UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 7, 2005

 

WELLPOINT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Indiana		001-16751		35-2145715
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

120 Monument Circle

Indianapolis, IN 46204

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (317) 488-6000

 

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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Section 2—Financial Information.

 

Item 2.02—Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

On January 7, 2005 WellPoint, Inc. issued a press release announcing updated earnings guidance for 2004 and 2005. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and incorporated herein by reference.

 

All of the information furnished in this report shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall not be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, whether made before or after the date hereof and regardless of any general incorporation language in such filings.

 

Section 9—Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

Item 9.01.

Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits.

 

(c)

Exhibits.

 

The following exhibits are being filed herewith:

 

Exhibit No.		Exhibit
99.1		Press Release dated January 7, 2005 announcing updated earnings guidance for 2004 and 2005.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: January 7, 2005

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.		Exhibit
99.1		Press Release dated January 7, 2005 announcing updated earnings guidance for 2004 and 2005.