Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

  (Mark One)

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period ended September 30, 2007

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

WELLPOINT, 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)

120 MONUMENT CIRCLE

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

  46204-4903
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (317) 488-6000

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 at least the past 90 days.  Yes [X] No [    ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

 

Large accelerated filer  [X]   Accelerated filer  [    ]   Non-accelerated filer  [    ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange

Act). Yes  [    ] No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

    Title of Each Class    

  

    Outstanding at October 17, 2007     

Common Stock, $0.01 par value    571,329,212 shares

 



Table of Contents

WellPoint, Inc.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For the Period Ended September 30, 2007

Table of Contents

 

      Page

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

ITEM 1.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2007 (Unaudited)
and December 31, 2006

   1

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)

   2

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)

   3

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006 (Unaudited)

   4

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   5

ITEM 2.     MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   16

ITEM 3.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   47

ITEM 4.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   47

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

  

ITEM 1.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   48

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

   48

ITEM 2.     UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

   49

ITEM 3.     DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

   49

ITEM 4.     SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

   49

ITEM 5.     OTHER INFORMATION

   49

ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS

   49

SIGNATURES

   50

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

   E-1


Table of Contents

PART  I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WellPoint, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

(In millions, except share data)    September 30,
2007
   

December 31,

2006

     (Unaudited )  

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,824.0     $ 2,602.1

Investments available-for-sale, at fair value:

    

Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost of $1,846.1 and $481.5)

     1,845.3       465.4

Equity securities (cost of $1,770.2 and $1,669.7)

     2,081.9       1,984.5

Other invested assets, current

     38.8       72.8

Accrued investment income

     161.6       157.2

Premium and self-funded receivables

     2,801.0       2,335.3

Other receivables

     1,161.8       1,172.7

Securities lending collateral

     891.5       904.7

Deferred tax assets, net

     563.5       642.6

Other current assets

     1,318.3       1,284.5
              

Total current assets

     13,687.7       11,621.8

Long-term investments available-for-sale, at fair value:

    

Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost of $14,118.3 and $15,004.6)

     14,123.7       14,972.4

Equity securities (cost of $78.4 and $82.7)

     79.5       86.2

Other invested assets, long-term

     681.0       628.8

Property and equipment, net

     957.8       988.6

Goodwill

     13,544.5       13,383.5

Other intangible assets

     9,296.9       9,396.2

Other noncurrent assets

     528.6       497.4
              

Total assets

   $ 52,899.7     $   51,574.9
              

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

    

Liabilities

    

Current liabilities:

    

Policy liabilities:

    

Medical claims payable

   $ 5,785.4     $ 5,290.3

Reserves for future policy benefits

     74.1       76.3

Other policyholder liabilities

     2,212.4       2,055.7
              

Total policy liabilities

     8,071.9       7,422.3

Unearned income

     985.7       987.9

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     3,046.1       3,242.2

Income taxes payable

     22.0       538.2

Security trades pending payable

     92.0       124.8

Securities lending payable

     891.5       904.7

Current portion of long-term debt

     321.5       521.0

Other current liabilities

     1,648.3       1,397.4
              

Total current liabilities

     15,079.0       15,138.5

Long-term debt, less current portion

     8,381.0       6,493.2

Reserves for future policy benefits, noncurrent

     654.2       646.9

Deferred tax liability, net

     2,914.4       3,350.2

Other noncurrent liabilities

     2,197.2       1,370.3
              

Total liabilities

     29,225.8       26,999.1
              

Commitments and contingencies – Note 14

    

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: 575,210,894 and 615,500,865

     5.7       6.1

Additional paid-in capital

     18,976.9       19,863.5

Retained earnings

     4,612.0       4,656.1

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     79.3       50.1
              

Total shareholders’ equity

     23,673.9       24,575.8
              

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 52,899.7     $ 51,574.9
              

See accompanying notes.

 

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WellPoint, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

 

(In millions, except per share data)    Three Months Ended
September 30
   Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
     2007    2006    2007    2006  

Revenues

           

Premiums

   $ 13,905.6    $ 13,180.3    $ 41,598.9    $ 38,678.0  

Administrative fees

     911.9      891.3      2,760.3      2,690.4  

Other revenue

     149.2      150.4      445.4      448.6  
                             

Total operating revenue

     14,966.7      14,222.0      44,804.6      41,817.0  

Net investment income

     257.7      222.8      757.7      653.4  

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     9.5      4.6      10.6      (11.4 )
                             

Total revenues

     15,233.9      14,449.4      45,572.9      42,459.0  

Expenses

           

Benefit expense

     11,379.8      10,712.9      34,214.4      31,424.7  

Selling, general and administrative expense:

           

Selling expense

     430.8      415.7      1,283.4      1,230.3  

General and administrative expense

     1,759.1      1,783.0      5,298.4      5,333.1  
                             

Total selling, general and administrative expense

     2,189.9      2,198.7      6,581.8      6,563.4  

Cost of drugs

     99.4      102.8      303.5      313.7  

Interest expense

     119.6      105.6      322.6      303.5  

Amortization of other intangible assets

     73.8      74.8      215.5      223.1  
                             

Total expenses

     13,862.5      13,194.8      41,637.8      38,828.4  
                             

Income before income tax expense

     1,371.4      1,254.6      3,935.1      3,630.6  

Income tax expense

     503.4      443.8      1,448.8      1,336.8  
                             

Net income

   $ 868.0    $ 810.8    $ 2,486.3    $ 2,293.8  
                             

Net income per share

           

Basic

   $ 1.47    $ 1.31    $ 4.12    $ 3.63  
                             

Diluted

   $ 1.45    $ 1.29    $ 4.06    $ 3.54  
                             

See accompanying notes.

 

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WellPoint, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

(In millions)   

Nine Months Ended

September 30

 
     2007     2006  
    

Operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 2,486.3     $ 2,293.8  

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

    

Net realized (gains) losses on investments

     (10.6 )     11.4  

Loss on disposal of assets

     10.3       0.4  

Deferred income taxes

     (229.4 )     27.8  

Amortization, net of accretion

     350.7       348.9  

Depreciation expense

     91.4       101.3  

Share-based compensation

     153.6       212.3  

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

     (141.4 )     (113.4 )

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

    

Receivables, net

     (441.4 )     (676.2 )

Other invested assets, current

     34.4       (98.5 )

Other assets

     (61.0 )     (229.4 )

Policy liabilities

     638.0       806.8  

Unearned income

     (3.4 )     0.6  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (199.0 )     (45.2 )

Other liabilities

     158.3       122.7  

Income taxes

     424.8       (150.0 )

Other, net

     (21.3 )     –    
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     3,240.3       2,613.3  

Investing activities

    

Purchases of fixed maturity securities

     (7,131.4 )     (9,310.2 )

Proceeds from fixed maturity securities:

    

Sales

     5,319.6       8,694.3  

Maturities, calls and redemptions

     595.1       426.8  

Purchase of equity securities

     (1,147.7 )     (2,136.1 )

Proceeds from sales of equity securities

     1,750.9       1,841.5  

Changes in securities lending collateral

     13.2       490.9  

Purchase of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

     (298.5 )     (25.0 )

Purchases of property and equipment

     (211.5 )     (130.5 )

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

     52.6       11.3  

Other, net

     (30.9 )     (24.7 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,088.6 )     (161.7 )

Financing activities

    

Net (repayment of) proceeds from commercial paper borrowings

     (97.3 )     29.0  

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

     1,978.3       2,668.9  

Repayment of long-term borrowings

     (206.2 )     (2,159.5 )

Changes in securities lending payable

     (13.2 )     (490.9 )

Changes in bank overdrafts

     (12.9 )     414.5  

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

     (4,325.3 )     (4,000.0 )

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

     605.4       462.3  

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

     141.4       113.4  
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (1,929.8 )     (2,962.3 )
                

Change in cash and cash equivalents

     221.9       (510.7 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     2,602.1       2,740.2  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 2,824.0     $ 2,229.5  
                

See accompanying notes.

 

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WellPoint, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

 

(In millions)   Common Stock    

Additional

Paid-in
Capital

    Retained
Earnings
    Unearned
Share-Based
Compensation
   

Accumulated

Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
    Number of
Shares
    Par
Value
           

January 1, 2007

  615.5     $ 6.1     $ 19,863.5     $ 4,656.1     $ –       $ 50.1     $ 24,575.8  

Net income

  –         –         –         2,486.3       –         –         2,486.3  

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

  –         –         –         –         –         27.2       27.2  

Change in net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges

  –         –         –         –         –         (1.9 )     (1.9 )

Change in net periodic pension and
postretirement costs

  –         –         –         –         –         3.9       3.9  
                   

Comprehensive income

                2,515.5  

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

  (54.4 )     (0.5 )     (1,796.0 )     (2,528.8 )     –         –         (4,325.3 )

Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans, net of related tax benefits

  14.1       0.1       909.4       –         –         –         909.5  

Adoption of FIN 48

  –         –         –         (1.6 )     –         –         (1.6 )
                                                     

September 30, 2007

  575.2     $ 5.7     $ 18,976.9     $ 4,612.0     $ –       $ 79.3     $ 23,673.9  
                                                     

January 1, 2006

  660.4     $ 6.6     $ 20,915.4     $ 4,173.5     $ (82.1 )   $ (20.3 )   $ 24,993.1  

Net income

  –         –         –         2,293.8       –         –         2,293.8  

Change in net unrealized losses on investments

  –         –         –         –         –         43.8       43.8  

Change in net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges

  –         –         –         –         –         (4.6 )     (4.6 )
                   

Comprehensive income

                2,333.0  

Repurchase and retirement of common stock

  (53.4 )     (0.5 )     (1,699.3 )     (2,300.2 )     –         –         (4,000.0 )

Reclassification of unearned share-based compensation in connection with adoption of FAS 123R

  –         –         (82.1 )     –         82.1       –         –    

Issuance of common stock under employee stock plans, net of related tax benefits

  13.6       0.1       817.2       –         –         –         817.3  
                                                     

September 30, 2006

  620.6     $ 6.2     $ 19,951.2     $ 4,167.1     $ –       $ 18.9     $ 24,143.4  
                                                     

See accompanying notes.

 

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WellPoint, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

September 30, 2007

(In Millions, Except Per Share Data)

1.  Organization

WellPoint, Inc. (“WellPoint”), which name changed from Anthem, Inc. effective November 30, 2004, is the largest health benefits company in terms of commercial membership in the United States, serving approximately 34.8 million members as of September 30, 2007. WellPoint and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) offer a broad spectrum of network-based managed care plans to large and small employer, individual, Medicaid and senior markets. The Company’s managed care plans include preferred provider organizations (“PPOs”), health maintenance organizations (“HMOs”), point-of-service (“POS”) plans, traditional indemnity plans and other hybrid plans, including consumer-driven health plans (“CDHPs”), hospital only and limited benefit products. In addition, the Company provides 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 and other administrative services. The Company also provides an array of specialty and other products and services such as life and disability insurance benefits, pharmacy benefit management, specialty pharmacy, dental, vision, behavioral health benefit services, long-term care insurance and flexible spending accounts. The Company has licenses in all 50 states.

The Company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (“BCBSA”), an association of independent health benefit plans, and serves its members as the Blue Cross licensee for California and as the Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensee for: Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area), Nevada, New Hampshire, New York (as Blue Cross Blue Shield in 10 New York City metropolitan and surrounding counties and as Blue Cross or Blue Cross Blue Shield in selected upstate counties only), Ohio, Virginia (excluding the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.) and Wisconsin. The Company also serves customers throughout various parts of the country as UniCare.

2.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. 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, 2007 and 2006 have been recorded. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2007. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 included in WellPoint’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

3.  Investments

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, fixed maturity and equity securities are classified as either “available-for-sale” or “trading” and are reported at fair value. The Company classifies its investments in available-for-sale fixed maturity securities as either current or noncurrent assets based on their contractual maturities. Certain investments which the Company intends to sell within the next twelve months are carried as

 

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current without regard to their contractual maturities. Additionally, certain investments used to satisfy contractual, regulatory or other requirements continue to be classified as long-term, without regard to contractual maturity. The unrealized gains or losses on both current and long-term fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale are included in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, unless the decline in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and the Company does not have the intent and ability to hold such securities until their full cost can be recovered, in which case the securities are written down to fair value and the loss is charged to realized losses in current operations. The Company evaluates its investment securities for other-than-temporary declines based on quantitative and qualitative factors. The Company recorded realized losses from other-than-temporary impairments of $42.4 and $12.3 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company recorded realized losses from other-than-temporary impairments of $150.2 and $46.3 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

4.  Business Combinations

On August 1, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of Imaging Management Holdings, LLC (“IMH”) whose sole business is the holding company parent of American Imaging Management, Inc. (“AIM”). AIM is a leading radiology benefit management and technology company and provides services to the Company as well as other customers nationwide, including eight other Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensees. The acquisition supports WellPoint’s strategy to become the leader in affordable quality care by incorporating AIM’s services and technology for more effective and efficient use of radiology services by the Company’s members.

The purchase price for the acquisition was approximately $300.0 in cash. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The results of operations for AIM are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for periods following August 1, 2007. In accordance with FAS 141, Business Combinations, the purchase price was allocated to the fair value of AIM assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including identifiable intangible assets of $111.9, and the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in $211.8 of non-tax deductible goodwill, which was recorded in the Commercial and Consumer Business (“CCB”) segment. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and additional refinements may occur. The pro forma effects of this acquisition were not material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations.

5.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

As further described in Note 12, Segment Information, the Company revised its reportable segments effective January 1, 2007. FAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, requires that goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives be reassigned to the reporting units affected and tested for impairment between annual tests if an entity reorganizes its reporting structure. As a result, the Company completed a review of goodwill by reporting unit and an impairment test of existing goodwill during the first quarter of 2007. No impairment losses were recorded as a result of this testing. The carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment at September 30, 2007 was $11,514.8 and $2,029.7 for the CCB and Specialty, Senior and State-Sponsored Business (“4SB”) segments, respectively.

6.  Capital Stock

Stock Repurchase Program

WellPoint maintains a common stock repurchase program, as authorized by the Board of Directors. Repurchases may be made from time to time at prevailing market prices, subject to certain restrictions on volume, pricing and timing. On March 21, 2007 and August 9, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized increases of $2,000.0 and $2,000.0, respectively, in the Company’s stock repurchase program, resulting in a total amount available for repurchases in 2007 of $4,949.8, which includes $949.8 of authorization remaining unused at December 31, 2006. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, WellPoint repurchased and retired approximately 54.4 shares at an average per share price of $79.46, for an aggregate cost of $4,325.3. During the

 

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nine months ended September 30, 2006, WellPoint repurchased and retired approximately 53.4 shares at an average per share price of $74.86, for an aggregate cost of $4,000.0. The excess of cost of the repurchased shares over par value is charged on a pro rata basis to additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. As of September 30, 2007, $624.5 remained authorized for future repurchases. Subsequent to September 30, 2007, WellPoint repurchased and retired approximately 4.0 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $317.4, leaving approximately $307.1 for authorized future repurchases at October 17, 2007.

