Enrollment growth boosts Anthem's 3Q profits

Anthem posted a profit of $654.8 million, or $2.43 a share, in the third quarter of 2015, which is an increase from the $630.9 million ($2.22 a share) it reported in the same quarter last year. On an adjusted basis, its third-quarter adjusted net income came in at $2.73 per share, which is an increase of 9.2 percent since the same quarter last year. The company noted that its medical enrollment increased by 174,000 members, and it expects medical enrollment to grow by 800,000 to 1 million members for all of 2015.

"Our solid third quarter 2015 results reflect continued enrollment growth in both commercial and government business segments and our emphasis on driving greater affordability and choice for members," CEO Joseph Swedish said in the earnings report. Yet he also noted in an earnings conference call that "our individual business continues to lag as a result of lower than expected enrollment." Earnings report