Centene Corporation Reports 2018 First Quarter Results And Adjusts 2018 Guidance

2018 First Quarter Diluted EPS of $1.91; Adjusted Diluted EPS of $2.17

ST. LOUIS, April 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018, reporting diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.91, and Adjusted Diluted EPS of $2.17.

In summary, the 2018 first quarter results were as follows:

    Total revenues (in millions)                 $13,194

    Health benefits ratio               84.3%

    SG&A expense ratio                  10.5%

    GAAP diluted EPS                               $1.91

    Adjusted Diluted EPS (1)                       $2.17

    Total cash flow provided by
     operations (in millions)                     $1,846
    ---------------------------                   ------

         (1) A full reconciliation of
     Adjusted Diluted EPS is shown on
            page six of this release.

Michael F. Neidorff, Centene's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Our strong first quarter results set the stage for Centene to maintain positive operating and financial momentum throughout 2018."

First Quarter Highlights

  • March 31, 2018 managed care membership of 12.8 million, an increase of 684,000 members, or 6% over March 31, 2017.
  • Total revenues for the first quarter of 2018 of $13.2 billion, representing 13% growth, compared to the first quarter of 2017.
  • Health benefits ratio (HBR) of 84.3% for the first quarter of 2018, compared to 87.6% in the first quarter of 2017.
  • Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense ratio of 10.5% for the first quarter of 2018, compared to 9.8% for the first quarter of 2017.
  • Adjusted SG&A expense ratio of 10.3% for the first quarter of 2018, compared to 9.3% for the first quarter of 2017.
  • Operating cash flow of $1.8 billion for the first quarter of 2018, representing 5.5x net earnings.
  • Diluted EPS for the first quarter of 2018 of $1.91, compared to $0.79 for the first quarter of 2017.
  • Adjusted Diluted EPS for the first quarter of 2018 of $2.17, compared to $1.12 for the first quarter of 2017. Adjusted Diluted EPS for the first quarter of 2018 was higher than our previous expectations by approximately $0.12 per diluted share due to the delay in the financing for the acquisition of New York State Catholic Health Plan, Inc. d/b/a Fidelis Care New York (Fidelis Care) (Proposed Fidelis Acquisition).

Other Events

  • In April 2018, we received regulatory approvals from the New York Department of Health and the New York Department of Financial Services for the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition. The Proposed Fidelis Acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval from the New York Attorney General and certain closing conditions.
  • In April 2018, we completed the acquisition of MHM Services, Inc. (MHM), a national provider of healthcare and staffing services to correctional systems and other government agencies. Under the terms of the agreement, Centene also acquired the remaining 49% ownership of Centurion, the correctional healthcare services joint venture between Centene and MHM.
  • In March 2018, we acquired an additional 61% ownership in Interpreta Holdings, Inc. (Interpreta), a clinical and genomics data analytics business, bringing our total ownership to 80%.
  • In March 2018, we completed the acquisition of Community Medical Holdings Corp., d/b/a Community Medical Group (CMG), an at-risk primary care provider serving approximately 70,000 Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Health Insurance Marketplace patients in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
  • In March 2018, we made a 25% equity method investment in RxAdvance, a full-service pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), and expect to use its platform to improve health outcomes and reduce avoidable drug-impacted medical and administrative costs. This partnership includes both a customer relationship and a strategic investment in RxAdvance. As part of the initial transaction, Centene has certain rights to expand its equity investment in the future.
  • In March 2018, our Arizona subsidiary, Health Net Access, was selected to provide physical and behavioral healthcare services through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Complete Care program in the Central region and the Southern region. Pending regulatory approval and successful completion of readiness review, the three-year agreement, with the possibility of two two-year extensions, is expected to commence on October 1, 2018.

Membership

The following table sets forth our membership by line of business:

                                         March 31,

                                      2018         2017
                                      ----         ----

    Medicaid:

    TANF, CHIP & Foster Care     5,776,600               5,714,100

    ABD & LTSS                     866,000                 825,600

    Behavioral Health              454,500                 466,900
                                   -------                 -------

       Total Medicaid            7,097,100               7,006,600

    Commercial                   2,161,200               1,864,700

    Medicare & MMP (1)             343,400                 328,100

    Correctional                   157,300                 141,900
                                   -------                 -------

       Total at-risk membership  9,759,000               9,341,300

    TRICARE eligibles            2,851,500               2,804,100

    Non-risk membership            218,900                       -
                                   -------                     ---

       Total                    12,829,400              12,145,400
                                ==========              ==========

    (1) Membership includes Medicare
     Advantage, Medicare Supplement,
     Special Needs Plans, and
     Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMP).