Stock Incentive Plans

A summary of stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 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, 2007

   35.2     $   48.19      

Granted

   6.4       80.79      

Exercised

   (13.7 )     40.69      

Forfeited or expired

   (1.5 )     73.54      
              

Outstanding at September 30, 2007

   26.4       58.51    7.2    $   548.9
              

Exercisable at September 30, 2007

   17.1       48.91    6.3    $   514.7
              

A summary of the status of nonvested restricted stock activity, including restricted stock units, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is as follows:

 

     Restricted
Stock Shares
and Units
    Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share

Nonvested at January 1, 2007

   2.0     $   68.74

Granted

   0.9       80.65

Vested

   (0.7 )     69.08

Forfeited

   (0.3 )     64.67
        

Nonvested at September 30, 2007

   1.9       74.56
        

7.  Earnings per Share

The denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
   Nine Months Ended
September 30
       2007        2006        2007        2006  

Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted average shares

   589.8    617.1    603.5    632.3

Effect of dilutive securities – employee and director stock options and non-vested restricted stock awards

   7.2    13.5    9.1    14.8
                   

Denominator for diluted earnings per share

   597.0    630.6    612.6    647.1
                   

 

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During the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, weighted average shares related to certain stock options of 5.9 and 6.3, 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, 2007 and 2006, weighted average shares related to certain stock options of 4.8 and 5.0, 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, 2007, the Company issued approximately 0.8 restricted stock units under the Company’s stock incentive plans. The restricted stock units will convert to shares upon vesting, which is contingent upon the Company meeting specified annual earnings per share amounts for 2007. The 0.8 restricted stock units have been excluded from the denominator for diluted earnings per share and will be included when the contingency is met.

8.  Income Taxes

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement 109 (“FIN 48”). Among other things, FIN 48 provides guidance to address uncertainty in tax positions and clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold which income tax positions must achieve before being recognized in the financial statements. In addition, FIN 48 requires expanded annual disclosures, including a rollforward of the beginning and ending aggregate unrecognized tax benefits as well as specific detail related to tax uncertainties for which it is reasonably possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months. The Company adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, and recorded a reduction of retained earnings of $1.6 effective January 1, 2007. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits from uncertain tax positions at January 1, 2007 was $884.0. As a result of the expiration of certain statute of limitations, the Company released approximately $17.6 of liabilities related to uncertain tax positions during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Of this release, approximately $15.3 was recorded as an adjustment to goodwill as such liabilities were related to prior business combinations.

As of January 1, 2007, $499.0 of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Included in the January 1, 2007 balance is $190.3 of tax positions arising from business combinations that, if recognized, ultimately would be recorded as an adjustment to goodwill and would not affect the effective tax rate. Also included is $8.1 that would be recognized as an adjustment to additional paid-in-capital and would not affect the effective tax rate. The January 1, 2007 balance includes $186.6 of tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. Excluding the impact of interest and penalties, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect the effective tax rate, but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period.

As of September 30, 2007, as further described below, certain of the Company’s tax years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and various state and local authorities. In addition, the Company continues to discuss certain industry issues with the IRS. As a result of these examinations and discussions, the Company has recorded amounts for uncertain tax positions. However, the ultimate outcome of the IRS examinations and discussions, as well as an estimate of any related change to amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions, cannot be presently determined.

The Company recognizes interest and, if applicable, penalties which could be assessed related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized approximately $9.8 and $9.3 in interest, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized approximately $27.3 and $29.0 in interest, respectively. The Company had accrued approximately $223.4 and $196.1 for the payment of interest at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

 

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As of September 30, 2007, the Company’s 2006, 2005 and 2004 tax years are being examined by the IRS. In addition, the Company has several tax years for which there are ongoing disputes. For 2007, the IRS has invited the Company to join in the Compliance Assurance Program (“CAP”), and the Company has accepted. The objective of CAP is to reduce taxpayer burden and uncertainty while assuring the IRS of the accuracy of tax returns prior to filing, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for post-filing examinations.

9.  Hedging Activity

Fair Value Hedges

For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized expense of $2.0 and $3.3, respectively, from fair value hedges, which were recorded as an increase to interest expense. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, the Company recognized expense of $5.1 and $7.7, respectively, from fair value hedges, which were recorded as an increase to interest expense.

Cash Flow Hedges

During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company entered into a floating to fixed rate cash flow hedge with a total notional value of $480.0. The purpose of this hedge is to offset the variability of the cash flows due to the rollover of the Company’s variable-rate one-month commercial paper issuance. In December 2006, the total notional value was reduced to $240.0. This swap agreement expires in December 2007. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, no gain or loss from hedge ineffectiveness was recorded in earnings and the commercial paper borrowings remained outstanding at September 30, 2007.

During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company entered into forward starting pay fixed swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $875.0. The objective of these hedges was to eliminate the variability of cash flows in the interest payments on the debt securities to be issued to partially fund the cash portion of the 2005 acquisition of WellChoice, Inc. (“WellChoice”). These swaps were terminated in January 2006, and the Company paid a net $24.7, the net fair value at the time of termination. In addition, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $16.0, net of tax, as accumulated other comprehensive income. Following the issuance of WellChoice related debt securities in January 2006, the unamortized fair value of the forward starting pay fixed swaps included in balances in accumulated other comprehensive income began amortizing into earnings, as an increase to interest expense, over the life of the debt securities.

The unrecognized loss for all cash flow hedges included in accumulated other comprehensive income at September 30, 2007 was $7.5.

10.  Long-Term Debt

On August 21, 2007, the Company issued zero coupon notes in a private placement transaction exempt from registration. Gross proceeds to the Company were $500.0. The notes have a final maturity date of August 22, 2022, and were issued with a yield to maturity of 5.264% and a final amount due at maturity of $1,090.0. The notes have a put feature that allows a note holder to require the Company to repurchase the notes at certain dates in the future. The proceeds of this debt issuance are for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, repurchasing shares of the Company’s common stock. The notes have initially been classified as long-term debt on the Company’s balance sheet, and will be reclassified to current portion of long-term debt beginning one year prior to the date the Company may be required to repurchase the notes.

On June 8, 2007, the Company issued $700.0 of 5.875% notes due 2017 and $800.0 of 6.375% notes due 2037 under a shelf registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on December 28, 2005. The proceeds from this debt issuance are for working capital and for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, repurchasing shares of the Company’s common stock. The notes have a call feature that allows the Company to repurchase the notes anytime at its option and a put feature that allows a note holder to require the Company to repurchase the notes upon the occurrence of both a change of control event and a downgrade of the notes.

 

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The Company has an authorized commercial paper program of up to $2,500.0, the proceeds of which may be used for general corporate purposes. At September 30, 2007, the Company had $1,198.1 outstanding under this program compared to $1,295.3 at December 31, 2006.

The Company has a senior revolving credit facility (the “facility”) with certain lenders for general corporate purposes. The facility, as amended, provides credit up to $2,500.0 (reduced for any commercial paper issuances) and matures on September 30, 2011. The interest rate on this facility is based on either (i) the LIBOR rate plus a predetermined percentage rate based on the Company’s credit rating at the date of utilization, or (ii) a base rate as defined in the facility agreement. The Company’s ability to borrow under this facility is subject to compliance with certain covenants. There were no amounts outstanding under this facility as of September 30, 2007 or during the nine months then ended. At September 30, 2007, the Company had $1,301.9 available under this facility.

On September 1, 2007, the Company repaid $200.0 of its 3.50% notes, which matured on that date.

11.  Retirement Benefits

The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) included in the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Benefits  
         2007             2006             2007             2006      

Service cost

   $      9.5     $    16.9     $    1.6     $     3.0  

Interest cost

     25.9       26.2       8.4       7.8  

Expected return on assets

     (37.0 )     (36.1 )     (0.8 )     (0.7 )

Recognized actuarial (gain) loss

     (0.2 )     4.2       0.9       1.1  

Amortization of prior service cost

     (1.0 )     1.5       (1.3 )     (0.6 )
                                

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost

   $ (2.8 )   $ 12.7     $ 8.8     $ 10.6  
                                

The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) included in the consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Benefits  
         2007             2006             2007             2006      

Service cost

   $    28.3     $    45.1     $    5.7     $    9.1  

Interest cost

     76.9       76.6       25.9       23.4  

Expected return on assets

     (113.2 )     (108.4 )     (2.4 )     (2.1 )

Recognized actuarial loss

     0.2       12.6       2.7       3.2  

Amortization of prior service cost

     (0.6 )     1.0       (2.9 )     (1.9 )

Curtailment loss (gain)

     6.1       (4.6 )     (0.6 )     –    
                                

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost

   $ (2.3 )   $ 22.3     $ 28.4     $ 31.7  
                                

For the year ending December 31, 2007, there were no required contributions under ERISA; however, the Company made a contribution of $1.0 during the three months ended September 30, 2007.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company incurred a net curtailment loss of $6.1 within certain of its supplemental pension plans.

 

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12.  Segment Information

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company is organized around three reportable segments: CCB, 4SB and Other. The Company’s reportable segments are in accordance with the organizational structure, which reflects how the chief operating decision maker evaluates the performance of the business beginning January 1, 2007. Segment disclosures for 2006 have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation.

The Company’s CCB segment includes business units that offer similar products and services, including commercial accounts and individual programs. The Company offers a diversified mix of managed care products, including PPOs, HMOs, traditional indemnity benefits and POS plans. The Company also offers a variety of hybrid benefit plans, including CDHPs, hospital only and limited benefit products. Additionally, the Company provides 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 and other administrative services.

The Company’s 4SB segment is comprised of businesses providing specialty products and services such as Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Medicaid, life and disability insurance benefits, pharmacy benefit management, specialty pharmacy, dental, vision, behavioral health benefit services, and long-term care insurance. The Company also provides network rental and medical management services to workers compensation carriers.

The Other segment includes results from the Company’s Federal Government Solutions business and other businesses that do not meet the quantitative thresholds for an operating segment as defined in FAS 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, as well as intersegment sales and expense eliminations and corporate expenses not allocated to the other reportable segments. The Company’s Federal Government Solutions business includes the Federal Employee Program (“FEP”) and National Government Services, Inc., which acts as a Medicare contractor in several regions across the nation.

As a result of the organizational structure described above, as of December 31, 2006 a liability of $51.6 remained for future payments of termination costs. The Company accrued an additional $9.0 and made payments of $46.0 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 related to these termination costs. A liability of $14.6 remained at September 30, 2007 for future payments of termination costs.

On October 2, 2007, the Company announced a new organizational structure around two new strategic business units – a Commercial Business unit and a Consumer Business Unit. In addition, a new Comprehensive Health Solutions Business unit will bring together the Company’s resources focused on optimizing the quality of health care and the cost of care management. The Commercial Business unit will include Local Group customers, National Accounts, UniCare and Specialty business operations (dental, vision, life and disability, behavioral health, employee assistance programs and workers’ compensation). The Consumer Business unit will include Senior, State-Sponsored and Individual business. The Comprehensive Health Solutions Business unit will include provider relations, care and disease management, and WellPoint’s pharmacy benefits management company, NextRx, and its specialty pharmacy, PrecisionRx Specialty Solutions. This simplified, customer-focused structure builds on the strength of our commercial and consumer businesses, and will create additional opportunities for cross-selling medical and specialty products. These changes also emphasize our comprehensive approach to improving the quality, transparency and cost of health care for all of our customers. The Company’s chief operating decision maker will assess performance under this new structure effective January 1, 2008 and, accordingly, the Company expects to revise its reportable segments in the first quarter of 2008.

 

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Financial data by reportable segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

     CCB    4SB    Other and
Eliminations
    Total

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

          

Operating revenue from external customers

   $   10,561.0    $   2,959.3    $   1,446.4     $   14,966.7

Intersegment revenues

     –        414.3      (414.3 )     –  

Operating gain (loss)

     1,100.0      224.0      (26.4 )     1,297.6

Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

          

Operating revenue from external customers

   $ 10,215.1    $ 2,539.8    $ 1,467.1     $ 14,222.0

Intersegment revenues

     –        372.9      (372.9 )     –  

Operating gain (loss)

     936.4      284.3      (13.1 )     1,207.6

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

          

Operating revenue from external customers

   $ 31,494.8    $ 8,888.6    $ 4,421.2     $ 44,804.6

Intersegment revenues

     –        1,225.2      (1,225.2 )     –  

Operating gain (loss)

     3,127.7      580.0      (2.8 )     3,704.9

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

          

Operating revenue from external customers

   $ 30,280.9    $ 7,482.2    $ 4,053.9     $ 41,817.0

Intersegment revenues

     –        1,055.5      (1,055.5 )     –  

Operating gain (loss)

     2,824.8      737.3      (46.9 )     3,515.2

A reconciliation of reportable segments operating revenues to total revenues reported in the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
   Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
     2007    2006    2007    2006  

Reportable segments operating revenues

   $   14,966.7    $   14,222.0    $   44,804.6    $   41,817.0  

Net investment income

     257.7      222.8      757.7      653.4  

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     9.5      4.6      10.6      (11.4 )
                             

Total revenues

   $ 15,233.9    $ 14,449.4    $ 45,572.9    $ 42,459.0  
                             

A reconciliation of reportable segments operating gain to income before income tax expense included in the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

    

Three Months

Ended September 30

    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  

Reportable segments operating gain

   $   1,297.6     $   1,207.6     $   3,704.9     $   3,515.2  

Net investment income

     257.7       222.8       757.7       653.4  

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

     9.5       4.6       10.6       (11.4 )

Interest expense

     (119.6 )     (105.6 )     (322.6 )     (303.5 )

Amortization of other intangible assets

     (73.8 )     (74.8 )     (215.5 )     (223.1 )
                                

Income before income tax expense

   $ 1,371.4     $ 1,254.6     $ 3,935.1     $ 3,630.6  
                                

 

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13.  Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
    Nine Months Ended
September 30
 
         2007             2006             2007             2006      

Net income

   $   868.0     $   810.8     $   2,486.3     $   2,293.8  

Change in net unrealized gains on investments

     72.4       217.1       27.2       43.8  

Change in net unrealized losses on cash flow hedges

     (0.7 )     (2.0 )     (1.9 )     (4.6 )

Change in net periodic pension and postretirement costs

     (0.1 )     –         3.9       –    
                                

Comprehensive income

   $ 939.6     $ 1,025.9     $ 2,515.5     $ 2,333.0  
                                

14.  Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

In July 2005, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with representatives of more than 700,000 physicians nationwide to resolve certain cases brought by physicians. The cases resolved were known as the CMA Litigation, the Shane Litigation, the Thomas Litigation and certain other similar cases brought by physicians. Final monetary payments were made in October 2006. Following its acquisition in 2005, WellChoice was merged with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of WellPoint. Since the WellChoice transaction closed on December 28, 2005, after the Company reached settlement with the plaintiffs, WellChoice continues to be a defendant in the Thomas (now known as Love) Litigation and is not affected by the prior settlement between the Company and plaintiffs. The Love Litigation alleges that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”). On April 27, 2007, the Company, along with 22 other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, announced a settlement of the Love Litigation. The Court granted preliminary approval on May 31, 2007. The settlement will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Prior to WellPoint Health Network Inc.’s (“WHN”) acquisition of the group benefit operations (“GBO”) of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (“John Hancock”), John Hancock entered into a number of reinsurance arrangements, including with respect to personal accident insurance and the occupational accident component of workers’ compensation insurance, a portion of which was originated through a pool managed by Unicover Managers, Inc. Under these arrangements, John Hancock assumed risks as a reinsurer and transferred certain of such risks to other companies. Similar reinsurance arrangements were entered into by John Hancock following WHN’s acquisition of the GBO of John Hancock. These various arrangements have become the subject of disputes, including a number of legal proceedings to which John Hancock is a party. The Company is currently in arbitration with John Hancock regarding these arrangements. The arbitration panel’s Phase I ruling addressed liability. On April 23, 2007, the arbitration panel issued a Phase II ruling stating the amount the Company owes to John Hancock for losses and expenses John Hancock paid through June 30, 2006. The panel further outlined a process for determining the Company’s liability for losses and expenses paid after June 30, 2006, which liability has not been determined yet. The Company filed a Petition to Confirm and John Hancock filed an Application to Vacate the arbitration rulings, which are currently pending in federal court. The Company believes that the liability that may result from this matter is unlikely to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In various California state courts, the Company is defending a number of individual lawsuits and several purported class actions alleging the wrongful rescission of individual insurance policies. The suits name WellPoint as well as Blue Cross of California (“BCC”) and BC Life & Health Insurance Company (“BCL&H”),

 

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both WellPoint subsidiaries. The lawsuits generally allege breach of contract, bad faith and unfair business practices in a purported practice of rescinding new individual members following the submission of large claims. In December 2006, the California Medical Association filed a motion to intervene in one of the class actions. The motion has not been heard. The parties have agreed to mediate most of these lawsuits and the mediation has resulted in the resolution of some of these lawsuits. A settlement of one of the class actions is pending preliminary approval by the trial court. In addition, the California Department of Managed Health Care and California Department of Insurance are conducting investigations of the allegations. In February 2007 the California Department of Managed Health Care issued its final report in which it indicated its intention to impose a monetary penalty against BCC of $1.0. In June 2007, the California Department of Insurance issued its final report in which it issued a number of citations alleging violations of fair-claims handling laws. While the outcome is currently unknown, the Company believes that any liability that may result from this matter is unlikely to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In various California state courts, several hospitals have filed suits against BCC and WHN for payment of claims denied where the member was rescinded. These lawsuits are currently in mediation or arbitration. In addition, a purported class action has been filed against BCC, BCL&H and WHN in a California state court on behalf of hospitals. This suit also seeks to recover for payment of claims denied where the member was rescinded. An amended complaint was recently filed adding the California Medical Association along with the California Hospital Association as new plaintiffs in this suit. In December 2006, this purported class of hospitals also filed a motion to intervene in one of the individual class action cases referenced above. The motion has not been heard. The Company denies any wrongdoing. The Company intends to vigorously defend these proceedings; however, their ultimate outcome cannot be presently determined.

