 15, 2020, as permitted by Internal Revenue Service Notice 2020-23 issued in April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also delayed certain payroll tax payments as permitted by the CARES Act, which had a positive impact on our 2020 cash flows. We may take additional actions going forward to maximize our liquidity, including increasing our borrowings from existing or new Federal Home Loan Bank memberships and other available borrowings. We will continue to monitor the market conditions and act in a prudent manner.
We have an authorized commercial paper program of up to $3,500, the proceeds of which may be used for general corporate purposes. Should commercial paper issuance become unavailable, we intend to use a combination of cash on hand and/or our senior revolving credit facilities, which provide for combined credit up to $3,500, to redeem any outstanding commercial paper upon maturity. While there is no assurance in the current economic environment, we believe the lenders participating in our senior credit facilities, if market conditions allow, will be willing to provide financing in accordance with their legal obligations.
We have a shelf registration statement on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to register an unlimited amount of any combination of debt or equity securities in one or more offerings. Specific information regarding terms and securities being offered will be provided at the time of an offering. Proceeds from future offerings are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, the repayment of debt, investments in or extensions of credit to our subsidiaries and the financing of possible acquisitions or business expansions.
We regularly review the appropriate use of capital, including acquisitions, common stock and debt security repurchases and dividends to shareholders. The declaration and payment of any dividends or repurchases of our common stock or debt is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and depends upon our financial condition, results of operations, future liquidity needs, regulatory and capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
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For additional information regarding our sources and uses of capital at September 30, 2020, see Note 5, “Investments,” Note 6, “Derivative Financial Instruments,” Note 11, “Debt,” and Note 13, “Capital Stock - Use of Capital - Dividends and Stock Repurchase Program,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Risk-Based Capital
Our regulated subsidiaries’ states of domicile have statutory risk-based capital, or RBC, requirements for health and other insurance companies and health maintenance organizations largely based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC, RBC Model Act. These RBC requirements are intended to measure capital adequacy, taking into account the risk characteristics of an insurer’s investments and products. The NAIC sets forth the formula for calculating the RBC requirements, which are designed to take into account asset risks, insurance risks, interest rate risks and other relevant risks with respect to an individual insurance company’s business. In general, under the RBC Model Act, an insurance company must submit a report of its RBC level to the state insurance department or insurance commissioner, as appropriate, at the end of each calendar year. Our regulated subsidiaries’ respective RBC levels as of December 31, 2019, which was the most recent date for which reporting was required, were in excess of all mandatory RBC requirements. In addition to exceeding the RBC requirements, we are in compliance with the liquidity and capital requirements for a licensee of the BCBSA and with the tangible net equity requirements applicable to certain of our California subsidiaries.
For additional information, see Note 21, “Statutory Information,” in our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
We believe that funds from future operating cash flows, cash and investments and funds available under our 5-year and 364-day senior revolving credit facilities and/or from public or private financing sources will be sufficient for future operations and commitments, and for capital acquisitions and other strategic transactions.
There have been no material changes to our Contractual Obligations and Commitments disclosure in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K other than our entry into a vendor agreement for information technology infrastructure and related management and support services and an increase in our borrowings. For additional information regarding our estimated contractual obligations and commitments, see Note 6, “Derivative Financial Instruments,” Note 11, “Debt,” and the “Other Contingencies” and “Contractual Obligations and Commitments” sections of Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect our views about future events and financial performance and are generally not historical facts. Words such as “expect,” “feel,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “plan” 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 our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. You are also urged to carefully review and consider the various risks and other disclosures discussed in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, which attempt to advise interested parties of the factors that affect our business. Except to the extent otherwise required by federal securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the impact of large scale medical emergencies, such as public health epidemics and pandemics, including COVID-19, and catastrophes; trends in healthcare costs and utilization rates; our ability to secure sufficient premium rates, including regulatory approval for and implementation of such rates; the impact of federal and state regulation, including ongoing changes in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, as amended, or collectively, the ACA, and the ultimate outcome of legal challenges to the ACA; changes in economic and market conditions, as well as regulations that may negatively affect our liquidity and investment portfolios; our ability to contract with providers on cost-effective and competitive terms; competitive pressures and our ability to adapt to changes in the industry and develop and implement strategic growth opportunities; reduced enrollment; unauthorized disclosure of member or employee sensitive or confidential information, including the impact and outcome of any investigations, inquiries, claims and litigation related thereto; risks and uncertainties regarding Medicare and Medicaid programs, including those related to non-compliance with the complex regulations imposed thereon; our ability to maintain and achieve improvement in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, Star ratings and other quality scores and funding risks with respect to revenue received from participation therein; a negative change in our healthcare product mix; costs and other liabilities associated with litigation, government investigations, audits or reviews; the ultimate outcome of litigation between Cigna Corporation and us related to the merger agreement between the parties and the potential for such litigation to cause us to incur substantial additional costs, including potential settlement and judgment costs; risks and uncertainties related to our pharmacy benefit management, or PBM, business including non-compliance by any party with the PBM services agreement between us and CaremarkPCS Health, L.L.C.; medical malpractice or professional liability claims or other risks related to healthcare and PBM services provided by our subsidiaries; general risks associated with mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances; possible impairment of the value of our intangible assets if future results do not adequately support goodwill and other intangible assets; possible restrictions in the payment of dividends from our subsidiaries and increases in required minimum levels of capital; our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock and pay dividends on our common stock due to the adequacy of our cash flow and earnings and other considerations; the potential negative effect from our substantial amount of outstanding indebtedness; a downgrade in our financial strength ratings; the effects of any negative publicity related to the health benefits industry in general or us in particular; failure to effectively maintain and modernize our information systems; events that may negatively affect our licenses with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association; the impact of international laws and regulations; changes in U.S. tax laws; intense competition to attract and retain employees; and various laws and provisions in our governing documents that may prevent or discourage takeovers and business combinations.
