UPDATE: Morgan Stanley Maintains Equal-weight on WellPoint Ahead of 2014 Guidance

In a report published Tuesday, Morgan Stanley analyst Andrew Schenker maintained Equal-weight on Wellpoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP).

According to the report, WLP pre-announced FY13 EPS of $8.52 ahead of client meetings. In an 8-K yesterday, WLP disclosed its expectations for FY13 EPS of $8.52, $0.02 above analyst's $8.50 estimate and $0.01 above consensus of $8.51.

“Details on 2014 guidance still expected on 1/29,” the report noted. “Noticeably absent from WLP's release were any updates on 2014 guidance. While the company provided some directional commentary on its 3Q call, we expect further details when WLP officially reports 4Q13 on 1/29. Specifically, management previously stated “we continue to target EPS above $8.00 for 2014, which will be challenging” in addition to outlining broad earnings headwinds and tailwinds. Our FY14 EPS of $8.46 is $0.05 above the Street at $8.41.”

WLP closed Monday at $90.87.