GoHealth Inc (GOCO) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Revenue Surge and Operational Efficiency Amidst Challenges

GoHealth Inc (GOCO) reports a 19% revenue increase and a 56% rise in adjusted EBITDA, despite facing legal and market challenges.

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May 14, 2025
Summary
  • Revenue: Increased to $221 million in Q1 2025, a 19% improvement from $186 million in Q1 2024.
  • Adjusted EBITDA: Grew to $42 million, a 56% year-over-year improvement from $26.9 million in Q1 2024.
  • Net Loss: Reported a GAAP net loss of $9.8 million, showing significant improvement year over year.
  • Submission Volume: Increased by 64% year-over-year, driven by the captive Medicare team.
  • Agent Headcount Growth: Grew by 24% year over year.
  • Cash Flow from Operations: Negative $12.4 million compared to a positive $12.5 million in the prior year period.
  • Direct Operating Cost per Submission: Reduced by 18% from $640 to $522.
  • Commissions Receivable: Grew to over $1 billion, a 19% year-over-year increase.
  • PlanFit CheckUps: Grew 27% year over year.
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Release Date: May 13, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • GoHealth Inc (GOCO, Financial) reported a 19% increase in Q1 2025 revenue, reaching $221 million compared to $186 million in Q1 2024.
  • The company's adjusted EBITDA grew by 56% year-over-year, reaching $42 million, indicating strong operational efficiency.
  • Agent productivity improved significantly, with a 64% year-over-year growth in submission volume despite only a 24% increase in agent headcount.
  • The launch of GoHealth Protect, a new suite of life insurance products, aims to diversify the company's offerings and reduce revenue seasonality.
  • Technological advancements, including AI-driven tools like PlanGPT and PlanFit, have enhanced agent efficiency and consumer engagement.

Negative Points

  • GoHealth Inc (GOCO) reported a GAAP net loss of $9.8 million for Q1 2025, although this was an improvement from the previous year.
  • Cash flow from operations was negative at $12.4 million, compared to a positive $12.5 million in the prior year period.
  • The company is facing a Qui Tam lawsuit related to alleged violations of the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute, which could pose legal and financial risks.
  • Sales per submission decreased by 15% year-over-year, attributed to a shift from non-agency to agency submissions.
  • The Medicare Advantage market is experiencing disruptions, with health plans adjusting their growth strategies, which could impact future revenue.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Are there opportunities to improve GoHealth's capital structure, or might the DOJ's actions defer that?
A: Vijay Kotte, CEO: We are always assessing multiple scenarios and alternatives for our capital structure, including term loans and revolvers. The DOJ's actions will not change our plans to explore options to enhance our capital structure for appropriate business investments.

Q: Can you provide thoughts on United's changes and expectations for the upcoming AEP compared to last year?
A: Vijay Kotte, CEO: Health plans are facing margin challenges, leading to potential benefit resets and disruptions in the upcoming AEP. We anticipate more consumers will need to assess their options, indicating a dynamic shopping season.

Q: How is GoHealth Protect being marketed, and are you partnering with specific carriers?
A: Vijay Kotte, CEO: We are testing various approaches, including outbound and inbound marketing, and have been selective with partners. We aim to scale efficiently by matching consumers with needed products, leveraging our existing sales infrastructure.

Q: Can you explain the 15% decrease in sales per submission?
A: Vijay Kotte, CEO: The decrease is due to a mix shift from non-agency to agency contracts. The isolated rates for agency and non-agency aren't changing; it's the mix shift affecting the blended average.

Q: What logistical hurdles must be cleared for GoHealth Protect's growth in the second half of the year?
A: Vijay Kotte, CEO: We need to ensure agents are licensed and appointed, and that they are trained to operate within our technology. The focus is on a thoughtful ramp-up to maintain best practices before scaling fully.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.