Other Contingencies

From time to time, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries are parties to various legal proceedings, many of which involve claims for coverage encountered in the ordinary course of business. The Company, like HMOs and health insurers generally, excludes certain health care services from coverage under its HMO, PPO and other plans. The Company is, in its ordinary course of business, subject to the claims of its enrollees arising out of decisions to restrict or deny reimbursement for certain services. The loss of even one such claim, if it results in a significant punitive damage award, could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition, the risk of potential liability under punitive damage theories may increase significantly the difficulty of obtaining reasonable settlements of coverage claims.

In addition to the lawsuits described above, the Company is also involved in other pending and threatened litigation of the character incidental to the business transacted, arising out of its operations and its 2001 demutualization, and is from time to time involved as a party in various governmental investigations, audits, reviews and administrative proceedings. These investigations, audits and reviews include routine and special investigations by state insurance departments, state attorneys general and the U.S. Attorney General. Such investigations could result in the imposition of civil or criminal fines, penalties and other sanctions. The Company believes that any liability that may result from any one of these actions, or in the aggregate, is unlikely to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The Company entered into certain agreements with International Business Machines Corporation (“IBM”) to provide information technology infrastructure services. These services were previously performed in-house. The Company’s remaining commitment under these contracts at September 30, 2007 is approximately $815.2 over a five year period. The Company has the ability to terminate these agreements upon the occurrence of certain events, subject to certain early termination fees.

 

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On July 15, 2004, the Company agreed to guarantee up to $37.0 of debt incurred by an unaffiliated entity to partially finance the purchase of a hospital. On August 17, 2007, the guarantee was released and discharged which did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In connection with an investment in July 2004 in a joint venture to develop and operate a well-being center in California, the Company may be required to make an additional capital contribution of up to approximately $18.0 during the first three years that the well-being center is in operation if cash flows and room nights generated by the Company do not exceed specified targets. Approximately $3.9 has been funded through September 30, 2007. The well-being center began operations during December 2006.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

References to the terms “we”, “our”, “us” or the “Company” used throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, refer to WellPoint, Inc. (name changed from Anthem, Inc. effective November 30, 2004), an Indiana corporation, and unless the context otherwise requires, its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

The structure of our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or MD&A, is as follows:

 

  I. Executive Summary

 

  II. Overview

 

  III. Significant Transactions

 

  IV. Membership – September 30, 2007 Compared to September 30, 2006

 

  V. Cost of Care

 

  VI. Results of Operations – Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

  VII. Results of Operations – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

  VIII. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

  IX. Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

  X. Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

 

I. Executive Summary

We are the largest health benefits company in terms of commercial membership in the United States, serving approximately 34.8 million members as of September 30, 2007. 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 in 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 (as BCBS in 10 New York City metropolitan and surrounding counties, and as Blue Cross or BCBS in selected upstate counties only), Ohio, Virginia (excluding the immediate suburbs of Washington, D.C.) and Wisconsin. We also serve customers throughout various parts of the country as UniCare.

Operating revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was $15.0 billion, an increase of $0.7 billion, or 5%, over the three months ended September 30, 2006, primarily driven by premium rate increases in Local Group, growth in our State-Sponsored business primarily due to the addition of five new states since the beginning of the third quarter of 2006 and growth in Medicare Advantage business. Operating revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $44.8 billion, an increase of $3.0 billion, or 7%, over the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily driven by premium rate increases in Local Group, growth in Medicare Advantage business, growth in our State-Sponsored business primarily due to the addition of five new states since the beginning of the third quarter of 2006 and increased reimbursement in the Federal Employee Program, or FEP.

Our fully-diluted earnings per share, or EPS, was $1.45 for the three months ended September 30, 2007, which included $0.01 per share from net realized investment gains and was a 12% increase over the EPS of $1.29

 

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for the three months ended September 30, 2006, which included $0.04 per share related to tax benefits from changes in state tax apportionment factors and $0.01 per share from net realized investment gains. Our fully-diluted EPS was $4.06 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, which included $0.01 per share from net realized investment gains and was a 15% increase over the EPS of $3.54 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, which included $0.04 per share related to tax benefits from changes in state tax apportionment factors and $0.01 per share from net realized investment losses. Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was $868.0 million, a 7% increase over the three months ended September 30, 2006. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $2.5 billion, an 8% increase over the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Operating cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $3.2 billion, or 1.3 times net income. Operating cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $2.6 billion, or 1.1 times net income. The increase in operating cash flow from 2006 was driven primarily by lower income tax payments and higher net income in 2007 compared to 2006.

 

II. Overview

Effective January 1, 2007, we manage our operations through three reportable segments: Commercial and Consumer Business, or CCB; Specialty, Senior and State-Sponsored Business, or 4SB; and Other. See Note 12 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Our CCB segment includes business units which offer similar products and services, including commercial accounts and individual programs. We offer a diversified mix of managed care products, including preferred provider organizations or PPOs, health maintenance organizations or HMOs, traditional indemnity benefits and point of service or POS plans. We also offer a variety of hybrid benefit plans, including consumer-driven health plans, or CDHPs, hospital only and limited benefit products. Additionally, we 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 and other administrative services.

Our 4SB segment is comprised of businesses providing specialty products and services such as Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Medicaid, life and disability insurance benefits, pharmacy benefit management, or PBM, specialty pharmacy, dental, vision, behavioral health benefit services and long-term care insurance. We also provide network rental and medical management services to workers compensation carriers.

The Other segment includes results from our Federal Government Solutions business and other businesses that do not meet the quantitative thresholds for an operating segment as defined in FAS 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, as well as intersegment sales and expense eliminations and corporate expenses not allocated to the other reportable segments. Our Federal Government Solutions business includes FEP and National Government Services, Inc., which acts as a Medicare contractor in several regions across the nation.

On October 2, 2007, we announced a new organizational structure around two new strategic business units – a Commercial Business unit and a Consumer Business unit. In addition, a new Comprehensive Health Solutions Business unit will bring together the company’s resources focused on optimizing the quality of health care and the cost of care management. The Commercial Business unit will include Local Group customers, National Accounts, UniCare and Specialty business operations (dental, vision, life and disability, behavioral health, employee assistance programs and workers’ compensation). The Consumer Business unit will include Senior, State-Sponsored and Individual business. The Comprehensive Health Solutions Business unit will include provider relations, care and disease management, and WellPoint’s pharmacy benefits management company, NextRx, and its specialty pharmacy, PrecisionRx Specialty Solutions. This simplified, customer-focused structure builds on the strength of our commercial and consumer businesses, and will create additional

 

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opportunities for cross-selling medical and specialty products. These changes also emphasize our comprehensive approach to improving the quality, transparency and cost of health care for all of our customers. Our chief operating decision maker will assess performance under this new structure effective January 1, 2008 and, accordingly, we expect to revise our reportable segments in the first quarter of 2008.

Our operating revenue consists of premiums, administrative fees and other revenue. Premium revenue comes from fully-insured contracts where we indemnify our policyholders against costs for covered health and life benefits. Administrative fees come from contracts where our customers are self-insured, or where the fee is based on either processing of transactions or a percent of network discount savings realized. Additionally, we earn administrative fee revenues from our Medicare processing business and from other health-related businesses, including disease management programs. Other revenue is principally generated from member co-payments and deductibles associated with the mail-order sale of drugs by our pharmacy benefit management companies.

Our benefit expense includes costs of care for health services consumed by our members, such as outpatient care, inpatient hospital care, professional services (primarily physician care) and pharmacy benefit costs. All four components are affected both by unit costs and utilization rates. Unit costs include the cost of outpatient medical procedures per visit, inpatient hospital care per admission, physician fees per office visit and prescription drug prices. Utilization rates represent the volume of consumption of health services and typically vary with the age and health status of our members and their social and lifestyle choices, along with clinical protocols and medical practice patterns in each of our markets. A portion of benefit expense recognized in each reporting period consists of actuarial estimates of claims incurred but not yet paid by us. Any changes in these estimates are recorded in the period the need for such an adjustment arises.

Our selling expense consists of external broker commission expenses and generally varies with premium volume. Our general and administrative expense consists of fixed and variable costs. Examples of fixed costs are depreciation, amortization and certain facilities expenses. Other costs are variable or discretionary in nature. Certain variable costs, such as premium taxes, vary directly with premium volume. Other variable costs, such as salaries and benefits, do not vary directly with changes in premium, but are more aligned with changes in membership. The acquisition or loss of a significant block of business would likely impact staffing levels, and thus salary and associate benefit expense. Examples of discretionary costs include professional and consulting expenses and advertising. Other factors can impact our administrative cost structure, including systems efficiencies, inflation and changes in productivity.

Our cost of drugs consists of the amounts we pay to pharmaceutical companies for the drugs we sell via mail order through our PBM. This amount excludes the cost of drugs related to affiliated health customers recorded in benefit expense. Our cost of drugs can be influenced by the volume of mail order prescriptions at our PBM, as well as cost changes, driven by prices set by pharmaceutical companies and the mix of drugs sold.

Our results of operations depend in large part on our ability to accurately predict and effectively manage health care costs through effective contracting with providers of care to our members and our medical management programs. Several economic factors related to health care costs, such as regulatory mandates of coverage, technological advancements and the advancements in the delivery of medical services, as well as direct-to-consumer advertising by providers and pharmaceutical companies, have a direct impact on the volume of care consumed by our members. The potential effect of escalating health care costs as well as any changes in our ability to negotiate competitive rates with our providers may impose further risks to our ability to profitably underwrite our business, and may have a material impact on our results of operations.

This MD&A should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 and the MD&A included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 included

 

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in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Results of operations, cost of care trends, investment yields and other measures for the three and nine month period ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results and trends that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2007.

 

III. Significant Transactions

Stock Repurchase Program

We maintain a common stock repurchase program as authorized by our Board of Directors. Repurchases may be made from time to time at prevailing market prices, subject to certain restrictions on volume, pricing and timing. On March 21, 2007 and August 9, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized increases of $2.0 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, in our stock repurchase program, resulting in a total amount available for repurchases in 2007 of approximately $4.9 billion, which includes $0.9 billion of authorization remaining unused at December 31, 2006. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we repurchased and retired approximately 54.4 million shares at an average share price of $79.46, for an aggregate cost of $4.3 billion. As of September 30, 2007, $624.5 million remained authorized for future repurchases. Subsequent to September 30, 2007, we repurchased and retired approximately 4.0 million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $317.4 million, leaving approximately $307.1 million for authorized future repurchases at October 17, 2007. Our stock repurchase program is discretionary as we are under no obligation to repurchase shares. We repurchase shares because we believe it is a prudent use of surplus capital.

 

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IV. Membership – September 30, 2007 Compared to September 30, 2006

Our customer type definitions were revised in the first quarter of 2007 to be consistent with how we manage our business. Prior periods have been reclassified to the 2007 presentation. Our medical membership includes seven different customer types: Local Group, Individual, National Accounts, BlueCard, Senior, State-Sponsored and FEP.

 

   

Local Group consists of those employer customers with less than 1,000 employees eligible to participate as a member in one of our health plans. In addition, Local Group includes customers with 1,000 or more eligible employees with less than 5% of eligible employees located outside of the headquarter’s state.

 

   

Individual consists of individual customers under age 65 and their covered dependents.

 

   

National Accounts customers are multi-state employer groups primarily headquartered in a WellPoint service area with 1,000 or more eligible employees, with at least 5% of eligible employees located outside of the headquarter’s state. Service area is defined as the geographic area in which we are licensed to sell BCBS products.

 

   

BlueCard host members represent enrollees of Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield plans not owned by WellPoint who receive health care services in our BCBSA licensed markets. BlueCard membership consists of estimated host members using the national BlueCard program. Host members are generally members who reside in or travel to a state in which a WellPoint subsidiary is the Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield licensee and who are covered under an employer-sponsored health plan issued by a non-WellPoint controlled BCBSA licensee (i.e., the “home” plan). We perform certain administrative functions for BlueCard members, for which we receive administrative fees from the BlueCard members’ home plans. Other administrative functions, including maintenance of enrollment information and customer service, are performed by the home plan. Host members are computed using, among other things, the average number of BlueCard claims received per member per month.

 

   

Senior members are Medicare-eligible individual members age 65 and over who have enrolled in Medicare Advantage, a managed care alternative for the Medicare program, or who have purchased Medicare Supplement benefit coverage.

 

   

State-Sponsored membership represents eligible members with State-Sponsored managed care alternatives in Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance programs.

 

   

FEP members consist of United States government employees and their dependents within our geographic markets through our participation in the national contract between the BCBSA and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

In addition to reporting our medical membership by customer type, we report by funding arrangement according to the level of risk that we assume in the product contract. Our two funding arrangement categories are fully-insured and self-funded. Fully-insured products are products in which we indemnify our policyholders against costs for health benefits. Self-funded products are offered to customers, generally larger employers, who elect to retain some or all of the financial risk associated with their employees’ health care costs. Some customers choose to purchase stop-loss coverage to limit their retained risk. These customers are reported with our self-funded business.

 

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The following table presents our medical membership by customer type, funding arrangement and reportable segment as of September 30, 2007 and 2006. Also included below are key specialty metrics, including prescription volume for our PBM and membership by product. The medical membership and specialty metrics presented are unaudited and in certain instances include estimates of the number of members represented by each contract at the end of the period.