The following table sets forth additional membership statistics, which are included in the membership information above:

                                          March 31,

                                      2018          2017
                                      ----          ----

    Dual-eligible (2)              438,200                 458,700

    Health Insurance Marketplace 1,603,800               1,188,700

    Medicaid Expansion           1,057,400               1,091,300

       (2) Membership includes dual-
       eligible ABD & LTSS and dual-
     eligible Medicare membership in
                    the table above.

Statement of Operations: Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

  • For the first quarter of 2018, total revenues increased 13% to $13.2 billion, from $11.7 billion in the comparable period in 2017. The increase over prior year was due to growth in the Health Insurance Marketplace business in 2018, expansions and new programs in many of our states in 2017 and 2018, and the reinstatement of the health insurer fee in 2018. These increases were partially offset by lower revenues in California, which is a result of the removal of the in-home support services (IHSS) program from its Medicaid contract.
  • Sequentially, total revenues increased 3% over the fourth quarter of 2017 mainly due to growth in the Health Insurance Marketplace business and the reinstatement of the health insurer fee. These increases were partially offset by approximately $700 million of revenue received in the fourth quarter of 2017 associated with pass through payments from the State of California, which were recorded in premium tax revenue and premium tax expense.
  • HBR of 84.3% for the first quarter of 2018 represents a decrease from 87.6% in the comparable period in 2017. The year-over-year decrease was primarily a result of membership growth in the Health Insurance Marketplace business, lower medical costs in our Medicaid business, and the reinstatement of the health insurer fee in 2018. These decreases were partially offset by new or expanded health plans, which initially operate at a higher HBR, and increased flu-related costs.
  • HBR decreased sequentially from 87.3% in the fourth quarter of 2017. The decrease was primarily attributable to performance and seasonality in the Health Insurance Marketplace business and the reinstatement of the health insurer fee in 2018. These HBR improvements were partially offset by the increase in flu-related costs over the fourth quarter of 2017.
  • The SG&A expense ratio was 10.5% for the first quarter of 2018, compared to 9.8% for the first quarter of 2017. The year-over-year increase was primarily a result of growth in the Health Insurance Marketplace business, as well as increased acquisition related expenses over the first quarter of 2017. These increases were partially offset by the impact of Penn Treaty assessment expense recognized in the first quarter of 2017.
  • Sequentially, the SG&A expense ratio decreased from 10.9% in the fourth quarter of 2017, primarily due to increased selling costs associated with open enrollment in the fourth quarter of 2017 and the $40 million contribution to our charitable foundation in the fourth quarter of 2017. These decreases were partially offset by increased acquisition related expenses over the fourth quarter of 2017 and increased variable compensation expenses related to earnings performance in the first quarter of 2018.
  • The Adjusted SG&A expense ratio was 10.3% for the first quarter of 2018, compared to 9.3% for the first quarter of 2017. The year-over-year increase is primarily a result of growth in the Health Insurance Marketplace business, which operates at a higher SG&A expense ratio.
  • Sequentially, the Adjusted SG&A expense ratio decreased from 10.5% in the fourth quarter of 2017, primarily due to increased selling costs associated with open enrollment in the fourth quarter of 2017, partially offset by increased variable compensation expenses related to earnings performance in the first quarter of 2018.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

At March 31, 2018, the Company had cash, investments and restricted deposits of $11.9 billion, including $452 million held by unregulated entities. Medical claims liabilities totaled $4.8 billion. The Company's days in claims payable was 43, which is an increase of two days over the fourth quarter of 2017 due to growth in the Health Insurance Marketplace business, growth in new markets, and the timing of claims payments. Total debt was $5.2 billion, which includes $675 million of borrowings on the $1.5 billion revolving credit facility at quarter-end. The debt to capitalization ratio was 40.3% at March 31, 2018, excluding the $60 million non-recourse mortgage note.

Cash flow provided by operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was $1.8 billion due to net earnings, an increase in medical claims liabilities, primarily resulting from growth in the Health Insurance Marketplace business, and an increase in other long-term liabilities, driven by the recognition of risk adjustment payable for Health Insurance Marketplace in 2018. Cash provided by operations was also driven by increases in unearned revenue, due to the receipt of several April capitation payments received in March.

