AH
Alignment Healthcare, Inc. (ALHC)·Q3 2025 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Alignment Healthcare delivered Q3 2025 revenue of $993.7M (+43.5% y/y) and adjusted EBITDA of $32.4M, beating the high end of guidance across all key metrics; GAAP diluted EPS was $0.02 as net income turned positive y/y .
- Management raised FY25 guidance across membership, revenue, adjusted gross profit, and adjusted EBITDA; FY25 adjusted EBITDA midpoint increased to $94M from prior $76M, reflecting continued operating momentum .
- Operating drivers: inpatient admissions per thousand held in the low 140s; MBR (on an adjusted basis) was 87.2% (up 120 bps y/y); SG&A leverage remained solid with an adjusted SG&A ratio of 9.6% despite seasonal spend .
- Quality continues to differentiate: 100% of members in 4-star+ plans for 2026; two 5‑star contracts (NV, NC) and 4.5‑star in TX; external recognition from U.S. News “Best Insurance Companies” across all five states reinforces brand positioning .
- Potential stock catalysts: sustained membership and margin execution into Q4’s seasonal headwinds; early AEP commentary pointing to ≥20% growth in 2026; continued estimate revisions following the guidance raise .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Beat and raise: Third consecutive quarter surpassing the high end of guidance across all key metrics; FY25 guidance raised on all metrics (membership, revenue, adj. gross profit, adj. EBITDA) .
- Quality moat: 100% of members in 4-star+ plans for rating year 2026; two 5‑star contracts in NV and NC; 4.5‑star contract in TX; management expects the Health Equity Index (now EHOA reward) to provide cushion in CA .
- Utilization discipline: Inpatient ADK in the low 140s, supporting an 87.2% MBR and 58% y/y growth in adjusted gross profit; Part D ran modestly favorable vs expectations in Q3 .
What Went Wrong
- Sequential deceleration: Revenue stepped down q/q ($1,015.3M → $993.7M) and adjusted EBITDA declined q/q ($45.9M → $32.4M) due to normal seasonality and prudent Part D assumptions .
- MBR up q/q: MBR rose to 87.2% from 86.7% in Q2; management flagged typical Q4 seasonality (flu, Part D changes under IRA) implying a higher Q4 MBR .
- SG&A timing: Adjusted SG&A ratio increased to 9.6% from 8.8% in Q2 as investments and timing shifted expenses into 2H; management expects elevated Q4 SG&A with AEP and growth prep .
Financial Results
KPIs and Operating Metrics
- Membership (end of period): 223,700 (Q2’25) ; 229,600 (Q3’25) .
- MBR (based on adjusted gross profit): 86.7% (Q2’25) ; 87.2% (Q3’25) .
- Adjusted SG&A ratio: 8.8% (Q2’25) ; 9.6% (Q3’25) .
- Inpatient admissions per 1,000: “low 140s” in Q2’25 and Q3’25 .
Estimates vs. Actuals (S&P Global)
Values retrieved from S&P Global.*
Guidance Changes
Management noted Q4 MBR will run higher than Q3 due to seasonal flu and IRA-driven Part D dynamics, and SG&A will step up with growth-related spend .
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- “Our third quarter results mark the third consecutive quarter in which we surpassed the high end of our guidance across all key metrics,” highlighting scalability of the care model and 100% of members in 4-star+ plans for 2026 .
- “For the full year, we now expect to deliver $94 million of adjusted EBITDA at the midpoint,” up from initial $47.5M midpoint; revenue approaching $4B .
- On AEP and 2026 growth: “Based on the strength of our early AEP results, we are confident that we are on track to grow at at least 20% year over year” .
- On HEI/EHOA: Transition “will add cushion to our four-star rating in California,” rewarding plans serving vulnerable seniors .
- On provider alignment: “We’re about 65% to 70%…in shared risk business” in CA and increasing de-delegation to enhance durability and outcomes .
Q&A Highlights
- Growth quality mix: Early AEP shows both strong gross adds and better-than-expected retention; management balancing growth with profitability given V28’s final phase in 2026 .
- Vertical integration/M&A: Evaluating tuck-ins for supplemental benefits “captives” (e.g., dental PPO, behavioral HMO) to capture 4–5% of premium with low execution risk .
- SG&A cadence: Q3 had a “handful of million” favorability; investments being reinvested to support 2026 growth (automation, AI, clinical programs); Q4 SG&A to step up .
- Seasonality and vaccines: Flu/vaccine utilization trending in-line; Q4 typically higher utilization and Part D costs; guidance reflects caution .
- RADV outlook: Court pause noted, but base case assumes enforcement will persist; ALHC confident in compliance and documentation .
Estimates Context
- Q3 2025 S&P Global consensus vs actual: Revenue $981.4M* vs $993.7M* (beat); Primary EPS -$0.01* vs $0.0981* (material beat). Four EPS estimates and 11 revenue estimates were captured for the quarter*.
Values retrieved from S&P Global.*
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Re-acceleration vs consensus: ALHC posted a clean top- and bottom-line beat vs S&P Global consensus and raised FY25 guidance, suggesting estimate revisions higher if Q4 seasonality is managed as planned .
- Quality-led share gains: 100% 4★+ coverage and multiple 5★ contracts should sustain funding advantages and conversion in disrupted markets into 2026 AEP .
- Utilization control remains the fulcrum: Low-140s inpatient ADK and tight provider alignment (65–70% shared risk in CA) underpin margin durability as V28 finalizes in 2026 .
- Part D caution priced into outlook: Modest Q3 favorability but conservative H2 stance persists; Q4 MBR/SG&A will step up seasonally; monitor claims and flu trends .
- 2026 growth signal: Management’s “at least 20%” growth commentary and brand investments strengthen the medium-term growth algorithm alongside margin expansion .
- Optionality via tuck-ins: Exploring supplemental benefit “captives” could create incremental margin without large execution risk .
- Watch catalysts: Q4 execution vs seasonal headwinds, AEP outcomes update, and any indications of HEI/EHOA impact on 2027 payments .
Additional Relevant Q3 2025 Press Releases
- U.S. News & World Report: Named “Best Insurance Company for Medicare Advantage” in all five states where ALHC operates for 2026 .
- Intermountain partnership: Launched new $0-premium 5‑star MA plan in Clark County (NV), broadening access and benefits .
- 2026 product portfolio: 68 plans across 45 counties; emphasis on benefit stability and support for seniors with special needs .
Notes on non-GAAP: Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted gross profit exclude items including equity-based compensation, D&A, certain litigation and restructuring costs; see reconciliations in the 8‑K/press release **[1832466_0001171843-25-006831_exh_991.htm:1]** **[1832466_0001171843-25-006831_exh_991.htm:2]** **[1832466_331e7c3e09d349a58a23692cf317a3de_1]** **[1832466_331e7c3e09d349a58a23692cf317a3de_2]**.