10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2017

CENTENE CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2017

Filed July 25, 2017For Securities:CNC

Summary

Centene Corporation (CNC) reported strong revenue growth in the second quarter and first half of 2017, driven primarily by the acquisition of Health Net and expansion in various state programs and the Health Insurance Marketplace. Total revenues for the second quarter increased by 10% year-over-year to $12.0 billion, and for the six months ended June 30, 2017, revenues grew by 33% to $23.7 billion. The company experienced significant membership growth, increasing its managed care membership by 7% year-over-year to over 12.2 million members. Net earnings attributable to Centene Corporation also saw substantial increases, with a 49% rise in the second quarter to $254 million ($1.44 diluted EPS) and a 155% increase for the first half to $393 million ($2.23 diluted EPS). While medical costs increased in line with revenue, the health benefits ratio (HBR) remained stable and slightly improved year-over-year. The company also benefited from the moratorium on the Health Insurer Fee for 2017, which positively impacted its income tax expense and effective tax rate. Financially, Centene demonstrated solid operational cash flow generation of $942 million for the first six months of 2017, a significant improvement from the prior year. The company's liquidity position remains strong, with a positive working capital of $682 million as of June 30, 2017. Despite increased debt levels due to the Health Net acquisition, Centene remains compliant with its debt covenants.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$11.95B
Cost of Revenue$456.00M
Gross Profit$11.50B
SG&A Expenses$1.06B
Operating Expenses$11.52B
Operating Income$438.00M
Interest Expense$62.00M
Net Income$254.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.74
EPS (Diluted)$0.72
Shares Outstanding (Basic)344.71M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)352.84M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 10% year-over-year to $12.0 billion in Q2 2017, and by 33% to $23.7 billion for the first six months of 2017, largely driven by the Health Net acquisition and market expansion.
  • 2Managed care membership grew by 7% year-over-year to 12.2 million members as of June 30, 2017.
  • 3Net earnings attributable to Centene Corporation increased by 49% in Q2 2017 to $254 million, resulting in diluted EPS of $1.44, and by 155% for the first six months to $393 million ($2.23 diluted EPS).
  • 4The Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) remained stable at 86.3% for Q2 2017, indicating effective management of medical costs relative to premium revenues.
  • 5Operating cash flow was a strong $942 million for the first six months of 2017, a substantial improvement from -$223 million in the prior year period.
  • 6The company benefited from the Health Insurer Fee moratorium in 2017, which suspended the fee and positively impacted tax expenses.
  • 7Centene is actively expanding its offerings and entering new markets, with plans for Kansas, Missouri, and Nevada in 2018, demonstrating a continued growth strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Centene's substantial revenue growth was primarily driven by the strategic acquisition of Health Net, which closed in March 2016, and by expansions and new programs across its various state contracts. Growth in the Health Insurance Marketplace business and new state initiatives also contributed significantly to the increase in total revenues.

The acquisition of Health Net was a major factor in the significant year-over-year increases in revenues and net earnings for the first six months of 2017. It broadened Centene's service offerings, expanded its geographic reach, and contributed to overall membership growth, although it also led to higher debt levels and integration-related expenses.

Centene acknowledges the ongoing discussions around repealing or amending the ACA. The company states it has the capacity and capability to navigate industry changes and believes it can successfully adapt to potential legislative shifts. However, it also notes the inherent uncertainties and potential risks associated with changes to the ACA and other healthcare regulations.

Centene closely monitors its medical costs to ensure profitability. The Health Benefits Ratio (HBR), which represents medical costs as a percentage of premium revenues, was 86.3% for the second quarter of 2017, compared to 86.6% in the prior year, indicating effective cost management. Growth in the Health Insurance Marketplace business, which operates at a lower HBR, also contributed to this improvement.