Outlook

The Company's annual guidance for 2018 has been updated for the following items:

  • An increase to GAAP diluted EPS and Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.05 associated with the performance of the business in the first quarter of 2018;
  • A change in the timing of the anticipated closing of the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition from April 1, 2018 to July 1, 2018, as well as a change in the assumed timing of the equity and debt financing from March 1, 2018 to May 1, 2018. The ultimate timing of the financings will depend on market conditions;
  • The impact of undertakings that Centene is expected to enter into as part of the regulatory approval process for the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition with the New York State Department of Health. It is expected that one of the undertakings, among others, will include a $340 million contribution by Centene to the State of New York to be paid over a five-year period for initiatives consistent with our mission of providing high quality healthcare to vulnerable populations within New York State. Upon the closing of the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition, the present value of the $340 million contribution to the State of New York, estimated to be approximately $325 million, will be expensed in SG&A; and
  • The net effect of the acquisitions of CMG, MHM, and Interpreta and the investment in RxAdvance.

A rollforward of certain captions of the Company's current 2018 guidance from its previous guidance is as follows (Total Revenues in billions, per share data in dollars):

                             Total Revenues              GAAP diluted EPS               Adjusted Diluted EPS
                             --------------              ----------------               --------------------

    Previous Guidance Range                $60.6 - $61.4                  $5.91 - $6.25                      $6.95 - $7.35

    Q1 Performance                                     -                           0.05                                0.05

    Timing of Fidelis Care
     Financing & Acquisition  (2.7) - (2.9)                                      (0.21)                             (0.25)

    Undertakings for the
     Proposed Fidelis
     Acquisition                                       -                         (1.26)                                  -

    Recent Acquisitions and
     Investments                0.3 - 0.5                                        (0.13)                                  -
                                ---------                                         -----                                 ---

    Revised Guidance Range                 $58.2 - $59.0                  $4.36 - $4.70                      $6.75 - $7.15
                                           =============                  =============                      =============

The Company's full updated annual guidance for 2018 is as follows:

                                          Full Year 2018

                                    Low                  High
                                    ---                  ----

    Total revenues (in billions)              $58.2                  $59.0

    GAAP diluted EPS                          $4.36                  $4.70

    Adjusted Diluted EPS (1)                  $6.75                  $7.15

    HBR                              85.9%                    86.4%

    SG&A expense ratio               10.2%                    10.7%

    Adjusted SG&A expense ratio (2)   9.4%                     9.9%

    Effective tax rate               34.0%                    36.0%

    Diluted shares outstanding (in
     millions)                       196.5                     197.5

    (1)              Adjusted Diluted EPS excludes
                     amortization of acquired
                     intangible assets of $0.81 to
                     $0.83 per diluted share and
                     acquisition related expenses
                     of $1.58 to $1.62 per diluted
                     share.


    (2)              Adjusted SG&A expense ratio
                     excludes acquisition related
                     expenses of $415 million to
                     $420 million.

Conference Call

As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at approximately 8:30 AM (Eastern Time) to review the financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018. Michael Neidorff and Jeffrey Schwaneke will host the conference call.

Investors and other interested parties are invited to listen to the conference call by dialing 1-877-883-0383 in the U.S. and Canada; +1-412-902-6506 from abroad, including the following Elite Entry Number: 1778901 to expedite caller registration; or via a live, audio webcast on the Company's website at www.centene.com, under the Investors section.

A webcast replay will be available for on-demand listening shortly after the completion of the call for the next twelve months or until 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at the aforementioned URL. In addition, a digital audio playback will be available until 9:00 AM (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, by dialing 1-877-344-7529 in the U.S. and Canada, or +1-412-317-0088 from abroad, and entering access code 10118311.

Non-GAAP Financial Presentation

The Company is providing certain non-GAAP financial measures in this release as the Company believes that these figures are helpful in allowing investors to more accurately assess the ongoing nature of the Company's operations and measure the Company's performance more consistently across periods. The Company uses the presented non-GAAP financial measures internally to allow management to focus on period-to-period changes in the Company's core business operations. Therefore, the Company believes that this information is meaningful in addition to the information contained in the GAAP presentation of financial information. The presentation of this additional non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

Specifically, the Company believes the presentation of non-GAAP financial information that excludes amortization of acquired intangible assets, acquisition related expenses, as well as other items, allows investors to develop a more meaningful understanding of the Company's performance over time. The tables below provide reconciliations of non-GAAP items ($ in millions, except per share data):

                                        Three Months Ended
                                            March 31,

                                       2018                2017
                                       ----                ----

    GAAP net earnings                           $340                   $139

    Amortization of acquired
     intangible assets                   39                         40

    Acquisition related expenses         21                          5

    Penn Treaty assessment expense
     (1)                                 -                        47

    Income tax effects of adjustments
     (2)                              (14)                      (34)

       Adjusted net earnings                    $386                   $197
                                                ====                   ====
    (1)              Additional expense for the
                     Company's estimated share of
                     guaranty association
                     assessment resulting from the
                     liquidation of the Penn Treaty
                     for the three months ended
                     March 31, 2017.