 

     September 30                       

(In thousands)

Medical Membership

   2007    20061         Change          % Change  

Customer Type

                

Local Group

   16,649    16,665       (16 )      –   %

Individual

   2,432    2,508       (76 )      (3 )

National:

                

National Accounts

   6,388    6,225       163        3  

BlueCard

   4,562    4,214       348        8  
                        

Total National

   10,950    10,439       511        5  

Senior

   1,250    1,195       55        5  

State-Sponsored

   2,141    2,027       114        6  

FEP

   1,383    1,356       27        2  
                        

Total medical membership by customer type

   34,805    34,190       615        2  
                        

Funding Arrangement

                

Self-Funded

   17,571    16,937       634        4  

Fully-Insured

   17,234    17,253       (19 )      –    
                        

Total medical membership by funding arrangement

   34,805    34,190       615        2  
                        

Reportable Segment

                

Commercial and Consumer Business

   30,031    29,612       419        1  

Specialty, Senior and State-Sponsored Business

   3,391    3,222       169        5  

Other

   1,383    1,356       27        2  
                        

Total medical membership by reportable segment

   34,805    34,190       615        2  
                        

Specialty Metrics

                

PBM prescription volume2

   93,694    90,308       3,386        4  

Behavioral health membership

   20,168    16,048       4,120        26  

Life and disability membership

   5,665    5,956       (291 )      (5 )

Dental membership

   5,008    5,193       (185 )      (4 )

Vision membership

   2,367    1,255       1,112        89  

Medicare Part D membership

   1,596    1,569       27        2  

1

Medical membership data for 2006 has been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation.

2

Represents prescription volume for mail order, specialty pharmacy and retail prescriptions for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

During the twelve months ended September 30, 2007, total medical membership increased approximately 615,000, or 2%, primarily due to increases in National, including BlueCard, and State-Sponsored business partially offset by declines in Individual and Local Group membership.

Self-funded medical membership increased 634,000, or 4%, primarily due to an increase in self-funded National Accounts membership resulting from additional sales and in-group growth, BlueCard growth and

 

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additional sales and in-group growth of self-funded Local Group. Partially offsetting these increases was a reduction in self-funded membership of approximately 222,000 members associated with our investment in a Puerto Rico joint venture in 2006. In December 2006, our ownership of a joint venture in Puerto Rico changed from a 50 percent ownership of a Medicaid managed care subsidiary to a smaller percentage in the joint venture’s parent company. Accordingly, we no longer include the 222,000 members related to this investment in our reported enrollment but continue to receive financial benefits from these members.

Fully-insured membership, in total, was consistent with amounts reported at September 30, 2006 primarily due to the addition of approximately 315,000 members in State-Sponsored business related to the addition of five new states since the beginning of the third quarter of 2006, offset by decreases in Local Group and Individual membership, as well as a shift in business mix from fully-insured to self-funded.

Individual membership decreased 76,000, or 3%, due to decreases in certain BCBSA-branded regions as well as in UniCare.

National Accounts membership increased 163,000, or 3%, primarily driven by in-group growth and additional sales as employers are increasingly attracted to the benefits of our distinctive value proposition, which includes extensive and cost-effective provider networks and a broad and innovative product portfolio.

BlueCard membership increased 348,000, or 8%, primarily due to increased sales and corresponding claims by other BCBSA licensees’ accounts with members who reside in or travel to our licensed areas.

State-Sponsored membership increased 114,000, or 6%, net of the Puerto Rico joint venture membership accounting change, primarily due to the addition of 315,000 members in five new states since the beginning of the third quarter of 2006, which reflects our ability to attract new members in State-Sponsored business due to our comprehensive array of health management services we make available to the nation’s Medicaid recipients.

Our specialty metrics are derived from membership and activity from our specialty products. These products are often ancillary to our health business, and can therefore be impacted by growth in our medical membership. Prescription volume in our PBM companies increased by 3,386,000, or 4%, primarily due to higher utilization of our retail PBM and increased membership. Behavioral health membership increased 4,120,000, or 26%, primarily due to the conversion of 2,882,000 members from a third-party vendor in April 2007, 889,000 new members from sales of our behavioral health products and a 568,000 membership gain from the acquisition of Behavioral Health Network in New Hampshire in October 2006. Life and disability membership decreased 291,000, or 5%, primarily due to a general decrease in both life and accidental death and disability membership, as well as membership losses due to the reorganization at a large automotive customer related to the overall economic environment. Dental membership decreased 185,000, or 4%, primarily due to the loss of the dental component within one of our State-Sponsored plans. Vision membership increased 1,112,000, or 89%, primarily due to the growth of the Blue View Vision product and the conversion over the last twelve months of 971,000 members from a competing plan in Virginia to this new product, as well as new sales in several markets. Medicare Part D membership increased 27,000, or 2%.

 

V. Cost of Care

The following discussion summarizes our aggregate cost of care trends for the rolling 12 months ended September 30, 2007 for our Local Group and Individual fully-insured businesses only.

Our cost of care trends are calculated by comparing the year-over-year change in average per member per month claim costs for which we are responsible, which excludes member co-payments and deductibles. While our cost of care trend varies by geographic location, based on medical cost trends during the three months ended September 30, 2007, we believe our aggregate 2007 cost of care trend estimate of less than 8% continues to be appropriate.

 

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Costs for inpatient and outpatient services are the primary drivers of overall cost trends. Inpatient trends have been driven primarily by unit cost, a reflection of negotiated contracted increases with hospitals, partially offset by our re-contracting and clinical management efforts. Utilization (admissions per 1,000 members) increased slightly, while average length of hospital stay and hospital days per 1,000 members have both decreased slightly. Cost trend increases for outpatient services were primarily driven by higher per visit costs as more procedures are being performed during each visit to outpatient providers, particularly emergency room visits, as well as the impact of price increases included within certain provider contracts. However, we are seeing the positive impact of our expanding radiology management programs on our outpatient trends. These programs are designed to ensure appropriate use of radiology services by our members. On August 1, 2007, we completed our acquisition of American Imaging Management, Inc. or AIM, a leading radiology benefit management and technology company. Incorporating their technology will allow us to achieve even greater efficiencies in this high trend area while ensuring that consumers receive the quality tests they need.

Pharmacy benefit cost trend increased due to both pharmacy unit cost (cost per prescription) trend and utilization (prescriptions per member per year). The increased use of specialty drugs and higher mail order volume by our members were the primary drivers of the higher unit cost trend. Specialty drugs, also known as biotech drugs, are generally higher cost and are being utilized more frequently. In October 2007, we announced the opening or our new PrecisionRx Specialty Solutions pharmacy in Indianapolis, Indiana, which manages over 1,000 different drugs for 14 diseases including hemophilia, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, hepatitis C and cancer. We have built a technologically advanced specialty pharmacy staffed with certified pharmacy technicians, registered nurses and clinical pharmacists to better manage both the quality and cost of care for our members. Higher mail order volume contributes to higher cost per prescription as mail order prescriptions are filled for a 90 day supply versus a 30 day supply for retail pharmacy prescriptions. These increases in unit costs were offset by increases in our generic usage rates, lower utilization resulting from higher mail order volume, benefit plan design changes, and improved pharmaceutical contracting. Higher mail order volume contributes to a lower number of prescriptions as one mail order prescription is filled for a 90 day supply versus three 30 day retail prescriptions.

In response to cost trends, we continue to pursue contracting and plan design changes, promote and implement performance-based contracts that reward clinical outcomes and quality, and expand our radiology management, disease management and advanced care management programs. We recently announced the launch of 360º Health, the industry’s first program to integrate all care management programs and tools into a centralized, consumer-friendly resource that assists patients in navigating the health care system, using their health benefits and accessing the most comprehensive and appropriate care available. In addition, we are expanding our specialty pharmacy programs and continuously evaluate our drug formulary to ensure the most effective pharmaceutical therapies are available for our members.

 

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VI. Results of Operations – Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

Our consolidated results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are discussed in the following section.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
                       
(In millions, except per share data)    2007     2006          $ Change          % Change  
              

Premiums

   $   13,905.6     $   13,180.3        $   725.3        6 %

Administrative fees

     911.9       891.3          20.6        2  

Other revenue

     149.2       150.4          (1.2 )      (1 )
                                

Total operating revenue

     14,966.7       14,222.0          744.7        5  

Net investment income

     257.7       222.8          34.9        16  

Net realized gains on investments

     9.5       4.6          4.9        NM 1
                                

Total revenues

     15,233.9       14,449.4          784.5        5  

Benefit expense

     11,379.8       10,712.9          666.9        6  

Selling, general and administrative expense:

              

Selling expense

     430.8       415.7          15.1        4  

General and administrative expense

     1,759.1       1,783.0          (23.9 )      (1 )
                                

Total selling, general and administrative expense

     2,189.9       2,198.7          (8.8 )      –    

Cost of drugs

     99.4       102.8          (3.4 )      (3 )

Interest expense

     119.6       105.6          14.0        13  

Amortization of other intangible assets

     73.8       74.8          (1.0 )      (1 )
                                

Total expenses

     13,862.5       13,194.8          667.7        5  
                                

Income before income tax expense

     1,371.4       1,254.6          116.8        9  

Income tax expense

     503.4       443.8          59.6        13  
                                

Net income

   $ 868.0     $ 810.8        $ 57.2        7  
                                

Average diluted shares outstanding

     597.0       630.6          (33.6 )      (5 )%

Diluted net income per share

   $ 1.45     $ 1.29        $ 0.16        12 %

Benefit expense ratio2

     81.8 %     81.3 %           50 bp3

Selling, general and administrative expense ratio4

     14.6 %     15.5 %           (90 )bp3

Income before income taxes as a percentage of total revenue

     9.0 %     8.7 %           30 bp3

Net income as a percentage of total revenue

     5.7 %     5.6 %           10 bp3

Certain of the following definitions are also applicable to all other results of operations tables in this discussion:

 

1

NM = Not meaningful

2

Benefit expense ratio = Benefit expense ÷ Premiums.

3

bp = basis point; one hundred basis points = 1%.

4

Selling, general and administrative expense ratio = Total selling, general and administrative expense ÷ Total operating revenue.

Premiums increased $725.3 million, or 6%, to $13.9 billion in 2007, driven by premium rate increases in Local Group, growth in our State-Sponsored business primarily due to the addition of five new states since the beginning of the third quarter of 2006 and growth in Medicare Advantage business.

 

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Administrative fees increased $20.6 million, or 2%, to $911.9 million in 2007, primarily due to self-funded membership growth in National, including BlueCard, and Local Group. Self-funded membership growth was driven by successful efforts to attract large self-funded accounts and was attributable to our network breadth, discounts, service and increased focus on health improvement and wellness, as well as the popularity of the BlueCard program.

Net investment income increased $34.9 million, or 16%, to $257.7 million in 2007 primarily resulting from growth in invested assets from reinvestment of cash generated from operations and higher interest rates. This growth was partially offset by the use of cash for repurchases of our common stock.

A summary of our net realized gains on investments for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
       
(In millions)        2007             2006         $ Change  

Net realized gains from the sale of fixed maturity securities

   $     9.6     $     2.9     $     6.7  

Net realized gains from the sale of equity securities

     38.9       11.4       27.5  

Other-than-temporary impairments – credit related

     (22.7 )     (10.9 )     (11.8 )

Other-than-temporary impairments – interest rate related

     (19.7 )     (1.5 )     (18.2 )

Other realized gains

     3.4       2.7       0.7  
                        

Net realized gains on investments

   $ 9.5     $ 4.6     $ 4.9  
                        

Net realized gains on investments in 2007 were primarily driven by sales of equity securities at a gain, partially offset by other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities and interest rate related impairments of fixed maturity securities. See Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of our investment impairment review process.

Net realized gains on investments in 2006 related primarily to the sale of equity securities at a gain, partially offset by other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities.

Benefit expense increased $666.9 million, or 6%, to $11.4 billion in 2007, primarily due to higher costs in the medical business of the 4SB segment as well as higher cost of care in the CCB segment, primarily Local Group. Benefit expense in the 4SB segment was driven by growth in State-Sponsored business with the addition of five new states since the beginning of the third quarter of 2006 and growth of Medicare Advantage in our Senior business.

Our benefit expense ratio increased 50 basis points to 81.8% in 2007, primarily due to an increased benefit expense ratio in the 4SB segment, partially offset by an improved benefit expense ratio in the CCB segment due to disciplined pricing, primarily in Local Group. The largest portion of the increase in 4SB was attributable to our Senior business, primarily due to adjustments to risk sharing accruals for our Medicare Part D business, retroactive premium adjustments coupled with higher medical trend in Medicare Advantage along with growth and higher claims trend in State-Sponsored business, which operates at a benefit expense ratio that is higher than our average. With respect to our Medicare Part D business, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, recently announced the final amounts owed to it by plans for the 2006 plan year, primarily due to the risk sharing provision in the Part D program. In connection with our reconciliation and settlement process, we recorded additional amounts during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 for our revised estimate of amounts owed to CMS greater than previously recorded. This was primarily the result of ongoing data submission and reconciliation with CMS and due to our role as the facilitated enrollment plan in the Part D program. We are continuing to reconcile the 2006 plan year with CMS.

 

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Selling, general and administrative expense was essentially flat at $2.2 billion in 2007 compared to 2006 while our selling, general and administrative expense ratio decreased 90 basis points to 14.6% in 2007. This decrease in our selling, general and administrative expense ratio was primarily due to growth in premium income and further leveraging of general and administrative costs over a larger membership base.

Cost of drugs decreased $3.4 million, or 3%, to $99.4 million in 2007. This decrease was primarily attributable to decreased PBM mail-order prescription volume from our third party customers and higher utilization of generic prescription drugs. This decrease was partially offset by growth in specialty pharmacy prescription volume.

Interest expense increased $14.0 million, or 13%, to $119.6 million in 2007, primarily due to the issuance of approximately $2.0 billion of long-term debt in 2007, partially offset by a decreased use of commercial paper during the third quarter of 2007.

Amortization of other intangible assets decreased $1.0 million, or 1%, to $73.8 million in 2007, primarily due to certain intangibles amortizing on an accelerated amortization schedule over their estimated life, which resulted in greater expense in earlier periods. This decrease was partially offset by increased amortization of intangible assets established in conjunction with the acquisition of AIM on August 1, 2007.

Income tax expense increased $59.6 million, or 13%, to $503.4 million in 2007. The effective tax rate in 2007 and 2006 was 36.7% and 35.4%, respectively. The 2006 effective tax rate included a reduction of 200 basis points due to a $28.0 million tax benefit that was recognized in 2006 resulting from lower effective state tax rates. In addition, the 2007 effective tax rate was favorably impacted by tax planning strategies.

Our net income as a percentage of total revenue increased 10 basis points, from 5.6% in 2006 to 5.7% in 2007. The increase in this metric reflected a combination of all factors discussed above.

Reportable Segments

We use operating gain to evaluate the performance of our reportable segments, as described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. Operating gain is calculated as total operating revenue less benefit expense, selling, general and administrative expense and cost of drugs. It does not include net investment income, net realized gains (losses) on investments, interest expense, amortization of other intangible assets or income taxes, as these items are managed in a corporate shared service environment and are not the responsibility of operating segment management. For additional information, see Note 12 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The discussions of segment results for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 presented below are based on operating gain, as described above, and operating margin, which is calculated as operating gain divided by operating revenue. Our definitions of operating gain and operating margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Our reportable segments’ results of operations for 2006 have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation.

