10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2023

CENTENE CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2023

Filed October 24, 2023For Securities:CNC

Summary

Centene Corporation's (CNC) third-quarter 2023 filing indicates a period of revenue growth driven primarily by its Commercial Marketplace business and stable Medicaid operations, partially offset by ongoing divestitures. Total revenues reached $38.0 billion, a 6% increase year-over-year, with Premium and Service revenues growing 4% to $35.0 billion. The Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) improved to 87.0% from 88.3% in the prior year's quarter, signaling better cost management. However, the Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expense ratio slightly increased to 8.7% from 8.4%, influenced by the higher-cost Commercial segment. Net earnings attributable to Centene Corporation saw a notable decrease to $469 million ($0.87 diluted EPS) from $738 million ($1.27 diluted EPS) in the prior year's quarter, largely due to significant impairment charges totaling $440 million, including a $251 million charge related to the pending divestiture of Circle Health and a $142 million charge for the Operose Health business. Despite these one-time charges, the company's core operations demonstrate resilience, and its Value Creation Plan, which includes strategic divestitures and cost optimization, is progressing.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$38.04B
Cost of Revenue$856.00M
Gross Profit$4.63B
SG&A Expenses$3.05B
Operating Expenses$37.31B
Operating Income$735.00M
Interest Expense$181.00M
Net Income$469.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.87
EPS (Diluted)$0.87
Shares Outstanding (Basic)539.53M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)541.27M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues grew 6% year-over-year to $38.0 billion, driven by the Commercial Marketplace business, though partially impacted by divestitures.
  • 2Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) improved to 87.0% from 88.3% in Q3 2022, indicating better medical cost management.
  • 3Net earnings attributable to Centene Corporation decreased to $469 million ($0.87 diluted EPS) from $738 million ($1.27 diluted EPS) in Q3 2022.
  • 4Significant impairment charges of $440 million were recorded, primarily related to the pending divestiture of Circle Health ($251 million) and the Operose Health business ($142 million).
  • 5Managed care membership increased by 1.2 million (5%) year-over-year, reaching 28 million, with strong growth in the Commercial Marketplace.
  • 6The company continues to execute its Value Creation Plan, including strategic divestitures and stock repurchases totaling $1.6 billion year-to-date.
  • 7Cash flow from operations remained strong, providing $7.8 billion year-to-date, supporting liquidity and financing activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Centene's revenue growth in Q3 2023 was primarily driven by its Commercial Marketplace business, particularly the Ambetter Health product, which saw significant membership increases due to expanded geographic reach and strong market positioning. Total revenues increased by 6% year-over-year to $38.0 billion.

Centene's net earnings attributable to Centene Corporation decreased from $738 million in Q3 2022 to $469 million in Q3 2023. This reduction was largely due to substantial impairment charges totaling $440 million recorded during the quarter, primarily related to the pending divestiture of its UK-based Circle Health Group and impairments associated with its Operose Health business. Excluding these one-time charges, operational performance showed resilience.

Centene is actively pursuing its Value Creation Plan, which includes strategic divestitures. In 2023, the company completed the divestitures of Magellan Specialty Health, Centurion, and HealthSmart, and has entered into an agreement to sell Circle Health Group, expected to close in early 2024. These divestitures have impacted revenue and operating expenses, particularly reducing 'Cost of Services,' but are part of the strategy to streamline operations and focus on core areas.

Centene demonstrated improved medical cost management as its Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) decreased to 87.0% in Q3 2023 from 88.3% in Q3 2022. This improvement is attributed to the growth in the lower-HBR Commercial Marketplace business and pricing discipline. However, the Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expense ratio saw a slight increase to 8.7% from 8.4%, mainly due to the higher SG&A costs associated with the growing Commercial segment.