    (2)              The income tax effects of
                     adjustments are based on the
                     effective income tax rates
                     applicable to adjusted (non-
                     GAAP) results.

 

                         Three Months Ended           Annual Guidance
                              March 31,
                                                        December 31,
                                                                         2018
                                                                         ----

                         2018               2017
                         ----               ----

    GAAP diluted EPS             $1.91                   $0.79                   $4.36 - $4.70

    Amortization of
     acquired
     intangible assets
     (1)                0.17                     0.14              $0.81 - $0.83

    Acquisition
     related expenses
     (2)                0.09                     0.02              $1.58 - $1.62

    Penn Treaty
     assessment
     expense (3)            -                    0.17                          -
                          ---                    ----                        ---

       Adjusted Diluted
        EPS                      $2.17                   $1.12                   $6.75 - $7.15
                                 =====                   =====                   =============
    (1)              The amortization of acquired
                     intangible assets per diluted
                     share presented above is net of
                     an income tax benefit of $0.05
                     and $0.09 for the three months
                     ended March 31, 2018 and 2017,
                     respectively, and an estimated
                     $0.24 to $0.25 for the year
                     ended December 31, 2018.


    (2)              The acquisition related expenses
                     per diluted share presented
                     above are net of an income tax
                     benefit of $0.03 and $0.01 for
                     the three months ended March
                     31, 2018 and 2017,
                     respectively, and an estimated
                     $0.51 to $0.52 for the year
                     ended December 31, 2018.


    (3)              The Penn Treaty assessment
                     expense per diluted share
                     presented above is net of an
                     income tax benefit of $0.09 for
                     the three months ended March
                     31, 2017.

 

                   Three Months Ended           Three Months
                       March 31,                    Ended
                                                December 31,

                  2018                2017                2017
                  ----                ----                ----

    GAAP
     SG&A
     expenses             $1,316                               $1,091       $1,260

     Acquisition
     related
     expenses       21                        5                           7

    Penn
     Treaty
     assessment
     expense         -                      47                           -

     Charitable
     contribution    -                       -                         40
                   ---                     ---                        ---

     Adjusted
     SG&A
     expenses             $1,295                               $1,039       $1,213
                          ======                               ======       ======

About Centene Corporation

Centene Corporation, a Fortune 100 company, is a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise that provides a portfolio of services to government sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Many receive benefits provided under Medicaid, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), as well as Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), Foster Care and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), in addition to other state-sponsored programs, Medicare (including the Medicare prescription drug benefit commonly known as "Part D"), dual eligible programs and programs with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Centene also provides healthcare services to groups and individuals delivered through commercial health plans. Centene operates local health plans and offers a range of health insurance solutions. It also contracts with other healthcare and commercial organizations to provide specialty services including behavioral health management, care management software, correctional healthcare services, dental benefits management, commercial programs, home-based primary care services, life and health management, vision benefits management, pharmacy benefits management, specialty pharmacy and telehealth services.

Centene uses its investor relations website to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Centene is routinely posted and is accessible on Centene's investor relations website, http://www.centene.com/investors.