Commercial and Consumer Business

Our CCB segment’s summarized results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
                      
(In millions)    2007     2006          $ Change         % Change  

Operating revenue

   $   10,561.0     $   10,215.1        $   345.9       3 %

Operating gain

   $ 1,100.0     $ 936.4        $ 163.6       17 %

Operating margin

     10.4 %     9.2 %            120 bp

 

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Operating revenue increased $345.9 million, or 3%, to $10.6 billion in 2007, primarily due to premium rate increases in Local Group and Individual Business, partially offset by membership losses in fully-insured Local Group and National and a shift in the mix of business from fully-insured to self-funded.

Operating gain increased $163.6 million, or 17%, to $1.1 billion in 2007 driven by disciplined pricing as operating revenue growth outpaced higher cost of care, primarily in Local Group.

The operating margin in 2007 was 10.4%, a 120 basis point increase primarily due to the factors discussed in the preceding two paragraphs.

Specialty, Senior and State-Sponsored Business

Our 4SB segment’s summarized results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
                       
(In millions)    2007     2006          $ Change          % Change  

Operating revenue

   $   3,373.6     $   2,912.7        $ 460.9        16 %

Operating gain

   $ 224.0     $ 284.3        $ (60.3 )      (21 )%

Operating margin

     6.6 %     9.8 %           (320 )bp

Operating revenue increased $460.9 million, or 16%, to $3.4 billion in 2007, primarily due to growth in State-Sponsored business, which included the addition of five new states since the beginning of the third quarter of 2006, and growth in Medicare Advantage.

Operating gain decreased $60.3 million, or 21%, to $224.0 million in 2007, primarily due to the adjustment to our Medicare Part D related risk sharing accrual in our Senior business as previously discussed.

The operating margin in 2007 was 6.6%, a 320 basis point decrease primarily due to the factors discussed in the preceding two paragraphs coupled with a continuing shift in business mix to lower-margin State-Sponsored business.

Other

Our Other segment’s summarized results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30
                       
(In millions)    2007     2006          $ Change          % Change  

Operating revenue from external customers

   $   1,446.4     $   1,467.1        $ (20.7 )      1 %

Elimination of intersegment revenue

     (414.3 )     (372.9 )        (41.4 )      11 %
             

Total operating revenue

   $ 1,032.1     $ 1,094.2        $ (62.1 )      (6 )%
             

Operating loss

   $ (26.4 )   $ (13.1 )      $ (13.3 )      NM 1

1        NM=Not

meaningful.

Operating revenue from external customers was essentially flat at $1.4 billion in 2007 compared to 2006. The elimination of intersegment revenue increased $41.4 million, or 11%, in 2007, reflecting additional sales of pharmacy products by our 4SB segment’s PBM companies to our CCB segment.

 

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Operating loss increased by $13.3 million to $26.4 million in the third quarter of 2007. This increase was primarily driven by higher general and administrative expenses incurred by our corporate business unit, partially offset by the non-recurrence of retention bonuses associated with the merger of the former Anthem, Inc. and the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc.

 

VII. Results of Operations – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

Our consolidated results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are discussed in the following section.

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30
                       
(In millions, except per share data)   2007     2006          $ Change          % Change  

Premiums

  $   41,598.9     $   38,678.0        $   2,920.9        8 %

Administrative fees

    2,760.3       2,690.4          69.9        3  

Other revenue

    445.4       448.6          (3.2 )      (1 )
                       

Total operating revenue

    44,804.6       41,817.0          2,987.6        7  

Net investment income

    757.7       653.4          104.3        16  

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

    10.6       (11.4 )        22.0        NM 1
                       

Total revenues

    45,572.9       42,459.0          3,113.9        7  

Benefit expense

    34,214.4       31,424.7          2,789.7        9  

Selling, general and administrative expense:

             

Selling expense

    1,283.4       1,230.3          53.1        4  

General and administrative expense

    5,298.4       5,333.1          (34.7 )      (1 )
                       

Total selling, general and administrative expense

    6,581.8       6,563.4          18.4        –    

Cost of drugs

    303.5       313.7          (10.2 )      (3 )

Interest expense

    322.6       303.5          19.1        6  

Amortization of other intangible assets

    215.5       223.1          (7.6 )      (3 )
                       

Total expenses

    41,637.8       38,828.4          2,809.4        7  
                       

Income before income tax expense

    3,935.1       3,630.6          304.5        8  

Income tax expense

    1,448.8       1,336.8          112.0        8  
                       

Net income

  $ 2,486.3     $ 2,293.8        $ 192.5        8  
                       

Average diluted shares outstanding

    612.6       647.1          (34.5 )      (5 )%

Diluted net income per share

  $ 4.06     $ 3.54        $ 0.52        15 %

Benefit expense ratio2

    82.2 %     81.2 %           100 bp3

Selling, general and administrative expense ratio4

    14.7 %     15.7 %           (100 )bp3

Income before income taxes as a percentage of total revenue

    8.6 %     8.6 %           0 bp3

Net income as a percentage of total revenue

    5.5 %     5.4 %           10 bp3

Certain of the following definitions are also applicable to all other results of operations tables in this discussion:

 

1

NM = Not meaningful

2

Benefit expense ratio = Benefit expense ÷ Premiums.

3

bp = basis point; one hundred basis points = 1%.

4

Selling, general and administrative expense ratio = Total selling, general and administrative expense ÷ Total operating revenue.

 

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Premiums increased $2.9 billion, or 8%, to $41.6 billion in 2007, driven by premium rate increases in Local Group, growth in Medicare Advantage business, growth in our State-Sponsored business primarily due to the addition of five new states since the beginning of the third quarter of 2006 and increased reimbursement in the Federal Employee Program, or FEP.

Administrative fees increased $69.9 million, or 3%, to $2.8 billion in 2007, primarily due to self-funded membership growth in National, including BlueCard, and Local Group. Self-funded membership growth was driven by successful efforts to attract large self-funded accounts and was attributable to our network breadth, discounts, service and increased focus on health improvement and wellness, as well as the popularity of the BlueCard program.

Net investment income increased $104.3 million, or 16%, to $757.7 million in 2007 primarily resulting from growth in invested assets from reinvestment of cash generated from operations and higher interest rates. This growth was partially offset by the use of cash for repurchases of our common stock.

A summary of our net realized gains (losses) on investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

 

    

Nine Months Ended

September 30

            
(In millions)    2007     2006          $ Change  

Net realized gains (losses) from the sale of fixed maturity securities

   $ 3.3     $ (58.8 )      $   62.1  

Net realized gains from the sale of equity securities

     154.3       87.9          66.4  

Other-than-temporary impairments – credit related

     (41.6 )     (22.7 )        (18.9 )

Other-than-temporary impairments – interest rate related

     (108.6 )     (23.6 )        (85.0 )

Other realized gains

     3.2       5.8          (2.6 )
                           

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

   $ 10.6     $ (11.4 )      $ 22.0  
                           

Net realized gains on investments in 2007 were primarily driven by sales of equity securities at a gain, partially offset by other-than-temporary impairments of interest rate related impairments of fixed maturity securities and impairments of equity securities. See Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of our investment impairment review process.

Net realized losses on investments in 2006 related primarily to the sale of fixed maturity securities at a loss and other-than-temporary impairments, partially offset by the sale of equity securities at a gain.

Benefit expense increased $2.8 billion, or 9%, to $34.2 billion in 2007, primarily due to higher cost in the 4SB segment and medical cost trend in the CCB segment. Benefit expense for the 4SB segment increased primarily due to growth in State-Sponsored business with the addition of five new states since the beginning of the third quarter of 2006, as well as growth in Medicare Advantage business. Benefit expense in the CCB segment in the first nine months of 2007 increased primarily due to slightly higher recognized medical cost trend in Local Group business. Lastly, continued increased trend in FEP business resulted in higher benefit expense in the first nine months of 2007, for which we are reimbursed for the cost plus a fee.

Our benefit expense ratio increased 100 basis points to 82.2% in 2007 almost entirely attributable to the Senior and State-Sponsored medical business of the 4SB segment. The increase in Senior business’ benefit expense ratio was primarily driven by higher medical trend coupled with retroactive premium adjustments in Medicare Advantage business along with the adjustment to the Medicare Part D risk sharing accrual previously discussed in the results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The increase in State-Sponsored business’ benefit expense ratio was due to overall higher claims experience and growth, primarily due to the addition of five new states since the beginning of the third quarter of 2006. State-Sponsored business

 

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operates at a benefit expense ratio that is higher than the WellPoint average. We continue to negotiate premium rates in California and Connecticut and expect to receive adequate increases that will allow us to continue servicing that business. Premium rate increases in California are expected to be effective October 1, 2007 while premium rate increases in Connecticut are expected to be retroactive to July 1, 2007. Growth in FEP business, for which we are reimbursed for the cost plus a fee, also caused the first nine months of 2007 benefit expense ratio to increase from the first nine months of 2006 as this business operates at a benefit expense ratio which is higher than our average.

Selling, general and administrative expense was essentially flat at $6.6 billion in 2007 compared to 2006 while our selling, general and administrative expense ratio decreased 100 basis points to 14.7% in 2007. This decrease in our selling, general and administrative expense ratio was primarily due to growth in premium income and further leveraging of general and administrative costs over a larger membership base.

Cost of drugs decreased $10.2 million, or 3%, to $303.5 million in 2007. This decrease was primarily attributable to decreased PBM mail-order prescription volume from our third party customers and higher utilization of generic prescription drugs, partially offset by growth in specialty pharmacy prescription volume.

Interest expense increased $19.1 million, or 6%, to $322.6 million in 2007, primarily due to the issuance of approximately $2.0 billion of long-term debt in 2007.

Amortization of other intangible assets decreased $7.6 million, or 3%, to $215.5 million in 2007, primarily due to certain intangibles amortizing on an accelerated amortization schedule over their estimated life, which resulted in greater expense in earlier periods.

Income tax expense increased $112.0 million, or 8%, to $1.4 billion in 2007. The effective tax rate in 2007 and 2006 was flat at 36.8%. The 2006 effective tax rate included a reduction of 80 basis points due to a $28.0 million tax benefit that was recognized in 2006 resulting from lower effective state tax rates. In addition, the 2007 effective tax rate was favorably impacted by tax planning strategies.

Our net income as a percentage of total revenue was 5.5% in 2007 compared to 5.4% in 2006, which reflects a combination of all the factors discussed above.

The discussions of segment results for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 presented below are based on operating gain and operating margin, which is calculated as previously discussed. Our definitions of operating gain and operating margin may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Our reportable segments’ results of operations for 2006 have been reclassified to conform to the 2007 presentation.

Commercial and Consumer Business

Our CCB segment’s summarized results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30
                      
(In millions)    2007     2006          $ Change         % Change  

Operating revenue

   $   31,494.8     $   30,280.9        $   1,213.9       4 %

Operating gain

   $ 3,127.7     $ 2,824.8        $ 302.9       11 %

Operating margin

     9.9 %     9.3 %            60 bp

Operating revenue increased $1.2 billion, or 4%, to $31.5 billion in 2007, primarily due to premium rate increases in Local Group and Individual business, partially offset by the slight membership declines in Local Group and National Accounts businesses and a shift in the mix of business from fully-insured to self-funded.

 

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Operating gain increased $302.9 million, or 11%, to $3.1 billion in 2007 driven by disciplined pricing as operating revenue growth outpaced increased benefit expense, primarily in Local Group.

The operating margin in 2007 was 9.9%, a 60 basis point increase primarily due to the factors discussed in the preceding two paragraphs.

Specialty, Senior and State-Sponsored Business

Our 4SB segment’s summarized results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30
                       
(In millions)    2007     2006          $ Change          % Change  

Operating revenue

   $   10,113.8     $   8,537.7        $   1,576.1        18 %

Operating gain

   $ 580.0     $ 737.3        $ (157.3 )      (21 )%

Operating margin

     5.7 %     8.6 %           (290 )bp

Operating revenue increased $1.6 billion, or 18%, to $10.1 billion in 2007, primarily due to growth in Medicare Advantage, growth in State-Sponsored business with the addition of five new states since the beginning of the third quarter of 2006 and growth in Medicare Part D.

Operating gain decreased $157.3 million, or 21%, to $580.0 million in 2007, primarily due to operating revenue growth being more than offset by higher benefit expense due to overall higher claims trend in State-Sponsored business, as well as the adjustment to the Medicare Part D risk sharing accrual previously discussed in the results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2007.

The operating margin in 2007 was 5.7%, a 290 basis point decrease primarily due to the factors discussed in the preceding two paragraphs coupled with a continuing shift in business mix which includes more lower-margin State-Sponsored business.

Other

Our Other segment’s summarized results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30
                       
(In millions)    2007     2006          $ Change          % Change  

Operating revenue from external customers

   $ 4,421.2     $ 4,053.9        $ 367.3        9 %

Elimination of intersegment revenue

     (1,225.2 )     (1,055.5 )        (169.7 )      16 %
                        

Total operating revenue

   $ 3,196.0     $ 2,998.4        $ 197.6        7 %
                        

Operating loss

   $ (2.8 )   $ (46.9 )      $ 44.1        NM 1

1    NM=Not

meaningful.

Operating revenue from external customers increased $367.3 million, or 9%, to $4.4 billion in 2007, primarily due to higher premium in FEP business. The elimination of intersegment revenue increased $169.7 million, or 16%, in 2007, reflecting additional sales of pharmacy products by our 4SB segment’s PBM companies to our CCB segment.

 

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Operating loss decreased by $44.1 million to $2.8 million in 2007. This decrease was primarily driven by the non-recurrence of retention bonuses associated with the merger of the former Anthem, Inc. and the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. along with improved operating gain of our FEP business.

VIII. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or 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 some of our most important accounting policies that require 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, which are discussed below. Our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

We continually evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the consolidated financial statements. In general, our estimates are based on historical experience, evaluation of current trends, information from third party professionals and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the known facts and circumstances.

Medical Claims Payable

The most judgmental accounting estimate in our consolidated financial statements is our liability for medical claims payable. At September 30, 2007, this liability was $5.8 billion and represented 20% of our total consolidated liabilities. We record this liability and the corresponding benefit expense for incurred but not paid claims, including the estimated costs of processing such claims. Incurred but not paid claims include (1) an estimate for claims that are incurred but not reported, as well as claims reported to us but not yet processed through our systems, which approximated 97%, or $5.6 billion of our total medical claims liability as of September 30, 2007; and (2) claims reported to us and processed through our systems but not yet paid, which approximated 3%, or $231.8 million, of the total medical claims liability as of September 30, 2007. The level of claims payable processed through our systems but not yet paid may fluctuate from one period end to the next, from 1% to 5% of our total medical claims liability, due to timing of when claim payments are made.

Liabilities for both claims incurred but not reported and reported but not yet processed through our systems are determined in aggregate employing actuarial methods that are commonly used by health insurance actuaries and meet Actuarial Standards of Practice. Actuarial Standards of Practice require that the claim liabilities be adequate under moderately adverse circumstances. We determine the amount of the liability for incurred but not paid claims by following a detailed actuarial process that entails using both historical claim payment patterns as well as emerging medical cost trends to project our best estimate of claim liabilities. Under this process, historical data of paid claims is formatted into “claim triangles,” which compare claim incurred dates to the dates of claim payments. This information is analyzed to create “completion factors” that represent the average percentage of total incurred claims that have been paid through a given date after being incurred. Completion factors are applied to claims paid through the financial statement date to estimate the ultimate claim expense incurred for the current period. Actuarial estimates of incurred but not paid claim liabilities are then determined by subtracting the actual paid claims from the estimate of the ultimate incurred claims.

