Elevance Health (ELV) is back in focus after first quarter 2026 results showed adjusted EPS of $12.58, a 5.1% year-over-year increase, and management raised full year adjusted EPS guidance.

The first quarter numbers and guidance upgrade have coincided with stronger momentum in the stock, with a 14.5% 1 month share price return and 17.5% 3 month share price return, while the 3 year total shareholder return is still lower.

If Elevance Health’s move has caught your eye, it can be useful to see what else is moving in healthcare, including companies working with AI in care delivery and analytics via the 34 healthcare AI stocks

With Elevance Health guiding to at least $26.75 in adjusted EPS for 2026 and the stock near $394.69 after a strong recent run, is the current valuation still giving you a margin of safety, or is the market already pricing in future growth?

Most Popular Narrative: 1.1% Overvalued

The latest narrative fair value for Elevance Health sits at $390.54, slightly below the last close of $394.69, which puts the stock almost in line with that estimate.

As a potential growth investment, Elevance Health is described as offering a mix of undervaluation and long-term growth drivers, particularly in the Medicare Advantage and value-based care segments. While near-term risks like Medicaid enrollment declines and cost pressures pose challenges, its diversified revenue base and focus on innovation are noted as sources of resilience. Strategic timing and close monitoring of market and operational trends are presented as important to any attempt to capitalize on potential growth over the next 1-3 years.

Curious what sits behind that almost flat gap between narrative fair value and today’s price? The narrative leans heavily on earnings compounding, margin resilience and a future profit multiple that is not typical for a mature insurer. The tension between Medicaid headwinds and Medicare Advantage expectations is reflected directly in those cash flow paths and discount assumptions. If you want to see exactly how those moving parts line up to reach that $390.54 figure, the full narrative breaks it down in plain numbers.

Result: Fair Value of $390.54 (OVERVALUED)

However, the narrative could shift quickly if Medicaid pressures persist or if medical costs stay elevated, which would squeeze margins more than the current fair value implies.

Another View: Multiples Paint a Cheaper Picture

The narrative fair value pegs Elevance Health as 1.1% overvalued, yet the market is pricing the stock at a P/E of 16.3x, while peers trade closer to 36.9x and the fair ratio sits at 31.3x. That wide gap suggests investors are either being cautious or leaving something on the table, so it raises the question of which side of that trade you want to be on.

Next Steps

With sentiment split between a slight premium to fair value and a cheaper looking P/E, this is a moment to review the numbers yourself and move quickly. To see what investors are optimistic about, check out the 4 key rewards

Looking for more investment ideas?

If Elevance Health has you thinking about portfolio upgrades, now is the time to scan for other opportunities rather than wait for the next headline.

• Spot potential bargains early by checking companies that screen as high quality and unloved through the screener containing 21 high quality undiscovered gems.
• Strengthen your income stream by reviewing stocks highlighted as potential yield workhorses via the 10 dividend fortresses.
• Keep risk in check by focusing on companies that stand out for resilience using the 67 resilient stocks with low risk scores.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.