Forward-Looking Statements

The company and its representatives may from time to time make written and oral forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act ("PSLRA") of 1995, including statements in this and other press releases, in presentations, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), reports to stockholders and in meetings with investors and analysts. In particular, the information provided in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Centene and certain plans and objectives of Centene with respect thereto, including but not limited to the expected benefits of the acquisition (Health Net Acquisition) of Health Net, Inc. (Health Net) and the proposed acquisition of New York State Catholic Health Plan, Inc., d/b/a Fidelis Care New York (Fidelis Care) (Proposed Fidelis Acquisition or Fidelis Care Transaction). These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Without limiting the foregoing, forward-looking statements often use words such as "anticipate", "seek", "target", "expect", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "goal", "believe", "hope", "aim", "continue", "will", "may", "can", "would", "could" or "should" or other words of similar meaning or the negative thereof. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in PSLRA. A number of factors, variables or events could cause actual plans and results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, Centene's ability to accurately predict and effectively manage health benefits and other operating expenses and reserves; competition; membership and revenue declines or unexpected trends; changes in healthcare practices, new technologies and advances in medicine; increased healthcare costs; changes in economic, political or market conditions; changes in federal or state laws or regulations, including changes with respect to income tax reform or government healthcare programs as well as changes with respect to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act and any regulations enacted thereunder that may result from changing political conditions; rate cuts or other payment reductions or delays by governmental payors and other risks and uncertainties affecting Centene's government businesses; Centene's ability to adequately price products on federally facilitated and state based Health Insurance Marketplaces; tax matters; disasters or major epidemics; the outcome of legal and regulatory proceedings; changes in expected contract start dates; provider, state, federal and other contract changes and timing of regulatory approval of contracts; the expiration, suspension or termination of Centene or Fidelis Care's contracts with federal or state governments (including but not limited to Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE or other customers); the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of pending or future litigation or government investigations; challenges to Centene or Fidelis Care's contract awards; cyber-attacks or other privacy or data security incidents; the possibility that the expected synergies and value creation from acquired businesses, including, without limitation, the Health Net Acquisition and the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition, will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period, including, but not limited to, as a result of any failure to obtain any regulatory, governmental or third party consents or approvals in connection with the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition (including any such approvals under the New York Non-For-Profit Corporation Law) or any conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions imposed in connection with the receipt of such consents or approvals; the exertion of management's time and Centene's resources, and other expenses incurred and business changes required in connection with complying with the undertakings in connection with any regulatory, governmental or third party consents or approvals for the Health Net Acquisition or the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition; disruption caused by significant completed and pending acquisitions, including the Health Net Acquisition and the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition, making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; the risk that unexpected costs will be incurred in connection with the completion and/or integration of acquisition transactions, including among others, the Health Net Acquisition and the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition; changes in expected closing dates, estimated purchase price and accretion for acquisitions; the risk that acquired businesses and pending acquisitions, including Health Net and Fidelis Care, will not be integrated successfully; the risk that the conditions to the completion of the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition may not be satisfied or completed on a timely basis, or at all; failure to obtain or receive any required regulatory approvals, consents or clearances for the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition, and the risk that, even if so obtained or received, regulatory authorities impose conditions on the completion of the transaction that could require the exertion of management's time and Centene's resources, or otherwise have an adverse effect on Centene or the completion of the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition; business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition is pending, which could adversely affect Centene's business and operations; change of control provisions or other provisions in certain agreements to which Fidelis Care is a party, which may be triggered by the completion of the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition; loss of management personnel and other key employees due to uncertainties associated with the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition; the risk that, following completion of the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition, the combined company may not be able to effectively manage its expanded operations; restrictions and limitations that may stem from the financing arrangements that the combined company will enter into in connection with the Proposed Fidelis Acquisition; Centene's ability to achieve improvement in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Star ratings and maintain or achieve improvement in other quality scores in each case that can impact revenue and future growth; availability of debt and equity financing, on terms that are favorable to Centene; inflation; foreign currency fluctuations; and risks and uncertainties discussed in the reports that Centene has filed with the SEC. These forward-looking statements reflect Centene's current views with respect to future events and are based on numerous assumptions and assessments made by Centene in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, business strategies, operating environments, future developments and other factors it believes appropriate. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are subject to change because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. The factors described in the context of such forward-looking statements in this press release could cause Centene's plans with respect to the Health Net Acquisition, actual results, performance or achievements, industry results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although it is currently believed that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct and persons reading this press release are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date of this press release. Centene does not assume any obligation to update the information contained in this press release (whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise), except as required by applicable law. This list of important factors is not intended to be exhaustive. We discuss certain of these matters more fully, as well as certain other risk factors that may affect Centene's business operations, financial condition and results of operations, in Centene's filings with the SEC, including the annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

[Tables Follow]

                                                       CENTENE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                                            CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                      (In millions, except shares in thousands and per share data in dollars)


                                                                          March 31, 2018                 December 31, 2017
                                                                          --------------                 -----------------

                                                                            (Unaudited)

    ASSETS

    Current assets:

    Cash and cash equivalents                                                                $5,668                           $4,072

    Premium and trade receivables                                                  3,648                               3,413

    Short-term investments                                                           507                                 531

    Other current assets                                                           1,153                                 687
                                                                                   -----                                 ---

    Total current assets                                                          10,976                               8,703

    Long-term investments                                                          5,535                               5,312

    Restricted deposits                                                              140                                 135

    Property, software and equipment, net                                          1,250                               1,104

    Goodwill                                                                       5,295                               4,749

    Intangible assets, net                                                         1,519                               1,398

    Other long-term assets                                                           455                                 454
                                                                                     ---                                 ---

    Total assets                                                                            $25,170                          $21,855
                                                                                            =======                          =======


    LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND STOCKHOLDERS'
     EQUITY

    Current liabilities:

    Medical claims liability                                                                 $4,771                           $4,286

    Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                          4,962                               4,165