For the most recent incurred months (generally the most recent two months), the percentage of claims paid for claims incurred in those months is generally low. This makes the completion factor methodology less reliable for such months. Therefore, incurred claims for recent months are not projected from historical completion and payment patterns; rather they are projected by estimating the claims expense for those months based on recent claims expense levels and health care trend levels, or “trend factors”.

 

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Because the reserve methodology is based upon historical information, it must be adjusted for known or suspected operational and environmental changes. These adjustments are made by our actuaries based on their knowledge and their estimate of emerging impacts to benefit costs and payment speed. Circumstances to be considered in developing our best estimate of reserves include changes in 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. A comparison of prior period liabilities to re-estimated claim liabilities based on subsequent claims development is also considered in making the liability determination. In our comparison of prior year, the methods and assumptions are not changed as reserves are recalculated, rather the availability of additional paid claims information drives our changes in the re-estimate of the unpaid claim liability. To the extent appropriate, changes in such development are recorded as a change to current period benefit expense.

In addition to incurred but not paid claims, the liability for medical claims payable includes reserves for premium deficiencies, if appropriate. Premium deficiencies are recognized when it is probable that expected claims and administrative expenses will exceed future premiums on existing medical insurance contracts without consideration of investment income. Determination of premium deficiencies for longer duration life and disability contracts includes consideration of investment income. For purposes of premium deficiencies, contracts are grouped in a manner consistent with our method of acquiring, servicing and measuring the profitability of such contracts.

We regularly review and set assumptions regarding cost trends and utilization when initially establishing claim liabilities. We continually monitor and adjust the claims liability and benefit expense based on subsequent paid claims activity. If it is determined that our assumptions regarding cost trends and utilization are significantly different than actual results, our income statement and financial position could be impacted in future periods. Adjustments of prior year estimates may result in additional benefit expense or a reduction of benefit expense in the period an adjustment is made. Further, due to the considerable variability of health care costs, adjustments to claim liabilities occur each quarter and are sometimes significant as compared to the net income recorded in that quarter. Prior period development is recognized immediately upon the actuary’s judgment that a portion of the prior period liability is no longer needed or that an additional liability should have been accrued. That determination is made when sufficient information is available to ascertain that the re-estimate of the liability is reasonable.

While there are many factors that are used as a part of the estimation of our medical claims payable liability, the two key assumptions having the most significant impact on our incurred but not paid liability as of September 30, 2007 were the completion and trend factors. As discussed above, these two key assumptions can be influenced by other operational variables including system changes, provider submission patterns and business combinations.

There is variation in the reasonable choice of completion factors by duration for durations of three months through 12 months where the completion factors have the most significant impact. As previously discussed, completion factors tend to be less reliable for the most recent months and therefore are not specifically utilized for months one and two. At September 30, 2007, the variability in months three to five was estimated to be between 50 and 120 basis points, while months six through twelve have much lower variability ranging from 10 to 40 basis points.

Over the period from December 31, 2006 to September 30, 2007, completion factors have increased. With consideration of claim payments through September 30, 2007, the completion factors used to determine the incurred but not paid claim liability estimate for the December 31, 2006 valuation period have developed slightly higher than those used at December 31, 2006. This resulted in approximately $20.7 million of redundancy in the December 31, 2006 estimate and is included in the statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This continued increase in completion factors has been taken into consideration when determining the completion factors used in establishing the September 30, 2007 incurred but not paid claim liability by choosing

 

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factors that reflect the more recent experience. The difference in completion factor assumptions, assuming moderately adverse experience, results in variability of 3%, or approximately $199.0 million, in the September 30, 2007 incurred but not paid claim liability, depending on the completion factors chosen. It is important to note that the completion factor methodology inherently assumes that historical completion rates will be reflective of the current period. However, it is possible that the actual completion rates for the current period will develop differently from historical patterns and therefore could fall outside the possible variations described herein.

Over the period from December 31, 2005 to September 30, 2006, completion factors increased. With consideration of claim payments through September 30, 2006, the completion factors used to determine the incurred but not paid claim liability estimate for the December 31, 2005 valuation period developed higher than those used at December 31, 2005, primarily because we received claims information from our providers more timely as a result of increased electronic submissions. In addition, we paid claims more quickly once they were received. This resulted in approximately $91.7 million of redundancy in the December 31, 2005 estimate and included in the statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Over the period from December 31, 2005 to December 31, 2006, completion factors increased. With consideration of claim payments through December 31, 2006, the completion factors used to determine the incurred but not paid claim liability estimate for the December 31, 2005 valuation period developed higher than those used at December 31, 2005, primarily because we received claims information from our providers more timely as a result of increased electronic submissions. In addition, we paid claims more quickly once they were received. This resulted in approximately $113.6 million of redundancy in the December 31, 2005 estimate and is included in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Over the period from December 31, 2004 to December 31, 2005, completion factors increased. With consideration of claims payment through December 31, 2005, the completion factors used to determine the incurred but not paid claim liability estimate for the December 31, 2004 valuation period have developed higher than those used at December 31, 2004, primarily because we received claims information from our providers more timely as a result of increased electronic submissions. This resulted in approximately $194.3 million of redundancy in the December 31, 2004 estimate and included in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2005.

The other major assumption used in the establishment of the September 30, 2007 incurred but not paid claim liability was the trend factors used in determining the claims expense per member per month for the most recent two incurral months. At September 30, 2007, there was a 730 basis point differential in the high and low trend factors assuming moderately adverse experience. This range of trend factors would imply variability of 10%, or approximately $572.0 million, in the incurred but not paid claims liability, depending upon the trend factor used. Because historical trend factors are often not representative of current claim trends, the trend experience for the most recent six to nine months, plus knowledge of recent events likely affecting current trends, have been taken into consideration in establishing the incurred but not paid claim liability at September 30, 2007. As we look at the year-over-year claim trend for the prior period (August and September 2006) compared to the current period (August and September 2007), the trend used in our reserve models have increased slightly. However, claim trends observed as of December 31, 2006 based upon subsequent claim runout were lower than anticipated in the assumptions used to estimate medical claims payable at December 31, 2006. This difference between the trends assumed in establishing the December 31, 2006 medical claims payable, and the trend observed based upon subsequent claims runout through the nine months ended September 30, 2007, resulted in approximately $315.5 million of redundancy in the December 31, 2006 estimate and included is in the statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Claim trends observed as of December 31, 2005 based upon subsequent claim runout were lower than anticipated in the assumptions used to estimate medical claims payable at December 31, 2005. This decline was due to moderating outpatient service trends and declines in pharmacy benefit cost trend. This difference between

 

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the trends assumed in establishing the December 31, 2005 medical claims payable, and the trend observed based upon subsequent claims runout through the nine months ended September 30, 2006, resulted in approximately $484.8 million of redundancy in the December 31, 2005 estimate and included in the statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The difference between the trends assumed in establishing the December 31, 2005 medical claims payable, and the trend observed based upon subsequent claims runout through the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, resulted in approximately $504.1 million of redundancy in the December 31, 2005 estimate and included in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Over the period from 2004 to 2005, claim trends declined. Claim trends observed based upon subsequent claim runout were lower than anticipated in the assumptions used to estimate medical claims payable at December 31, 2004. This decline was due to moderating outpatient service trends and declines in pharmacy benefit cost trend. This difference between the trends assumed in establishing the December 31, 2004 medical claims payable, and the trend observed based upon subsequent claims runout, resulted in approximately $450.6 million of redundancy in the December 31, 2004 estimate and included in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2005.

As summarized below, Note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission provides historical information regarding the accrual and payment of our medical claims liability. Components of the total incurred claims for each year include amounts accrued for current year estimated claims expense as well as adjustments to prior year estimated accruals. In Note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements, the line labeled “Net incurred medical claims: Prior years (redundancies)” accounts for those adjustments made to prior year estimates. The impact of any reduction of “Net incurred medical claims: Prior years (redundancies)” claims may be offset as we establish the estimate of “Net incurred medical claims: Current year”. Our reserving practice is to consistently recognize the actuarial best estimate of our ultimate liability for our claims. When we recognize a release of the redundancy, we disclose the amount that is not in the ordinary course of business, if material. We believe we have consistently applied our methodology in determining our best estimate for unpaid claims liability at each reporting date.

 

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A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance for medical claims payable for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 and the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30
    Years Ended December 31  
(In millions)    2007     2006     2006     2005     2004  

Gross medical claims payable, beginning of
period

   $ 5,290.3     $ 4,853.4     $ 4,853.4     $ 4,134.0     $ 1,836.0  

Ceded medical claims payable, beginning of period

     (51.0 )     (27.7 )     (27.7 )     (31.9 )     (8.7 )
                                        

Net medical claims payable, beginning of
period

     5,239.3       4,825.7       4,825.7       4,102.1       1,827.3  
                                        

Business combinations and purchase adjustments

     15.2       (6.4 )     (6.4 )     784.5       2,331.0  

Net incurred medical claims:

          

Current year

     34,558.1       31,845.2       42,613.2       32,865.6       15,344.9  

Prior years (redundancies)

     (336.2 )     (576.5 )     (617.7 )     (644.9 )     (171.9 )
                                        

Total net incurred medical claims

     34,221.9       31,268.7       41,995.5       32,220.7       15,173.0  
                                        

Net payments attributable to:

          

Current year medical claims

     29,053.6       26,830.6       37,486.0       28,997.1       12,453.2  

Prior years medical claims

     4,693.4       3,989.3       4,089.5       3,284.5       2,776.0  
                                        

Total net payments

     33,747.0       30,819.9       41,575.5       32,281.6       15,229.2  
                                        

Net medical claims payable, end of period

     5,729.4       5,268.1       5,239.3       4,825.7       4,102.1  

Ceded medical claims payable, end of period

     56.0       41.0       51.0       27.7       31.9  
                                        

Gross medical claims payable, end of period

   $ 5,785.4     $ 5,309.1     $ 5,290.3     $ 4,853.4     $ 4,134.0  
                                        

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

     84.1 %     84.3 %     88.0 %     88.2 %     81.2 %
                                        

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

     6.9 %     13.6 %     14.7 %     18.7 %     10.4 %
                                        

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

     0.8 %     1.8 %     1.9 %     4.2 %     1.4 %
                                        

Amounts incurred related to prior years vary from previously estimated liabilities as the claims are ultimately settled. Liabilities at any period end are continually reviewed and re-estimated as information regarding actual claims payments, or runout, becomes known. This information is compared to the originally established year end liability. Negative amounts reported for incurred related to prior years result from claims being settled for amounts less than originally estimated. The prior year redundancy of $336.2 million shown above for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 represents an estimate based on paid claim activity from January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007, and may not be indicative of the expected prior year experience for the year ending December 31, 2007. Medical claim liabilities are usually described as having a “short tail”, which means that they are generally paid within several months of the member receiving service from the provider. Accordingly, the majority, or approximately 86%, of the $336.2 million redundancy relates to claims incurred in calendar year 2006, with the remaining 14% related to claims incurred in 2005 and prior.

The ratio of current year medical claims paid as a percent of current year net medical claims incurred was 88.0% for 2006, 88.2% for 2005, and 81.2% for 2004. The 2004 ratio was impacted by having only one month of

 

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medical claims incurred and paid during 2004 for the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc., or WHN. If the former WHN had not been included during 2004, current year medical claims paid would have been $12,057.7 million, current year net incurred medical claims would have been $13,835.1 million and the adjusted ratio would have been approximately 87.2% for 2004. Comparison of the 2006 ratio of 88.0% and the 2005 ratio of 88.2% reflects a moderate decline due to system conversions and integration activity that impacted the 2006 ratio. Comparison of the 2005 ratio of 88.2% and the adjusted 2004 ratio of 87.2% indicates that we paid claims faster between those periods. The increase was primarily attributable to improved processes and our provider networks submitting claims information to us more timely as a result of increased electronic submissions. The result of these changes is an enhanced ability to adjudicate and pay claims more quickly. Review of the nine-month periods presented above shows that as of September 30, 2007, 84.1% of current year net incurred medical claims had been paid in the period incurred, as compared to 84.3% for the same period in 2006.

We calculate the percentage of prior year redundancies in the current period as a percent of prior year net incurred claims payable less prior year redundancies in the current period in order to demonstrate the development of the prior year reserves. This ratio was 6.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 13.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The 670 basis point decrease over the two periods resulted from actual completion factors and claims trends differing from the assumptions used. This metric was 14.7% for 2006, 18.7% for 2005 and 10.4% for 2004. As discussed previously, the 400 basis point decrease in this metric for 2006 was caused by actual completion factors and claim trends differing from the assumptions used to support our best estimate of the incurred but not paid claim liability of the prior period.

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 indicates the reasonableness of our prior year estimation of incurred medical claims and the consistency of our methodology. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the metric was 0.8%, which was calculated using the redundancy of $336.2 million shown above, which represents an estimate based on paid medical claims activity from January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007. If the former WellChoice, Inc. had been included for the full year 2005, this ratio would have been approximately 1.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The ratio of 0.8% is subject to change based on future paid medical claim activity through the remainder of 2007. This metric was 1.9% for 2006, 4.2% for 2005 and 1.4% for 2004. This ratio is calculated using the redundancy of $617.7 million, shown above, which represents an estimate based on paid claim activity from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. The 2006 ratio is impacted by having no net incurred medical claims for the former WellChoice, Inc. in 2005. If the former WellChoice, Inc. had been included for the full year 2005, this ratio would have been approximately 1.6%. The 2005 ratio is impacted by having only one month of net incurred medical claims for WHN in 2004. If WHN had been included for the full year 2004 estimated prior year net incurred medical claims would have been $30,819.1 million, and the adjusted ratio would have been approximately 2.1% for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with FAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This standard requires, among other things, the separate recognition of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. Such deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities represent the tax effect of temporary differences between financial reporting and tax reporting measured at tax rates enacted at the time the deferred tax asset or liability is recorded. A valuation allowance must be established for deferred tax assets if it is “more likely than not” that all or a portion may be unrealized. Our judgment is required in determining an appropriate valuation allowance.

At each financial reporting date, we assess the adequacy of the valuation allowance by evaluating each of our deferred tax assets based on the following:

 

   

the types of temporary differences that created the deferred tax asset;

 

   

the amount of taxes paid in prior periods and available for a carry-back claim;

 

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the forecasted future taxable income, and therefore, likely future deduction of the deferred tax item; and

 

   

any significant other issues impacting the likely realization of the benefit of the temporary differences.

As discussed in the New Accounting Pronouncements disclosure included in this MD&A, we adopted the FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement 109 (“FIN 48”) effective January 1, 2007.

We, like other companies, frequently face challenges from tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due. These challenges include questions regarding the timing and amount of deductions that we have taken on our tax returns. In evaluating any additional tax liability associated with various positions taken in our tax return filings, we record additional liabilities for potential adverse tax outcomes. Based on our evaluation of our tax positions, we believe we have appropriately accrued for uncertain tax benefits exposures. To the extent we prevail in matters we have accrued for, our future effective tax rate would be reduced and net income would increase. If we are required to pay more than accrued, our future effective tax rate would increase and net income would decrease. Our effective tax rate and net income in any given future period could be materially impacted.

