GI
GoHealth, Inc. (GOCO)·Q1 2025 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q1 2025 delivered solid execution: net revenues rose 19.1% year over year to $221.0M, Adjusted EBITDA increased 56.4% to $42.1M, and Submissions grew 40.2% to 303,026, while Direct Operating Cost per Submission fell 18.4% to $522 .
- EPS modestly beat S&P Global consensus: diluted EPS of -$0.52 vs -$0.55 consensus; revenue was ~inline/slight miss at $220.97M vs $221.61M consensus (S&P Global) *.
- Management launched GoHealth Protect (guaranteed acceptance life insurance) to reduce Medicare revenue seasonality and improve unit economics; early ramp expected in Q2–Q3 .
- Cash from operations was -$12.4M in Q1 (mix shift back to agency), and commissions receivable topped $1.0B; management flagged DOJ intervention in a TAM lawsuit as a legal overhang .
- Subsequent event: on June 30, GoHealth amended its credit agreement, extended the revolver to Sep 30, 2025, and received consent to pursue receivables financing/securitization to address a going concern position .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Strong top-line and profitability momentum: net revenues +19.1% YoY to $221.0M; Adjusted EBITDA +56.4% YoY to $42.1M; Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 19.0% .
- Efficiency improved: Submissions +40.2% YoY to 303,026; Direct Operating Cost per Submission improved 18.4% YoY to $522; management cited 12% lower enrollment average handle times driven by AI tools (PlanGPT, PlanFit) .
- Diversification initiative: launched GoHealth Protect (final expense life insurance) to enhance cash realization and lower acquisition costs; “a highly strategic step…to minimize revenue seasonality” . Quote: “We expect it will…drive a more predictable revenue and margin profile” — CFO Brendan Shanahan .
What Went Wrong
- Sales per Submission declined 15.4% YoY to $724, reflecting mix shift back to agency; management reiterated this was expected and mix-driven .
- Cash generation dipped: cash from operations -$12.4M vs +$12.5M prior year due to agency mix; commissions receivable expanded, increasing working capital needs .
- Legal overhang and potential headline risk: DOJ intervened in a TAM lawsuit (FCA/anti-kickback claims) covering 2016–2021; company denies allegations and will defend vigorously .
Financial Results
Headline P&L Comparison (chronological: Q3 2024 → Q4 2024 → Q1 2025)
Consensus vs Actual (S&P Global)
Values retrieved from S&P Global.*
Disaggregation of Revenue (Q1)
KPIs and Operating Metrics (Q1)
Cash Flow & Receivables
Guidance Changes
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- CEO framing on Q1: “Our achievements…demonstrate substantial progress in key financial metrics, including revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, margin enhancement, and capital efficiency” .
- On AI-driven operations: “We cut enrollment average handle times by 12%…our captive agents serve more consumers per day while still improving conversion rates” .
- Strategy on GoHealth Protect: “It diversifies our product portfolio, minimizes revenue seasonality, and…puts us on a clear path toward long-term profitable growth” .
- CFO on economics and cash: “As GoHealth Protect scales, we expect it will contribute to lowering our customer acquisition costs…with fees paid more quickly…reduce seasonality in our cash flow” .
Q&A Highlights
- Capital structure flexibility: DOJ intervention does not change plans to pursue alternatives; focus on timing and terms that improve position .
- AEP dynamics and carrier behavior: Expect more benefit resets; targeted disruption across geographies; heightened shopping demand .
- GoHealth Protect mechanics: Selective carrier partnerships; testing inbound/outbound strategies; staged ramp to ensure quality/scalability .
- Sales per Submission decline: Mix shift toward agency explains -15.4% YoY; agency/non-agency rates stable, blended average down .
- Liquidity snapshot: Quarter-end cash ~$22M; down from year-end, consistent with mix/cash flow dynamics .
Estimates Context
- Q1 2025 EPS beat and revenue near inline: EPS -$0.52 vs -$0.55 consensus; revenue $220.97M vs $221.61M consensus (S&P Global)* .
- Prior quarters (Q3/Q4 2024) showed revenue and EPS beats vs consensus, evidencing consistent execution through disruption (S&P Global)* .
- FY 2025 consensus revenue is $551.8M*, far below FY 2024 actual $798.9M, reflecting expected seasonality, agency mix, and conservative assumptions; potential upward revision hinges on GoHealth Protect scale and MA disruption trajectory (S&P Global)* .
Values retrieved from S&P Global.*
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Unit economics and operating leverage improving: robust Adjusted EBITDA growth and margin expansion, with CAC down double digits; supports medium-term margin thesis .
- Mix-managed model: higher agency mix compresses Sales per Submission but drives durable LTV and growing commissions receivable; requires working-capital solutions (receivables financing underway) .
- EPS beat and revenue inline show disciplined execution in shoulder season; watch Q2–Q3 for GoHealth Protect ramp as near-term catalyst .
- AEP setup remains dynamic; targeted marketing plus AI/PlanFit should capture disruption; sensitivity to carrier commission eligibility and benefit resets persists .
- Legal headline risk exists (DOJ intervention) but management reaffirmed focus and denies allegations; monitor litigation developments for sentiment impact .
- Liquidity optionality improved post-quarter with credit amendment and securitization consent; a potential stock catalyst if receivables financing closes on attractive terms .
- Near-term trading: bias to react to GoHealth Protect KPIs and any receivables financing announcement; medium-term thesis centers on sustained CAC reductions, diversified product cash cycles, and monetization of growing commission asset base .