Exhibit 99.1
Investor Relations: | Media Relations: |
| Gregg Haddad | John Aberg |
| Vice President | Vice President |
| 813-865-1284 | 813-865-5045 |
| gregg.haddad@wellcare.com | john.aberg@wellcare.com |
WELLCARE REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2007 RESULTS
Total Revenues Grew To $1.24 Billion, Up 70% Over 2006
| · | Membership grew to 2.27 million, up 47% year over year. |
| · | Medicare Advantage membership increased 46% year to date and 77% year over year. |
| · | Net income increased 49% year over year to $25.0 million. |
Tampa, Florida (May 7, 2007)— WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) today announced first quarter 2007 net income of $25.0 million, up 49% over the first quarter 2006. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.60 increased from $0.42 in the same period last year. Membership grew 47% to 2.27 million as of March 31, 2007, yielding revenue growth of 70% to $1.24 billion.
“WellCare’s earnings and revenue growth resulted from solid performance in all our business segments,” said Todd S. Farha, chairman and chief executive officer. “Our strong start to the year sets the stage for a very successful 2007.”
Highlights of First Quarter Operations
Total Revenues: Total revenues for the quarter rose 70% year over year to $1.24 billion. The growth was attributable principally to the increase in the Company’s membership, including the launch of the Georgia Medicaid health plan, which began operations in June 2006, as well as growth in the Medicare prescription drug plan (PDP) product. In addition, Medicare Advantage membership growth was 77% year over year and 46% year to date.
Medical Benefits Expense: Medical benefits expense was $1.02 billion, compared with $599 million for the same period last year. The medical benefits ratio was 83.8%, compared with 84.5% in 2006, excluding the 1.5% impact of the net reinsurance recovery for the Company’s Medicare PDP product. Including the reinsurance recovery, the first quarter 2006 medical benefits ratio was 83.0%. As previously disclosed, WellCare did not renew its PDP reinsurance in 2007. The decrease in the ratio was due primarily to better than expected retention of PDP members, which resulted in improved formulary compliance and increased generic fill rates. The positive performance of the PDP product is a significant contributor to the Company’s improved outlook for 2007. Please refer to the supplemental information for a reconciliation of the medical benefits ratio excluding the impact of the 2006 net reinsurance recovery.
Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) Expense: SG&A expense was $166.6 million, representing 13.4% of total revenues, compared with $97.3 million, or 13.3% of total revenues, for the same period last year. The increase in SG&A expense is in line with the expansion of WellCare’s membership and operations.
WCG Reports First Quarter Results
Page 2
May 7, 2007
First Quarter Cash Flow and Financial Condition Highlights
Net cash provided by operations was $102.3 million, or 4.1 times net income, after adjusting for the timing of receipt of payments from the Company’s government partners. Please refer to the supplemental information for a reconciliation of adjusted net cash provided by operations to net cash provided by operations of $217.0 million on a GAAP basis.
Days in claims payable was 49 as of March 31, 2007, compared with 47 as of December 31, 2006. The increase results principally from the launch of the Company’s Medicare private fee-for-service products.
As of March 31, 2007, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $1.35 billion as well as investments classified as current assets of $151 million, for a total of $1.50 billion in cash and short-term investments.
Financial Guidance
WellCare is increasing its full-year 2007 guidance as follows:
| · | Diluted EPS of $4.65 to $4.75, based on 41.8 million weighted average shares outstanding; and |
| · | Total revenues of $5.2 billion. |
The Company’s previous guidance was diluted EPS of $4.10 to $4.20 based on 41.8 million weighted average shares outstanding and revenue of $4.95 billion.
For the second quarter, the Company is providing the following guidance:
| · | Diluted EPS of $1.20 to $1.25; and |
| · | Total revenues of $1.3 billion. |
Webcast
A discussion on WellCare’s first quarter 2007 results as well as the Company’s outlook will be webcast live on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. A replay will be available beginning approximately one hour following the conclusion of the live broadcast. The webcast is available via the Company’s web site at www.wellcare.com and at www.earnings.com.