In the ordinary course of business, we are regularly audited by federal and other tax authorities, and from time to time, these audits result in proposed assessments. We believe our tax positions comply with applicable tax law and intend to defend our positions vigorously through the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) appeals process. We believe we have adequately provided for any reasonable foreseeable outcome related to these matters. Accordingly, although their ultimate resolution may require additional tax payments, we do not anticipate any material impact to earnings from these matters. As of September 30, 2007, the IRS had completed its examination of our 2003 tax year. Our 2006, 2005 and 2004 tax years are being examined by the IRS. In addition, the Company has several tax years for which there are ongoing disputes. The IRS has invited us to join the Compliance Assurance Program, or CAP, for 2007 and we have accepted the invitation. The objective of CAP is to reduce taxpayer burden and uncertainty while assuring the IRS of the accuracy of tax returns prior to filing, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for post-filing examinations. Various tax examinations and proceedings also continue for certain subsidiaries for tax years prior to being included in our consolidated tax return.

For additional information, see Note 14 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Our consolidated goodwill at September 30, 2007 was $13.5 billion and other intangible assets were $9.3 billion. The sum of goodwill and intangible assets represented 43% of our total consolidated assets and 96% of our consolidated shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2007.

We follow FAS 141, Business Combinations, and FAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. FAS 141 specifies the types of acquired intangible assets that are required to be recognized and reported separately from goodwill. Under FAS 142, goodwill and other intangible assets (with indefinite lives) are not amortized but are tested for impairment at least annually. We completed our annual impairment tests of existing goodwill and other intangible assets (with indefinite lives) for each of the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 and based upon these tests we have not incurred any impairment losses related to any goodwill and other intangible assets (with indefinite lives).

In addition, we completed an interim impairment test of existing goodwill during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 based on our organizational structure which was implemented on January 1, 2007. As a result of the interim impairment test, we did not incur any impairment losses related to goodwill.

 

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While we believe we have appropriately allocated the purchase price of our acquisitions, this allocation requires many assumptions to be made regarding the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired. In addition, the impairment testing required under FAS 142 requires us to make assumptions and judgments regarding the estimated fair value of our goodwill and intangibles (with indefinite lives). Such assumptions include the discount factor used to determine the fair value of a reporting unit, which is ultimately used to identify potential goodwill impairment. Such estimated fair values might produce significantly different results if other reasonable assumptions and estimates were to be used. If we are unable to support a fair value estimate in future annual goodwill impairment tests or if significant impairment indicators are noted relative to other intangible assets subject to amortization, we may be required to record impairment losses against future income.

For additional information, see Note 4 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investments

Current and long-term available-for-sale investment securities were $18.1 billion at September 30, 2007 and represented 34% of our total consolidated assets at September 30, 2007. In accordance with FAS 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, our fixed maturity and equity securities are classified as “available-for-sale” or “trading” and are reported at fair value. We classify our investments in available-for-sale fixed maturity securities as either current or noncurrent assets based on their contractual maturity. Certain investments which we intend to sell within the next twelve months are carried as current without regard to their contractual maturities. Additionally, certain investments used to satisfy contractual, regulatory or other requirements are classified as long-term, without regard to contractual maturity. The unrealized gains or losses on both current and long-term available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities are included in accumulated other comprehensive income as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, unless the decline in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and we do not have the intent and ability to hold such securities until their full cost can be recovered, in which case the securities are written down to fair value and the loss is charged to income. Investment income is recorded when earned, and realized gains or losses, determined by specific identification of investments sold, are included in income when securities are sold.

We maintain various rabbi trusts to account for the assets and liabilities under certain deferred compensation plans. Under these deferred compensation plans, the participants can defer certain types of compensation and elect to receive a return on the deferred amounts based on the changes in fair value of various investment options, primarily a variety of mutual funds. We also generally purchase corporate-owned life insurance policies on participants in the deferred compensation plans. The cash surrender value of the corporate-owned life insurance policies is reported in other invested assets, long-term in the consolidated balance sheets. The change in cash surrender value is reported as an offset to the premium expense of the policies, classified as general and administrative expenses.

In addition to available-for-sale investment securities, we held additional long-term investments of $681.0 million, or 1% of total consolidated assets, at September 30, 2007. These long-term investments consist primarily of real estate, cash surrender value of corporate-owned life insurance policies and certain other investments. Due to their less liquid nature, these investments are classified as long-term.

An impairment review of securities to determine if declines in fair value below cost are other-than-temporary is subjective and requires a high degree of judgment. We evaluate our investment securities on a quarterly basis, using both quantitative and qualitative factors, to determine whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary. Such factors considered include the length of time and the extent to which a security’s market value has been less than its cost, financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, recommendations of investment advisors, and forecasts of economic, market or industry trends. If any declines are determined to be other-than-temporary, we charge the losses to income when that determination is made. We have a committee

 

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made up of certain accounting and investment associates and management responsible for managing the impairment review process. The current economic environment and recent volatility of securities markets increase the difficulty of assessing investment impairment and the same influences tend to increase the risk of potential impairment of these assets. We recorded charges for other-than-temporary impairment of securities of $150.2 million and $46.3 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

We believe we have adequately reviewed our investment securities for impairment and that our investment securities are carried at fair value. However, over time, the economic and market environment may provide additional insight regarding the fair value of certain securities, which could change our judgment regarding impairment. This could result in realized losses relating to other-than-temporary declines being charged against future income.

We participate in securities lending programs whereby marketable securities in our investment portfolio are transferred to independent brokers or dealers based on, among other things, their creditworthiness in exchange for collateral initially equal to at least 102% of the value of the securities on loan and is thereafter maintained at a minimum of 100% of the market value of the securities loaned. The market value of the securities on loan to each borrower is monitored daily and the borrower is required to deliver additional collateral if the market value of the collateral falls below 100% of the market value of the securities on loan. Under the guidance provided in FAS 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, we recognize the collateral as an asset, which is reported as “securities lending collateral” on our balance sheet and we record a corresponding liability for the obligation to return the collateral to the borrower, which is reported as “securities lending payable”. The securities on loan are reported in the applicable investment category on the balance sheet.

Through our investing activities, we are exposed to financial market risks, including those resulting from changes in interest rates and changes in equity market valuations. We manage the market risks through our investment policy, which establishes credit quality limits and limits of investments in individual issuers. Ineffective management of these risks could have an impact on our future earnings and financial position.

For additional information, see Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” and Note 5 to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Retirement Benefits

Pension Benefits

We sponsor defined benefit pension plans for our employees. These plans are accounted for in accordance with FAS 87, Employers’ Accounting for Pensions, which requires that amounts recognized in financial statements be determined on an actuarial basis. As permitted by FAS 87, we calculate the value of plan assets as described below. Further, the difference between our expected rate of return and the actual performance of plan assets, as well as certain changes in pension liabilities, are amortized over future periods.

An important factor in determining our pension expense is the assumption for expected long-term return on plan assets. As of our September 30, 2007 measurement date, we selected a rate of return on plan assets of 8.00% for all plans, which is consistent with our prior year assumption of 8.00%. We use a total portfolio return analysis in the development of our assumption. Factors such as past market performance, the long-term relationship between fixed maturity and equity securities, interest rates, inflation and asset allocations are considered in the assumption. The assumption includes an estimate of the additional return expected from active management of the investment portfolio. Peer data and historical returns are also reviewed for appropriateness of the selected assumption. The expected long-term rate of return is calculated by the geometric averaging method, which calculates an expected multi-period return, reflecting volatility drag on compound returns. We believe our assumption of future returns is reasonable. However, if we lower our expected long-term return on plan assets, future contributions to the pension plans and pension expense would likely increase.

 

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This assumed long-term rate of return on assets is applied to a calculated value of plan assets, which recognizes changes in the fair value of plan assets in a systematic manner over three years, producing the expected return on plan assets that is included in the determination of pension expense. The difference between this expected return and the actual return on plan assets is deferred and amortized over the average remaining service of the workforce as a component of pension expense. The net deferral of past asset gains or losses affects the calculated value of plan assets and, ultimately, future pension expense.

The discount rate reflects the current rate at which the pension liabilities could be effectively settled at the end of the year based on our most recent measurement date (September 30, 2007). The selected discount rate for all plans is 6.00% (compared to a discount rate of 5.90% for 2007 expense recognition), which was developed using a yield curve approach. Using yields available on high-quality fixed maturity securities with various maturity dates, the yield curve approach provides a “customized” rate, which is meant to match the expected cash flows of our specific benefit plans. The net effect of changes in the discount rate, as well as the net effect of other changes in actuarial assumptions and experience, have been deferred and amortized as a component of pension expense in accordance with FAS 87.

In managing the plan assets, our objective is to be a responsible fiduciary while minimizing financial risk. Plan assets include a diversified mix of investment grade fixed maturity securities and equity securities across a range of sectors and levels of capitalization to maximize the long-term return for a prudent level of risk. In addition to producing a reasonable return, the investment strategy seeks to minimize the volatility in our expense and cash flow. As of our September 30, 2007 measurement date, we had approximately 60% of plan assets invested in equity securities, 34% in fixed maturity securities and 6% in other assets. No plan assets were invested in WellPoint common stock as of the measurement date.

At September 30, 2007, our consolidated prepaid pension asset was $293.2 million. We also had liabilities of $107.3 million for certain supplemental plans. For the year ending December 31, 2007, there were no required contributions under ERISA; however, we made a contribution of $1.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2007.

We recognized consolidated pre-tax pension expense (credit) of $(2.8) million and $12.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We recognized consolidated pre-tax pension expense (credit) of $(2.3) million and $22.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we incurred a net curtailment loss of $6.1 million within certain of our supplemental pension plans.

Other Postretirement Benefits

We provide most associates with certain life, medical, vision and dental benefits upon retirement. We use various actuarial assumptions including a discount rate and the expected trend in health care costs to estimate the costs and benefit obligations for our retiree benefits. At September 30, 2007, our postretirement benefit liability was $553.0 million.

We recognized consolidated pre-tax other postretirement expense of $8.8 million and $10.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We recognized consolidated pre-tax other postretirement expense of $28.4 million and $31.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

At our September 30, 2007 measurement date, the selected discount rate was 6.10% (compared to a discount rate of 5.90% for 2007 expense recognition). We developed this rate using a yield curve approach as described above.

 

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The assumed health care cost trend rates used to measure the expected cost of other benefits at our September 30, 2007 measurement date was 8.50% for 2008 with a gradual decline to 5.00% by the year 2015. These estimated trend rates are subject to change in the future. The health care cost trend assumption has a significant effect on the amounts reported.

For additional information regarding retirement benefits, see Note 17 to our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FIN 48. Among other things, FIN 48 provides guidance to address uncertainty in tax positions and clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold which income tax positions must achieve before being recognized in the financial statements. In addition, FIN 48 requires expanded disclosures, including a rollforward of the beginning and ending aggregate unrecognized tax benefits as well as specific detail related to tax uncertainties for which it is reasonably possible the amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months. Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted FIN 48. See Note 8, Income Taxes, to our unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for discussion of the impact of adoption of FIN 48.

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement 115 (“FAS 159”). FAS 159 allows entities to measure many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis under the fair value option. FAS 159 is effective for us on January 1, 2008. The effect of adoption is accounted for as a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to the beginning balance of retained earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact of FAS 159.

There were no other new accounting pronouncements issued during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 that had a material impact on our financial position, operating results or disclosures.

IX.     Liquidity and Capital Resources

Introduction

Our cash receipts result primarily from premiums, administrative fees, investment income, other revenue, proceeds from the sale or maturity of our investment securities, proceeds from borrowings and proceeds from exercise of stock options and our employee stock purchase plan. Cash disbursements result mainly from claims payments, administrative expenses, taxes, purchases of investment securities, interest expense, payments on long- term borrowings, capital expenditures and repurchases of our common stock. Cash outflows fluctuate with the amount and timing of settlement of these transactions. Any future decline in our profitability would likely have some negative impact on our liquidity.

We manage our cash, investments and capital structure to meet the short and long-term obligations of our business while maintaining financial flexibility and liquidity. We forecast, analyze and monitor our cash flows to enable investment and financing activities within the overall constraints of our financial strategy.

A substantial portion of the assets held by our regulated subsidiaries are in the form of cash and cash equivalents and investments. After considering expected cash flows from operating activities, we generally invest cash that exceeds our near term obligations in longer term marketable fixed maturity securities, to improve our overall investment income returns. Our investment strategy is to make investments consistent with insurance

 

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statutes and other regulatory requirements, while preserving our asset base. Our investments are generally available-for-sale to meet liquidity and other needs. Excess capital at our subsidiaries is paid annually by subsidiaries in the form of dividends to their respective parent companies for general corporate use, as permitted by applicable regulations.

The availability of financing in the form of debt or equity is influenced by many factors, including our profitability, operating cash flows, debt levels, debt ratings, contractual restrictions, regulatory requirements and market conditions. We have access to a $2.5 billion commercial paper program supported by a $2.5 billion senior credit facility, which allows us to maintain further operating and financial flexibility.

Liquidity – Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, net cash flow provided by operating activities was $3,240.3 million, compared to $2,613.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, an increase of $627.0 million. This increase resulted from lower income tax payments in 2007 compared to 2006 and improved net income.

Net cash flow used in investing activities was $1,088.6 million in 2007, compared to $161.7 million of cash used in investing activities in 2006. The table below outlines the increase in cash flow used in investing activities of $926.9 million between the two periods:

 

(In millions)    Change in
Cash Used in
Investing
Activities
 

Increase in net purchases of investments

   $   (129.8 )

Decrease in securities lending collateral

     (477.7 )

Increase in purchases of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

     (273.5 )

Increase in net purchases of property and equipment

     (39.7 )

Increase in other, net

     (6.2 )
        

Net increase in cash used in investing activities

   $ (926.9 )
        

On August 1, 2007, we completed our acquisition of Imaging Management Holdings, LLC (“IMH”) whose sole business is the holding company parent of American Imaging Management, Inc. (“AIM”). AIM is a leading radiology benefit management and technology company and currently provides services to us as well as other customers nationwide, including eight other Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensees. The acquisition supports our strategy to become the leader in affordable quality care by incorporating AIM’s services and technology for more effective and efficient use of radiology services by our members. We paid approximately $300.0 million in cash.

 

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Net cash flow used in financing activities was $1,929.8 million in 2007 compared to $2,962.3 million of cash used in 2006. The table below outlines the decrease in cash used in financing activities of $1,032.5 million between the two periods:

 

(In millions)    Change in
Cash Used in
Financing
Activities
 

Net increase in repayment of commercial paper borrowings

   $ (126.3 )

Increase in net proceeds from long-term borrowings

     1,262.7  

Increase in securities lending payable

     477.7  

Increase in bank overdrafts

     (427.4 )

Increase in repurchases of common stock

     (325.3 )

Increase in proceeds from exercise of employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan

     143.1  

Increase in excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

     28.0  
        

Net decrease in cash used in financing activities

   $   1,032.5  
        

Financial Condition

We maintained a strong financial condition and liquidity position, with consolidated cash, cash equivalents and investments, including long-term investments, of $21.7 billion at September 30, 2007. Since December 31, 2006, total cash, cash equivalents and investments, including long-term investments, increased primarily as a result of cash generated from operations.

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. In addition, we have made certain undertakings to regulatory authorities, including the requirement to maintain certain capital levels in our California and Georgia subsidiaries.