    Return of premium payable                                                        515                                 549

    Unearned revenue                                                                 638                                 328

    Current portion of long-term debt                                                  4                                   4
                                                                                     ---                                 ---

    Total current liabilities                                                     10,890                               9,332

    Long-term debt                                                                 5,172                               4,695

    Other long-term liabilities                                                    1,520                                 952
                                                                                   -----                                 ---

    Total liabilities                                                             17,582                              14,979

    Commitments and contingencies

    Redeemable noncontrolling interests                                                8                                  12

    Stockholders' equity:

    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; authorized
     10,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding at
     March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017                                              -                                  -

    Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 400,000
     shares; 180,643 issued and 176,795 outstanding at
     March 31, 2018, and 180,379 issued and 173,437
     outstanding at December 31, 2017                                                  -                                  -

    Additional paid-in capital                                                     4,592                               4,349

    Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)                                          (54)                                (3)

    Retained earnings                                                              3,104                               2,748

    Treasury stock, at cost (3,848 and 6,942 shares,
     respectively)                                                                 (139)                              (244)
                                                                                    ----                                ----

       Total Centene stockholders' equity                                          7,503                               6,850

    Noncontrolling interest                                                           77                                  14
                                                                                     ---                                 ---

    Total stockholders' equity                                                     7,580                               6,864
                                                                                   -----                               -----

    Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling
     interests and stockholders' equity                                                     $25,170                          $21,855
                                                                                            =======                          =======

 

                                          CENTENE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                     (In millions, except per share data in dollars)

                                                       (Unaudited)


                                                       Three Months Ended March 31,

                                                          2018                    2017
                                                          ----                    ----

    Revenues:

    Premium                                                       $11,903                     $10,638

    Service                                                653                            527
                                                           ---                            ---

    Premium and
     service
     revenues                                           12,556                         11,165

    Premium tax and
     health insurer
     fee                                                   638                            559
                                                           ---                            ---

    Total revenues                                      13,194                         11,724
                                                        ------                         ------

    Expenses:

    Medical costs                                       10,039                          9,322

    Cost of services                                       543                            441

    Selling, general
     and
     administrative
     expenses                                            1,316                          1,091

    Amortization of
     acquired
     intangible
     assets                                                 39                             40

    Premium tax
     expense                                               546                            590

    Health insurer
     fee expense                                           171                              -
                                                           ---                            ---

    Total operating
     expenses                                           12,654                         11,484
                                                        ------                         ------

    Earnings from
     operations                                            540                            240

    Other income (expense):

    Investment and
     other income                                           41                             41

    Interest expense                                      (68)                          (62)
                                                           ---                            ---

    Earnings from
     operations,
     before income
     tax expense                                           513                            219

    Income tax
     expense                                               175                             87
                                                           ---                            ---

    Net earnings                                           338                            132

    Loss
     attributable to
     noncontrolling
     interests                                               2                              7
                                                           ---                            ---

    Net earnings
     attributable to
     Centene
     Corporation                                                     $340                        $139
                                                                     ====                        ====


    Net earnings per common share attributable to Centene Corporation:

    Basic earnings
     per common
     share                                                          $1.95                       $0.81

    Diluted earnings
     per common
     share                                                          $1.91                       $0.79

 

                                           CENTENE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                                       (In millions)

                                                        (Unaudited)


                                                          Three Months Ended March 31,

                                                              2018                   2017
                                                              ----                   ----

    Cash flows from operating
     activities:

    Net earnings                                                        $338                         $132

    Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities

    Depreciation and
     amortization                                              104                            86

    Stock
     compensation
     expense                                                    33                            32

    Deferred income
     taxes                                                      30                          (51)

    Changes in assets and
     liabilities

    Premium and
     trade
     receivables                                             (176)                           59

    Other assets                                                51                            89

    Medical claims
     liabilities                                               485                           358

    Unearned revenue                                           317                           320

    Accounts payable
     and accrued
     expenses                                                  157                         (237)

    Other long-term
     liabilities                                               477                           459

    Other operating
     activities, net                                            30                             1
                                                               ---                           ---

    Net cash
     provided by
     operating
     activities                                              1,846                         1,248
                                                             -----                         -----

    Cash flows from investing
     activities:

    Capital
     expenditures                                            (218)                         (83)

    Purchases of
     investments                                             (765)                        (582)

    Sales and
     maturities of
     investments                                               445                           343

    Acquisitions,
     net of cash
     acquired                                                (226)                            -

    Other investing
     activities, net                                             -                          (1)

    Net cash used in
     investing
     activities                                              (764)                        (323)
                                                              ----                          ----