About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides managed care services exclusively for government-sponsored healthcare programs, focusing on Medicaid and Medicare. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, WellCare offers a variety of Medicaid and Medicare plans, including health plans for families, children, the aged, blind and disabled and prescription drug plans, serving over 2,272,000 members as of March 31, 2007. For more information about WellCare, please visit the Company's website at www.wellcare.com.
WCG Reports First Quarter Results
Page 3
May 7, 2007
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this release which are not historical fact may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The Company intends such statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continues” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company’s actual future results to differ materially from those projected or contemplated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the potential expiration, cancellation or suspension of the Company’s state or federal contracts; the Company’s lack of prior operating history, including lack of experience with network providers and health benefits management in expansion markets, including Georgia, Missouri and Ohio; the Company’s lack of prior operating history in its Medicare PDP and PFFS programs and potential inability to accurately predict the number of members in these plans; the Company’s ability to accurately predict and effectively manage health benefits and other operating expenses, including the Company’s ability to reinsure certain risks related to medical expenses; the potential for confusion in the marketplace concerning PDP and PFFS programs resulting from, among other things, the proliferation of health care options facing Medicare beneficiaries and the complexity of the PDP and PFFS offerings, including the benefit structures and the relative lack of awareness of these programs among health care providers, pharmacists and patient advocates; the Company’s ability to accurately estimate incurred but not reported medical costs; risks associated with future changes in healthcare laws, including repeal or modification of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 or any portion thereof; potential reductions in funding for government healthcare programs, including reductions in funding resulting from the escalating costs of prescription drugs; risks associated with periodic government reimbursement rate adjustments, the timing of the CMS risk-corridor payments to PDP providers and the accounting treatment for the PDP program; the Company’s ability to develop processes and systems to support its operations and future growth; regulatory changes and developments, including potential marketing restrictions, sanctions, governmental investigations or premium recoupments; potential fines, penalties or operating restrictions resulting from regulatory audits, examinations, investigations or other inquiries; risks associated with the Company’s acquisition strategy; risks associated with the Company’s efforts to expand into additional states and counties; risks associated with the Company’s substantial debt obligations; risks associated with the volatility of the Company’s common stock; and risks associated with the Company’s rapid growth, including the Company’s ability to attract and retain qualified management personnel. Additional information concerning these and other important risks and uncertainties can be found under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 16, 2007, and in the Company’s periodic reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which contain discussions of the Company’s business and the various factors that may affect it. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
WCG Reports First Quarter Results
Page 4
May 7, 2007
WELLCARE HEALTH PLANS, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except share and per share data) | |
| | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended | |
| | | March 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| Revenues: | | | | | |
| Premium | | $ | 1,221,766 | | $ | 722,221 | |
| Investment and other income | | | 17,666 | | | 8,164 | |
| Total revenues | | | 1,239,432 | | | 730,385 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Expenses: | | | | | | | |
| Medical benefits | | | 1,024,171 | | | 599,084 | |
| Selling, general and administrative | | | 166,556 | | | 97,265 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | | | 4,566 | | | 3,090 | |
| Interest | | | 3,460 | | | 3,384 | |
