10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2014

CENTENE CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2014

Filed October 28, 2014For Securities:CNC

Summary

Centene Corporation (CNC) demonstrated significant year-over-year growth in its third quarter 2014 report, driven by strong membership increases across its managed care segments. Total revenues surged by 55.7% to $4.35 billion for the quarter, and by 49.2% to $11.84 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This growth was fueled by strategic expansions in key states like Florida, Ohio, and Washington, participation in Health Insurance Marketplaces, and the acquisition of U.S. Medical Management. The company's financial performance reflects a robust expansion strategy, with total assets growing significantly to $5.45 billion as of September 30, 2014, up from $3.53 billion at the end of 2013. This asset growth is supported by substantial increases in both current and long-term assets, including significant goodwill resulting from recent acquisitions. Profitability also saw a healthy increase, with net earnings attributable to Centene Corporation rising 67.3% to $82.7 million for the third quarter. The company's strong operating cash flow of $853.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, underscores its ability to fund its aggressive growth initiatives.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$4.35B
Operating Expenses$4.24B
Operating Income$108.00M
Interest Expense$9.00M
Net Income$82.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.35
EPS (Diluted)$0.34
Shares Outstanding (Basic)234.45M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)242.73M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues for the third quarter of 2014 reached $4.35 billion, a 55.7% increase year-over-year, reflecting strong membership growth and strategic expansions.
  • 2Net earnings attributable to Centene Corporation for the third quarter of 2014 were $82.7 million, a substantial 67.3% increase compared to the prior year period.
  • 3Managed care membership grew by 42% year-over-year to 3,705,300 at the end of the third quarter, driven by new contracts and market expansions.
  • 4The company completed strategic acquisitions, including U.S. Medical Management (USMM) and a transaction involving Community Health Solutions of America, Inc. (CHS), which contributed to significant increases in goodwill and total assets.
  • 5Operating cash flow for the first nine months of 2014 was strong at $853.7 million, indicating healthy cash generation to support growth.
  • 6The Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) increased slightly to 89.7% in Q3 2014 from 87.8% in Q3 2013, attributed to a higher acuity membership mix.
  • 7The company received a significant tax benefit of $0.33 per diluted share in Q3 2014 due to revised IRS regulations regarding compensation deduction limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Centene's revenue growth was primarily driven by a substantial increase in its managed care membership, which grew by 42% year-over-year. This expansion was fueled by strategic market entries and expansions in states like Florida, Ohio, and Washington, participation in the Health Insurance Marketplaces, and recent acquisitions such as U.S. Medical Management.

The acquisitions of U.S. Medical Management (USMM) and the transaction involving Community Health Solutions of America (CHS) significantly impacted the balance sheet. Total assets increased from $3.53 billion at the end of 2013 to $5.45 billion at September 30, 2014. This growth included a substantial increase in goodwill, from $348.4 million to $753.1 million, reflecting the strategic expansion through these acquisitions.

The Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) represents medical costs as a percentage of premium revenues. The increase from 87.8% in Q3 2013 to 89.7% in Q3 2014 is attributed to a higher acuity membership mix. While this indicates increased medical spending per member, the overall revenue growth and improved General & Administrative expense ratio helped to offset this pressure, leading to higher net earnings.

Centene recorded a significant income tax benefit of $0.33 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2014. This was due to revised IRS regulations impacting compensation deduction limitations, leading the company to reverse previously recorded tax expenses. This benefit positively impacted net earnings for the quarter.