    Cash flows from financing
     activities:

    Proceeds from
     long-term debt                                          2,015                           560

    Payments of
     long-term debt                                        (1,491)                        (560)

    Common stock
     repurchases                                               (9)                         (13)

    Other financing
     activities, net                                           (2)                            3

    Net cash
     provided by
     (used in)
     financing
     activities                                                513                          (10)
                                                               ---                           ---

    Net increase in
     cash, cash
     equivalents and
     restricted cash                                         1,595                           915
                                                             -----                           ---

    Cash, cash
     equivalents,
     and restricted
     cash and cash
     equivalents,
     beginning of
     period                                                  4,089                         3,936
                                                             -----                         -----

    Cash, cash
     equivalents,
     and restricted
     cash and cash
     equivalents,
     end of period                                                    $5,684                       $4,851
                                                                      ======                       ======

    Supplemental disclosures of
     cash flow information:

    Interest paid                                                        $73                          $72

    Income taxes
     paid                                                                 $1                           $2

    Equity issued in
     connection with
     acquisitions                                                       $324                     $      -

 

                                                                                        CENTENE CORPORATION

                                                                       SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS


                                                             Q1                    Q4                      Q3                   Q2        Q1

                                                               2018                 2017                     2017                    2017    2017
                                                               ----                 ----                     ----                    ----    ----

    MANAGED CARE MEMBERSHIP BY STATE

    Arizona                                                 639,800                            640,500                           659,500             669,500    684,300

    Arkansas                                                 92,300                             85,700                            89,900              91,900     98,100

    California                                            2,903,600                          2,877,800                         2,928,600           2,925,800  2,980,100

    Florida                                               1,090,600                            848,800                           852,600             871,100    872,000

    Georgia                                                 581,500                            483,600                           476,400             540,400    568,300

    Illinois                                                238,400                            239,500                           251,000             254,600    253,800

    Indiana                                                 317,400                            304,500                           322,900             340,000    335,800

    Kansas                                                  151,500                            129,100                           127,300             130,000    133,100

    Louisiana                                               485,900                            485,500                           483,300             484,600    484,100

    Massachusetts                                             8,900                             43,000                            48,300              54,100     44,200

    Michigan                                                  2,800                              2,500                             2,400               2,300      2,100

    Minnesota                                                 9,400                              9,400                             9,500               9,500      9,500

    Mississippi                                             347,600                            329,900                           335,600             343,600    349,500

    Missouri                                                329,900                            269,400                           272,100             278,300    106,100

    Nebraska                                                 81,500                             79,700                            79,200              78,800     79,200

    Nevada                                                   74,600                             34,900                            16,800                   -         -

    New Hampshire                                            82,900                             74,800                            76,400              77,100     77,800

    New Mexico                                                7,200                              7,100                             7,100               7,100      7,100

    Ohio                                                    352,800                            332,700                           336,500             332,700    328,900

    Oregon                                                  199,300                            205,200                           209,700             213,600    211,900

    Pennsylvania                                             22,400                                  -                                -                  -         -

    South Carolina                                          119,300                            117,800                           118,600             121,000    121,900

    Tennessee                                                22,000                             22,200                            22,100              22,200     21,900

    Texas                                                 1,260,100                          1,233,500                         1,236,700           1,226,800  1,243,900

    Vermont                                                   1,600                              1,600                             1,600               1,600      1,600

    Washington                                              260,800                            237,800                           239,600             248,500    254,400

    Wisconsin                                                74,900                             70,200                            70,200              70,800     71,700
                                                             ------                             ------                            ------              ------     ------

    Total at-risk membership                              9,759,000                          9,166,700                         9,273,900           9,395,900  9,341,300

    TRICARE eligibles                                     2,851,500                          2,824,100                         2,823,200           2,823,200  2,804,100

    Non-risk membership                                     218,900                            216,300                           213,900                   -         -
                                                            -------                            -------                           -------                 ---       ---

    Total                                                12,829,400                         12,207,100                        12,311,000          12,219,100 12,145,400
                                                         ==========                         ==========                        ==========          ========== ==========


    Medicaid:

       TANF, CHIP & Foster Care                           5,776,600                          5,807,300                         5,809,400           5,854,400  5,714,100

       ABD & LTSS                                           866,000                            846,200                           850,300             843,500    825,600

       Behavioral Health                                    454,500                            463,700                           467,400             466,500    466,900
                                                            -------                            -------                           -------             -------    -------

       Total Medicaid                                     7,097,100                          7,117,200                         7,127,100           7,164,400  7,006,600

    Commercial                                            2,161,200                          1,558,300                         1,657,800           1,743,600  1,864,700