| Total expenses | | | 1,198,753 | | | 702,823 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Income before income taxes | | | 40,679 | | | 27,562 | |
| Income tax expense | | | 15,706 | | | 10,794 | |
| Net income | | $ | 24,973 | | $ | 16,768 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Net income per share: | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | $ | 0.62 | | $ | 0.43 | |
| Diluted | | $ | 0.60 | | $ | 0.42 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding: | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | 40,163,234 | | | 38,590,948 | |
| Diluted | | | 41,588,356 | | | 39,959,602 | |
WCG Reports First Quarter Results
Page 5
May 7, 2007
WELLCARE HEALTH PLANS, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share data) | |
| | |
| | | March 31, | | Dec. 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
ASSETS | |
| Current Assets: | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 1,344,909 | | $ | 964,542 | |
| Investments | | | 151,143 | | | 126,422 | |
| Premium and other receivables, net | | | 119,433 | | | 102,465 | |
| Other receivables from government partners, net | | | 49,527 | | | 40,902 | |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 76,181 | | | 87,507 | |
| Deferred income taxes | | | 31,724 | | | 14,841 | |
| Total current assets | | | 1,772,917 | | | 1,336,679 | |
| Property, equipment, and capitalized software, net | | | 62,484 | | | 62,005 | |
| Goodwill | | | 189,470 | | | 189,470 | |
| Other intangibles, net | | | 18,132 | | | 18,855 | |
| Restricted investment assets | | | 60,939 | | | 53,382 | |
| Other assets | | | 1,529 | | | 1,839 | |
| Total Assets | | $ | 2,105,471 | | $ | 1,662,230 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
| Current Liabilities: | | | | | | | |
| Medical benefits payable | | $ | 556,947 | | $ | 465,581 | |
| Unearned premiums | | | 232,055 | | | 23,806 | |
| Accounts payable | | | 6,982 | | | 8,015 | |
| Other accrued expenses | | | 143,498 | | | 172,043 | |
| Other payables to government partners | | | 36,083 | | | 104,076 | |
| Taxes payable | | | 22,298 | | | 13,181 | |
| Current portion of long-term debt | | | 1,600 | | | 1,600 | |
| Funds held for the benefit of members | | | 304,034 | | | 113,652 | |
| Other current liabilities | | | 418 | | | 418 | |
| Total current liabilities | | | 1,303,915 | | | 902,372 | |
| Long-term debt | | | 153,661 | | | 154,021 | |
| Deferred income taxes | | | 35,752 | | | 34,666 | |
| Other liabilities | | | 8,082 | | | 8,116 | |
| Commitments and contingencies | | | - | | | - | |
| Total liabilities | | | 1,501,410 | | | 1,099,175 | |
| Stockholders’ Equity: | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value (20,000,000 authorized, no shares issued or outstanding) | | | - | | | - | |
Common stock, $0.01 par value (100,000,000 authorized, 41,164,939 and 40,900,134 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively) | | | 412 | | | 409 | |
| Paid-in capital | | | 310,053 | | | 294,443 | |
| Retained earnings | | | 293,532 | | | 268,559 | |
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 64 | | | (356 | ) |
| Total stockholders’ equity | | | 604,061 | | | 563,055 | |
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | | $ | 2,105,471 | | $ | 1,662,230 | |
WCG Reports First Quarter Results
Page 6
May 7, 2007
WELLCARE HEALTH PLANS, INC. UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) | |
| | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| Cash from operating activities: | | | | | |
| Net income | | $ | 24,973 | | $ | 16,768 | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income | | | | | | | |
| to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | | | 4,566 | | | 3,090 | |
| Loss on disposal of fixed assets | | | - | | | 1,250 | |
| Equity-based compensation expense, net of benefits | | | 10,548 | | | 6,777 | |
| Incremental tax benefit received for option exercises | | | (4,928 | ) | | (1,027 | ) |
| Deferred taxes, net | | | (15,797 | ) | | (25,667 | ) |
| Changes in operating accounts: | | | | | | | |
| Premiums and other receivables | | | (16,968 | ) | | 971 | |
| Other receivables from government partners | | | (8,625 | ) | | (107,868 | ) |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 11,326 | | | 1,750 | |
| Medical benefits payable | | | 91,366 | | | 105,157 | |
| Unearned premiums | | | 208,249 | | | 193,384 | |
| Accounts payable | | | (1,033 | ) | | 1,758 | |
| Other accrued expenses | | | (28,545 | ) | | 5,337 | |
| Other payables to government partners | | | (67,993 | ) | | - | |
| Taxes payable, net | | | 9,117 | | | 35,344 | |
| Other, net | | | 734 | | | (12,437 | ) |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 216,990 | | | 224,587 | |