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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
For a discussion of our market risks, refer to Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” included in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to any of these risks since December 31, 2019.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We carried out an evaluation as of September 30, 2020, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to us (including our consolidated subsidiaries) required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act. In addition, based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For information regarding legal proceedings at September 30, 2020, see the “Litigation and Regulatory Proceedings,” and “Other Contingencies” sections of Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K or our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.
The risk factor entitled “The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken to prevent its spread are adversely affecting our business in a number of ways, and we are unable to predict the full extent of those impacts on our business, cash flows, financial condition and results of operations, but the impact could be material” has been updated to read as follows:
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause illness, deaths, quarantines, business and school shutdowns, reductions in business activity, travel and financial transactions, unemployment, labor shortages, supply chain interruptions and overall economic and financial market instability, and it underscores and may heighten certain risks we face in our business, including those discussed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The COVID-19 pandemic is evolving, and the impact of COVID-19, and the actions taken to contain its spread or address its impact, could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results in the future. We continue to closely monitor developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic to assess its ongoing impact on our business. The extent of this impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time, including, but not limited to, the transmission rate, duration and spread of the outbreak, its severity, the extent and effectiveness of the actions taken to contain the spread of the virus and address its impacts, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume. Factors that could negatively impact our ability to operate successfully during or following the COVID-19 pandemic, or that could otherwise significantly adversely impact and disrupt our business, cash flows, financial condition and results of operations include, but are not limited to, the following:
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•Increased healthcare costs due to higher utilization rates of medical facilities and services, medical expenses and other increases in associated hospital and pharmaceutical costs. We continue to offer our members expanded benefit coverage, such as providing full coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment, and governmental action has required, and may continue to require, us to provide additional coverage.
•Decreased predictability of Medicare and Medicaid rates due to changes in utilization of medical facilities and services, medical expenses, and other costs as a result of the impact of COVID-19.
•A reduction in enrollment in our health benefits and pharmacy benefit management products and services, or a continued change in membership mix to less profitable lines of business, as a result of reductions in workforce by existing customers and other impacts of an economic downturn.
•Cash flow volatility or shortfalls caused by an increase in delayed, delinquent or non-collectable payments from customers and government payers.
•Reductions in our operating effectiveness as our employees work from home or otherwise are impacted by COVID-19. The majority of our workforce continues to work remotely in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, which may exacerbate certain risks to our business, including an increased demand for information technology resources, increased risk of phishing and other cybersecurity attacks, and increased risk of unauthorized dissemination of sensitive personal information or proprietary or confidential information about us, our members or other third parties.
•Disruptions in our normal business operations due to disruptions in public and private infrastructure, including communications, financial services and supply chains.
•Loss of functionality due to the disruption of services provided to us by third-party vendors, including as a result of financial difficulties experienced by such vendors and the impact of vendor employees working from home or otherwise being impacted by COVID-19.
•A decrease in the value of our investments, which may result in losses charged to income.
•Increased cost of capital and limited ability to access the capital markets due to disruption and volatility in global financial markets or a downgrade in our credit rating.
For more information on how these and other risks may further affect our business, please see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk
Factors” in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table presents information related to our repurchases of common stock for the periods indicated:
| Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased1 | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs2 | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Programs | |||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except share and per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020 | 973,132 | $ | 264.56 | 969,800 | $ | 2,952 | |||||||||||||||||
| August 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020 | 609,965 | 277.75 | 609,001 | 2,783 | |||||||||||||||||||
| September 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020 | 1,280,111 | 260.93 | 1,275,933 | 2,450 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2,863,208 | 2,854,734 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
1 Total number of shares purchased includes 8,474 shares delivered to or withheld by us in connection with employee payroll tax withholding upon the exercise or vesting of stock awards. Stock grants to employees and directors and stock issued for stock option plans and stock purchase plans in the consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity are shown net of these shares purchased.
2 Represents the number of shares repurchased through the common stock repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors, which the Board of Directors evaluates periodically. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, we repurchased 2,854,734 shares at a total cost of $758 under the program, including the cost of options to purchase shares. The Board of Directors has authorized our common stock repurchase program since 2003. The Board of Directors’ most recent authorized increase to the program was $5,000 on December 7, 2017. No duration has been placed on our common stock repurchase program, and we reserve the right to discontinue the program at any time.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number | Exhibit | |||||||||||||
| 3.1 | ||||||||||||||
| 3.2 | ||||||||||||||
| 4.7 | Upon the request of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company will furnish copies of any other instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company or its subsidiaries. | |||||||||||||
| 10.9 | *(c) | Form of Employment Agreement between the Company and Jeffrey D. Alter, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9(d) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. | ||||||||||||
| 31.1 | ||||||||||||||
| 31.2 | ||||||||||||||
| 32.1 | ||||||||||||||
| 32.2 | ||||||||||||||
| 101 | The following material from Anthem, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | |||||||||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101. | |||||||||||||
| * | Indicates management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements. | |||||||||||||
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ANTHEM, INC. Registrant | |||||||||||
| Date: October 28, 2020 | By: | /S/ JOHN E. GALLINA | |||||||||
| John E. Gallina Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer) | |||||||||||
| Date: October 28, 2020 | By: | /S/ RONALD W. PENCZEK | |||||||||
| Ronald W. Penczek Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | |||||||||||
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