    Medicare & MMP (1)                                      343,400                            333,700                           331,000             327,500    328,100

    Correctional                                            157,300                            157,500                           158,000             160,400    141,900
                                                            -------                            -------                           -------             -------    -------

       Total at-risk membership                           9,759,000                          9,166,700                         9,273,900           9,395,900  9,341,300

    TRICARE eligibles                                     2,851,500                          2,824,100                         2,823,200           2,823,200  2,804,100

    Non-risk membership                                     218,900                            216,300                           213,900                   -         -
                                                            -------                            -------                           -------                 ---       ---

       Total                                             12,829,400                         12,207,100                        12,311,000          12,219,100 12,145,400
                                                         ==========                         ==========                        ==========          ========== ==========


    (1) Membership includes Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Special Needs Plans, and MMP.

 

                                                         Q1                     Q4                     Q3                     Q2                     Q1

                                                          2018                     2017                   2017                     2017                   2017
                                                          ----                     ----                   ----                     ----                   ----


    NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES                                 34,800                             33,700                               32,400                           31,500       30,900


    DAYS IN CLAIMS PAYABLE (a)                              43                                 41                                   42                               40           41

    (a) Days in claims payable is a calculation of medical claims liabilities at the end of the period divided by average claims expense per calendar day for such period.


    CASH, INVESTMENTS AND RESTRICTED DEPOSITS (in millions)

    Regulated                                                     $11,398                                         $9,740                                        $9,633               $9,673 $10,034

    Unregulated                                            452                                310                                  308                              291          306
                                                           ---                                ---                                  ---                              ---          ---

       Total                                                      $11,850                                        $10,050                                        $9,941               $9,964 $10,340
                                                                  =======                                        =======                                        ======               ====== =======


    DEBT TO CAPITALIZATION                               40.6%                             40.6%                               41.5%                           42.5%       43.3%

    DEBT TO CAPITALIZATION
     EXCLUDING NON-RECOURSE DEBT
     (b)                                                 40.3%                             40.3%                               41.2%                           42.1%       43.0%

    (b) The non-recourse debt represents the Company's mortgage note payable ($60 million at March 31, 2018).

    Debt to capitalization is calculated as follows: total debt divided by (total debt + total equity).

OPERATING RATIOS

                          Three Months Ended March 31,

                                                   2018       2017
                                                   ----       ----

    HBR                                           84.3% 87.6%

    SG&A expense ratio                            10.5%  9.8%

    Adjusted SG&A expense
     ratio                                        10.3%  9.3%

MEDICAL CLAIMS LIABILITY

The changes in medical claims liability are summarized as follows (in millions):

    Balance, March 31, 2017                                        $4,290

    Reinsurance recoverable                                           8
                                                                    ---

    Balance, March 31, 2017, net                                  4,282

    Incurred related to:

       Current period                                            38,956

       Prior period                                                (388)
                                                                   ----

       Total incurred                                            38,568
                                                                 ------

    Paid related to:

       Current period                                            34,446

       Prior period                                               3,646

       Total paid                                                38,092
                                                                 ------

    Balance, March 31, 2018, net                                  4,758

    Plus: Reinsurance recoverable                                    13
                                                                    ---

    Balance, March 31, 2018                                        $4,771
                                                                   ======

Centene's claims reserving process utilizes a consistent actuarial methodology to estimate Centene's ultimate liability. Any reduction in the "Incurred related to: Prior period" amount may be offset as Centene actuarially determines "Incurred related to: Current period." As such, only in the absence of a consistent reserving methodology would favorable development of prior period claims liability estimates reduce medical costs. Centene believes it has consistently applied its claims reserving methodology. Additionally, approximately $6 million was recorded as a reduction to premium revenues resulting from development within "Incurred related to: Prior period" due to minimum HBR and other return of premium programs.

The amount of the "Incurred related to: Prior period" above represents favorable development and includes the effects of reserving under moderately adverse conditions, new markets where we use a conservative approach in setting reserves during the initial periods of operations, receipts from other third party payors related to coordination of benefits and lower medical utilization and cost trends for dates of service March 31, 2017, and prior.

 

 

CONTACT: Investor Relations Inquiries: Edmund E. Kroll, Jr.; Senior Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations; (212) 759-0382 OR Media Inquiries; Marcela Manjarrez-Hawn; Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer; (314) 445-0790

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/centene-corporation-reports-2018-first-quarter-results-and-adjusts-2018-guidance-300635033.html

SOURCE Centene Corporation

     
 
Company Codes: NYSE:CNC
 
MORE ON THIS TOPIC