| Cash from investing activities: | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from sale and maturities of investments | | | 1,106 | | | 775 | |
| Purchases of investments | | | (25,827 | ) | | (54,370 | ) |
| Purchases and dispositions of restricted investments, net | | | (7,557 | ) | | (14,341 | ) |
| Additions to property, equipment, and capitalized software, net | | | (4,322 | ) | | (11,665 | ) |
| Net cash used in investing activities | | | (36,600 | ) | | (79,601 | ) |
| Cash from financing activities: | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from common stock issuance, net | | | 156 | | | 18,830 | |
| Proceeds from options exercised | | | 6,337 | | | 1,711 | |
| Incremental tax benefit from option exercises | | | 4,928 | | | 1,027 | |
| Purchase of treasury stock | | | (1,426 | ) | | - | |
| Payments on debt | | | (400 | ) | | (400 | ) |
| Funds held for the benefit of members | | | 190,382 | | | 201,810 | |
| Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 199,977 | | | 222,978 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents: | | | | | | | |
| Increase during the period | | | 380,367 | | | 367,964 | |
| Balance at beginning of period | | | 964,542 | | | 421,766 | |
| Balance at end of period | | $ | 1,344,909 | | $ | 789,730 | |
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | | | | | | | |
| Cash paid for taxes | | $ | 17,040 | | $ | 240 | |
| Cash paid for interest | | $ | 3,264 | | $ | 3,295 | |
WCG Reports First Quarter Results
Page 7
May 7, 2007
WELLCARE HEALTH PLANS, INC. MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS | |
| | | | | | |
Membership by State (excluding standalone Medicare PDP) | | March 31, 2007 | | March 31, 2006 | |
| Florida | | | 522,000 | | | 531,000 | |
| Georgia | | | 445,000 | | | - | |
| New York | | | 126,000 | | | 101,000 | |
| Illinois | | | 105,000 | | | 90,000 | |
| Connecticut | | | 39,000 | | | 37,000 | |
| Ohio | | | 33,000 | | | - | |
| Indiana | | | - | | | 78,000 | |
| Other states | | | 32,000 | | | 2,000 | |
Total Membership by State | | | 1,302,000 | | | 839,000 | |
Membership by Program | | March 31, 2007 | | March 31, 2006 | |
Medicaid Membership | | | | | |
TANF | | | 864,000 | | | 590,000 | |
SCHIP | | | 206,000 | | | 89,000 | |
SSI | | | 70,000 | | | 59,000 | |
FHP | | | 31,000 | | | 27,000 | |
Total Medicaid Membership | | | 1,171,000 | | | 765,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Medicare Membership | | | | | | | |
Medicare Advantage | | | 131,000 | | | 74,000 | |
Prescription drug plan (standalone) | | | 970,000 | | | 703,500 | |
Total Medicare Membership | | | 1,101,000 | | | 777,500 | |
Total Membership | | | 2,272,000 | | | 1,542,500 | |
WCG Reports First Quarter Results
Page 8
May 7, 2007
WELLCARE HEALTH PLANS, INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Reconciliation of the Medical Benefits Ratio Excluding the Impact
of Medicare PDP Net Reinsurance Recoveries
The Company is reporting the adjusted medical benefits expense ratio to provide a prior year medical expense ratio that is comparable to the current year because the Company did not renew its Medicare PDP product reinsurance in 2007.
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | 2006 | |
| Medical benefit ratio, as reported under GAAP | | | 83.8 | % | | 83.0 | % |
| Adjustment for impact of Medicare PDP net reinsurance recovery | | | - | | | 1.5 | % |
| Medical benefit ratio, as adjusted | | | 83.8 | % | | 84.5 | % |
Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Cash Provided By Operations
To GAAP Reported Net Cash Provided By Operations
The Company reports cash provided by operations on a non-GAAP basis to exclude the changes in unearned premiums, premiums and other receivables, and other receivables/payables from government partners. The Company believes that excluding changes in unearned premiums, premiums and other receivables, and other receivables/payables from government partners is a better measure of cash flow from operations, as these changes are a function of the timing of cash receipts from and payments to federal and state agencies at the end of a period.
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities, as reported under GAAP | | $ | 216,990 | |
| Adjusted for change in: | | | | |
| Unearned premiums | | | (208,249 | ) |
| Premiums and other receivables | | | 16,968 | |
| Other receivables from government partners | | | 8,625 | |
| Other payables to government partners | | | 67,993 | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities, as adjusted | | $ | 102,327 | |
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