10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2013

CENTENE CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2013

Filed July 23, 2013For Securities:CNC

Summary

Centene Corporation (CNC) reported a strong rebound in its financial performance for the second quarter and first half of 2013 compared to the prior year. Total revenues grew significantly, driven by a substantial increase in premium and service revenues, up 27.8% for the quarter and 39.0% for the first six months. This growth was fueled by new contract wins and expansions in several states, including Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, and Washington, as well as the strategic acquisition of AcariaHealth, Inc. The company also demonstrated improved operational efficiency, with a notable decrease in its Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) to 88.8% for the quarter, down from 92.9% in the prior year, indicating better management of medical costs relative to premium revenues. While General and Administrative (G&A) expenses saw an increase, the G&A expense ratio remained relatively stable, benefiting from revenue leverage. These factors contributed to a significant turnaround in earnings from operations, shifting from a loss in the prior year to a healthy profit in the current periods.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$2.61B
Operating Expenses$2.54B
Operating Income$68.74M
Interest Expense$7.03M
Net Income$40.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.18
EPS (Diluted)$0.17
Shares Outstanding (Basic)218.12M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)226.41M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 29.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2013, and 40.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2013, compared to the prior year periods.
  • 2The company completed the acquisition of AcariaHealth, Inc. in April 2013 for $146.6 million, financed through a combination of stock and cash.
  • 3At-risk managed care membership grew by 12.5% year-over-year to 2,696,900 members as of June 30, 2013.
  • 4The Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) improved significantly to 88.8% for the second quarter of 2013, compared to 92.9% in the same period of 2012.
  • 5Earnings from operations turned positive, reaching $67.0 million for the second quarter and $107.1 million for the first six months of 2013, a substantial improvement from losses in the prior year.
  • 6The company entered into a new $500 million revolving credit facility in May 2013, enhancing its financial flexibility.
  • 7Net earnings attributable to Centene Corporation were $39.5 million for the second quarter of 2013, a significant improvement from a net loss of $35.0 million in the prior year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Centene's revenue growth was primarily driven by an increase in premium and service revenues, which rose by 27.8% in the second quarter. This growth was attributed to new contract wins and expansions in states like Mississippi, Louisiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Washington, along with the acquisition of AcariaHealth, Inc. and increased membership in Texas.

Centene demonstrated improved medical cost management, as evidenced by a decrease in its Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) to 88.8% in the second quarter of 2013, down from 92.9% in the same period of 2012. This improvement was attributed to better performance in the Texas and individual health businesses and the absence of a premium deficiency reserve charge recorded in the prior year for Kentucky.

The acquisition of AcariaHealth, Inc. in April 2013 contributed to revenue growth, particularly in the Specialty Services segment. It also increased the Cost of Services expense by $71.5 million for the quarter and $73.2 million for the first six months. Transaction costs associated with the acquisition also impacted earnings per share.

The company's financial performance shows a strong recovery and growth trajectory. Management expects continued growth from recent contract wins and a full year benefit from business commenced in 2012. Centene also secured a new, larger revolving credit facility, indicating a positive outlook on its liquidity and financial flexibility to support future operations and capital expenditures.