At September 30, 2007, we held at the parent company approximately $2.0 billion of cash, cash equivalents and investments, which is available for general corporate use, including investment in our businesses, acquisitions, share and debt repurchases and interest payments.

Our consolidated debt-to-total capital ratio (calculated as the sum of debt divided by the sum of debt plus shareholders’ equity) was 26.9% as of September 30, 2007 and 22.2% as of December 31, 2006.

Our senior debt is rated “BBB+” by Standard & Poor’s, “A-” by Fitch, Inc., “Baa1” by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. and “a-” by AM Best Company, Inc. We intend to maintain our senior debt investment grade ratings. A significant downgrade in our debt ratings could adversely affect our borrowing capacity and costs.

Future Sources and Uses of Liquidity

On August 21, 2007, we issued zero coupon notes in a private placement transaction exempt from registration. Gross proceeds to us were $500.0 million. The notes have a final maturity of August 22, 2022, and were issued with a yield to maturity of 5.264% and a final amount due at maturity of $1,090.0 million. The notes have a put feature that allows a note holder to require us to repurchase the notes at certain dates in the future. The proceeds of this debt issuance are for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, repurchasing shares of our common stock. The notes have initially been classified as long-term debt on our balance sheet, and will be reclassified to current portion of long-term debt beginning one year prior to the date we may be required to repurchase the notes.

 

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On December 28, 2005, we filed a shelf registration 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 the repayment of debt, capitalization of our subsidiaries or the financing of possible acquisitions or business expansion. On June 8, 2007, we issued $700.0 million of 5.875% notes due 2017 and $800.0 million of 6.375% notes due 2037 under the shelf registration statement. The proceeds from this debt issuance are for working capital and for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, repurchases of our common stock. The notes have a call feature that allows us to repurchase the notes anytime at our option and a put feature that allows a note holder to require us to repurchase the notes upon the occurrence of both a change of control event and a downgrade of the notes.

On November 29, 2005, we entered into a senior revolving credit facility, or the facility, with certain lenders for general corporate purposes. We amended the facility on September 21, 2006. The facility, as amended, provides credit up to $2.5 billion (reduced for any commercial paper issuances) and matures on September 30, 2011. The interest rate on this facility is based on either (i) the LIBOR rate plus a predetermined percentage rate based on our credit rating at the date of utilization, or (ii) a base rate as defined in the facility agreement. Our ability to borrow under this facility is subject to compliance with certain covenants. There were no amounts outstanding under this facility as of September 30, 2007 or during the nine months then ended. At September 30, 2007, we had $1.3 billion available under this facility.

We have Board of Directors’ approval to borrow up to $2.5 billion under our commercial paper program. Proceeds from any issuance of commercial paper may be used for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of our debt and common stock. Commercial paper notes are short-term senior unsecured notes, with a maturity not to exceed 270 days from date of issuance. When issued, the notes bear interest at the then current market rates. There were $1.2 billion of borrowings outstanding under this commercial paper program as of September 30, 2007. Commercial paper borrowings outstanding at September 30, 2007 are classified as long-term debt as our practice and intent is to replace short-term commercial paper outstanding at expiration with additional short-term commercial paper for an uninterrupted period extending for more than one year or with borrowings under our senior credit facilities.

As discussed in “Financial Condition” above, 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. Based upon these requirements, we are currently estimating approximately $3.7 billion of dividends to be paid to the parent company during 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we received $2.3 billion of dividends from our subsidiaries.

We maintain a common stock repurchase program as authorized by our Board of Directors. Repurchases may be made from time to time at prevailing prices, subject to certain restrictions on volume, pricing and timing. On March 21, 2007 and August 9, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized an increase of $2.0 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, in our stock repurchase program, resulting in a total amount available for repurchases in 2007 of approximately $4.9 billion, which includes $0.9 billion of authorization remaining unused at December 31, 2006. We purchased approximately 54.4 million shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 at a cost of $4.3 billion. As of September 30, 2007, we had $0.6 billion of authorization remaining under this program. Subsequent to September 30, 2007, we repurchased and retired approximately 4.0 million shares for an aggregate cost of approximately $0.3 billion, leaving approximately $0.3 billion for authorized future repurchases at October 17, 2007. Our stock repurchase program is discretionary as we are under no obligation to repurchase shares. We repurchase shares because we believe it is a prudent use of surplus capital.

Our current pension funding strategy is to fund an amount at least equal to the minimum required funding as determined under ERISA with consideration of maximum tax deductible amounts. For the year ending December 31, 2007, there were no required contributions under ERISA; however, we made a contribution of $1.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2007.

 

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Contractual Obligations and Commitments

We believe that funds from future operating cash flows, cash and investments and funds available under our credit agreement or from public or private financing sources will be sufficient for future operations and commitments, and for capital acquisitions and other strategic transactions.

For additional information regarding our estimated contractual obligations and commitments at December 31, 2006, see “Contractual Obligations and Commitments” included in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section within our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Risk-Based Capital

Our regulated subsidiaries’ states of domicile have statutory risk-based capital, or RBC, requirements for health and other insurance companies largely based on the NAIC’s 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 this 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 risk-based capital as of December 31, 2006, which was the most recent date for which reporting was required, was in excess of all mandatory RBC thresholds. In addition to exceeding the RBC requirements, we are in compliance with the liquidity and capital requirements for a licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and with the tangible net worth requirements applicable to certain of our California subsidiaries.

 

X. Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This document contains certain forward-looking information about WellPoint, Inc. (“WellPoint”) that is intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not generally historical facts. Words such as “expect(s)”, “feel(s)”, “believe(s)”, “will”, “may”, “anticipate(s)”, “intend”, “estimate”, “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions; statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, products and services; and statements regarding future performance. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of WellPoint, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include: those discussed and identified in public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) made by WellPoint; increased government regulation of health benefits, managed care and pharmacy benefit management operations; trends in health care costs and utilization rates; our ability to secure sufficient premium rate increases; our ability to contract with providers consistent with past practice; competitor pricing below market trends of increasing costs; reduced enrollment, as well as a negative change in our health care product mix; risks and uncertainties regarding the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug benefits program, including potential uncollectability of receivables resulting from processing and/or verifying enrollment (including facilitated enrollment), inadequacy of underwriting assumptions, inability to receive and process information, uncollectability of premium from members, increased pharmaceutical costs, and the underlying seasonality of the business; a downgrade in our financial strength ratings; litigation and investigations targeted at health benefits companies and our ability to resolve litigation and investigations within estimates; our ability to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies in the WellChoice, Inc. acquisition within the expected time frames or at all, and to successfully integrate our operations; our ability to meet expectations regarding repurchases of shares of our common stock; funding risks with respect to revenue received from participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs and the complex regulations imposed on

 

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Medicare fiscal intermediaries; events that result in negative publicity for the health benefits industry; failure to effectively maintain and modernize our information systems and e-business organization and to maintain good relationships with third party vendors for information system resources; events that may negatively affect our license with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association; possible impairment of the value of our intangible assets if future results do not adequately support goodwill and other intangible assets; intense competition to attract and retain employees; unauthorized disclosure of member sensitive or confidential information; changes in the economic and market conditions, as well as regulations, applicable to our investment portfolios; possible restrictions in the payment of dividends by our subsidiaries and increases in required minimum levels of capital and the potential negative affect from our substantial amount of outstanding indebtedness; general risks associated with mergers and acquisitions; various laws and our governing documents may prevent or discourage takeovers and business combinations; potential hedging activities in our common stock; future bio-terrorist activity or other potential public health epidemics; and general economic downturns. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. Except to the extent otherwise required by federal securities law, WellPoint does not undertake any obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are also urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures in WellPoint’s SEC reports.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a result of our investing and borrowing activities, we are exposed to financial market risks, including those resulting from changes in interest rates and changes in equity market valuations. Our investment portfolio is exposed to three primary risks: credit quality risk, interest rate risk and market valuation risk. Our long-term debt has fixed interest rates and the fair value of these instruments is affected by changes in market interest rates. We use derivative financial instruments, specifically interest rate swap agreements, to hedge exposure in interest rate risk on our borrowings. No material changes to any of these risks have occurred since December 31, 2006.

For a more detailed discussion of our market risks relating to these activities, refer to Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”, included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company carried out an evaluation as of September 30, 2007, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s 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 the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART  II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In July 2005, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with representatives of more than 700,000 physicians nationwide to resolve certain cases brought by physicians. The cases resolved were known as the CMA Litigation, the Shane Litigation, the Thomas Litigation and certain other similar cases brought by physicians. Final monetary payments were made in October 2006. Following its acquisition in 2005, WellChoice, Inc. (“WellChoice”) was merged with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of WellPoint. Since the WellChoice transaction closed on December 28, 2005, after the Company reached settlement with the plaintiffs, WellChoice continues to be a defendant in the Thomas (now known as Love) Litigation and is not affected by the prior settlement between the Company and plaintiffs. The Love Litigation alleges that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”). On April 27, 2007, the Company, along with 22 other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, announced a settlement of the Love Litigation. The Court granted preliminary approval on May 31, 2007. The settlement will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Prior to WellPoint Health Network Inc.’s (“WHN”) acquisition of the group benefit operations (“GBO”) of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (“John Hancock”), John Hancock entered into a number of reinsurance arrangements, including with respect to personal accident insurance and the occupational accident component of workers’ compensation insurance, a portion of which was originated through a pool managed by Unicover Managers, Inc. Under these arrangements, John Hancock assumed risks as a reinsurer and transferred certain of such risks to other companies. Similar reinsurance arrangements were entered into by John Hancock following WHN’s acquisition of the GBO of John Hancock. These various arrangements have become the subject of disputes, including a number of legal proceedings to which John Hancock is a party. The Company is currently in arbitration with John Hancock regarding these arrangements. The arbitration panel’s Phase I ruling addressed liability. On April 23, 2007, the arbitration panel issued a Phase II ruling stating the amount the Company owes to John Hancock for losses and expenses John Hancock paid through June 30, 2006. The panel further outlined a process for determining the Company’s liability for losses and expenses paid after June 30, 2006, which liability has not been determined yet. The Company filed a Petition to Confirm and John Hancock filed an Application to Vacate the arbitration rulings, which are currently pending in federal court. The Company believes that the liability that may result from this matter is unlikely to have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

There have been no other material developments from the disclosure included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

There have been no material developments from the disclosure included in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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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, 2007 to July 31, 2007

   6,489,718    $ 81.02    6,487,110    $ 466.5

August1, 2007 to August 31, 2007

   13,240,270      76.81    13,238,800      1,449.7

September 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007

   10,346,737      79.76    10,345,600      624.5
               
   30,076,725      78.73    30,071,510   
               

1

Total number of shares purchased includes 5,215 shares delivered to or withheld by the Company in connection with employee payroll tax withholding upon 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 our repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, the Company repurchased approximately 30.1 million shares at a cost of $2.4 billion under the program. On March 21, 2007 and August 9, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized increases of $2.0 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, in the Company’s stock repurchase program, resulting in a total amount available for repurchases in 2007 of approximately $4.9 billion, which includes $0.9 billion of authorization remaining unused at December 31, 2006. Remaining authorization under the program is $0.6 billion as of September 30, 2007.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

Exhibits: A list of exhibits required to be filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is set forth in the Index to Exhibits, which immediately precedes such exhibits, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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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.

 

 

WELLPOINT, INC.

Registrant

 
Date: October 24, 2007   By:       /s/ WAYNE S. DEVEYDT          
    Wayne S. DeVeydt  
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  
    (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)  

 

Date: October 24, 2007   By:       /s/ JAMIE S. MILLER          
    Jamie S. Miller  
    Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer  
    (Chief Accounting Officer)  

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Exhibit

2.1    Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger, effective as of October 26, 2003, among WellPoint, Inc. (the “Company”), Anthem Holding Corp. and WellPoint Health Networks Inc., incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-110830) (exhibits thereto will be furnished supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request).
2.2    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 2, 2005, among the Company, Light Acquisition Corp. and Lumenos, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005.
2.3    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 27, 2005, among the Company, WellPoint Holding Corp. and WellChoice, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 30, 2005.
3.1    Articles of Incorporation of the Company, amended effective May 17, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2007.
3.2    By-Laws of the Company, amended and restated effective May 16, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2007.
4.1    Articles of Incorporation of the Company, amended effective May 17, 2007 (Included in Exhibit 3.1).
4.2    By-Laws of the Company, amended and restated effective May 16, 2007 (Included in Exhibit 3.2).
4.3    Specimen of Certificate of the Company’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120851).
4.4    Indenture, dated as of July 31, 2002, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002.
  

(a)    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 31, 2002, between the Company and The Bank of New York, Trustee, establishing 4.875% Notes due 2005 and 6.800% Notes due 2012, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002.

  

(b)    Form of 6.800% Note due 2012 (Included in Exhibit 4.4(a)), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002.

4.5    Senior Note Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2002, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 25, 2004.
  

(a)    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 27, 2004, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee, establishing 3.50% Senior Notes due 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 27, 2004.

  

(b)    Form of 3.50% Senior Note due 2007 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.5(a)), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.21 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 27, 2004.

 

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Exhibit

Number

  

Exhibit

  4.6       Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of June 8, 2001, by and between WellPoint Health Networks Inc. (as predecessor by merger to Anthem Holding Corp., “WellPoint Health”) and The Bank of New York, as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to WellPoint Health’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 12, 2001.
  

(a)    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 30, 2004, between Anthem Holding Corp. and The Bank of New York, as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11(a) to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

  

(b)    Form of Note evidencing WellPoint Health’s 6 3/8% Notes due 2012, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to WellPoint Health’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 16, 2002.

  4.7       Indenture, dated as of December 9, 2004, between the Company and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2004.
  

(a)    Form of the Company’s 3.750% Notes due 2007 (included in Exhibit 4.7).

  

(b)    Form of the Company’s 4.250% Notes due 2009 (included in Exhibit 4.7).

  

(c)    Form of the Company’s 5.000% Notes due 2014 (included in Exhibit 4.7).

   (d) Form of the Company’s 5.950% Notes due 2034 (included in Exhibit 4.7).
  4.8       Indenture, dated as of January 10, 2006, between the Company and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 11, 2006.
  

(a)    Form of 5.00% Notes due 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 11, 2006.

  

(b)    Form of 5.25% Notes due 2016, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 11, 2006.

  

(c)    Form of 5.85% Notes due 2036, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 11, 2006.

  

(d)    Form of 5.875% Notes due 2017, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 8, 2007.

  

(e)    Form of 6.375% Notes due 2037, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 8, 2007.

  4.9       Upon the request of the 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.
10.27*   

(b)    Form of Employment Agreement, between the Company and each of the following: Ken R. Goulet and Jamie S. Miller, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (see Exhibit A).

  

(c)    Form of Employment Agreement, between the Company and each of the following: Dijuana Lewis and Bradley M. Fluegel (Included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 10.41 hereof).

10.41*    WellPoint, Inc. Executive Agreement Plan, amended and restated effective October 1, 2007, with certain other effective dates.
10.42*    Description of agreement between the Company and Alice F. Rosenblatt, dated August 21, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 27, 2007.

 

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Exhibit

Number

  

Exhibit

10.43*    Agreement between the Company and Joan E. Herman, dated September 28, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2007.
10.44*    Agreement between the Company and John S. Watts, Jr., dated September 28, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2007.
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act Rules, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act Rules, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

* Indicates management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.

 

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