Market Environment - Global equities experienced an upward trend during the quarter, with 10 out of 11 GICS sectors showing positive returns. Information technology and financials were the primary contributors, while consumer staples were the only detractor [2] - The U.S. was the main driver of positive market momentum, followed by Japan, while Denmark and Germany slightly detracted from overall performance [2] Portfolio Performance - The portfolio achieved a net return of 1.83% for the reporting period, compared to the MSCI World Index's return of 7.27% [3] Top Contributors - Alibaba Group (BABA) saw significant stock price appreciation due to strong earnings reflecting rapid growth in Chinese AI and healthy revenue growth in its Cloud segment, with expectations for continued momentum [4] - Alphabet (GOOG)(GOOGL) benefited from a favorable ruling in an antitrust case and exceeded second-quarter earnings expectations, with innovations in Google Search driving engagement and revenue [5] - IQVIA Holdings (IQV) experienced stock price appreciation after solid second-quarter results, indicating growth potential in its technology and analytics solutions segment [6] Top Detractors - Charter Communications (CHTR) faced a decline in stock price due to weak second-quarter earnings and a faster-than-expected drop in broadband subscriptions, although ARPU growth accelerated [7] - Centene (CNC) saw its stock price decline after withdrawing and then lowering its 2025 earnings per share guidance due to cost pressures in its Medicaid and Marketplace businesses [8] - CNH Industrial (CNH) reported weak results and reaffirmed guidance amidst challenging conditions, with management expecting a rebound in 2025 and significant margin expansion potential [9] Portfolio Positioning - The company initiated a position in Dassault Systèmes, a French software firm specializing in virtual twin technology, which is expected to drive innovation and cost reduction, despite a nearly 40% decline in share price from its peak [10] Outlook - The company notes a shift in market dynamics, with a decline in U.S. growth/momentum stocks and improved fundamentals in European equities, suggesting a potential for continued investor interest in this region [13]

Core Insights - Centene Corporation reported Q3 results that exceeded expectations, leading to an upward revision of the full-year outlook to at least $2 [2] - The company is making progress in Medicaid Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) sequentially [2] Medicaid Updates - Centene was not awarded the CMS Florida contract, which it had held for the past six years, despite a strong response in the RFP process [3] - The company was unable to agree on terms for the new contract, aligning with its strategy to maintain sustainable margins [3]

Centene Corporation Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) - **Date of Conference**: November 11, 2025 - **Speakers**: Sarah London (CEO), Drew Asher (CFO) Key Points Industry Context - Centene operates primarily in the healthcare services sector, focusing on government-sponsored programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. Financial Performance - Q3 results exceeded expectations, leading to an upward revision of the full-year outlook to at least $2 per share [4][7] - The company reported a revenue stream of approximately $5 billion from the Florida Medicaid contract, which is expected to decrease to between $4.5 billion and $9.3 billion next year due to contract changes [8][9] Medicaid Updates - Centene was not awarded the CMS Florida contract after six years, impacting their revenue but allowing for a focus on sustainable margins [5][8] - The company is prioritizing a seamless transition for affected members and is not planning to protest the contract decision [5] - Medicaid margins are expected to remain consistent next year, contrasting with some peers who anticipate declines [15][36] Medicare and Marketplace Insights - Open enrollment for Medicare is ongoing, with a focus on margin improvement rather than membership growth [49][54] - The company is optimistic about its position in the Medicare Advantage market, aiming for break-even by 2027 [49] - There is an uptick in call volume related to Marketplace inquiries, indicating member confusion over premium changes [20][22] Legislative and Subsidy Discussions - Ongoing discussions in Congress regarding enhanced subsidies could significantly impact members and the overall market [24][25] - Centene has prepared for various scenarios regarding subsidy extensions and has built pricing for 2026 accordingly [26][30] Operational Strategies - The company is focused on improving margins through various levers, including rate negotiations and utilization management [15][17] - Centene is actively engaged with state governments to optimize Medicaid programs and address issues like fraud and waste [41][42] Future Outlook - The company sees potential for growth in Medicaid and is exploring disruptive opportunities in employer-sponsored insurance [59] - Centene aims to maintain a flexible capital structure, targeting a debt-to-capital ratio below 40% to seize future opportunities [58] Behavioral Health and Cost Management - Behavioral health accounts for approximately 20% of Medicaid spending, and states are increasingly focused on managing these costs [42][43] - Centene is working with states to implement effective policy changes to control costs while maintaining care quality [41] Conclusion - Centene is navigating a complex healthcare landscape with a focus on sustainable growth, margin improvement, and proactive engagement with legislative changes and state partnerships [59][60]

Market Performance - U.S. equities experienced a strong rally on November 10, 2025, with major indexes posting significant gains, particularly driven by Big Tech and AI stocks [1][2] - The S&P 500 climbed 1.5% to close at 6,832.43, recovering nearly all losses from the previous week [2] - The Nasdaq Composite surged 2.3% to reach 23,527.17, marking its best day since May, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.8% to settle at 47,368.63 [2] Investor Sentiment - Positive market sentiment was fueled by hopes of an imminent resolution to the 41-day U.S. government shutdown, with procedural steps taken by the Senate [3] - This optimism alleviated concerns over delayed economic data and declining consumer confidence [3] Sector Performance - The AI sector saw a resurgence, with Nvidia rising 5.8%, Palantir Technologies jumping 8.8%, and other semiconductor stocks like Micron Technology and Advanced Micro Devices also performing well [5] - Conversely, the healthcare sector faced declines, with Humana down 5.4%, Elevance Health down 4.4%, and Centene dropping 8.8%, attributed to uncertainty over healthcare tax credits [6] Corporate News - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. reported a nearly 17% year-over-year increase in October revenue, leading to a 3.1% rise in its U.S.-listed shares [7] - Tyson Foods climbed 2.3% after announcing stronger-than-expected profits, while Berkshire Hathaway slipped 0.4% following a warning from CEO Warren Buffett about future growth challenges [7] - Metsera shares fell approximately 15% after agreeing to a $10 billion acquisition by Pfizer [7] Upcoming Events - Investors are monitoring key events, including earnings reports from Cisco Systems and Walt Disney later in the week [9][10] - The University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index for November decreased to 50.3, down from 53.6 in October [11]

Core Insights - President Donald Trump's comments regarding federal health care funding have led to a decline in shares of health insurers, suggesting a potential shift in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) funding structure [1][4]. Group 1: Market Reaction - Centene (CNC), HCA Healthcare (HCA), and Molina Healthcare (MOH) experienced significant stock declines, with Centene down over 8%, Molina nearly 7%, and HCA dropping 5% [5]. - Other health insurers, including United Health Group (UNH) and Cigna Group (CI), also saw their shares fall following Trump's remarks [5]. Group 2: Policy Implications - Trump proposed that federal health care funds should be redirected to individuals rather than insurers, which could fundamentally alter the ACA marketplace [2]. - The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated that federal subsidies to insurance companies this year amount to $138 billion, a substantial increase from $53 billion in 2020 [2][4].

Core Insights - Palantir Technologies was the best-performing stock in the S&P 500, benefiting from the potential end of the U.S. government shutdown [2][7] Group 1: Market Performance - Major U.S. equities indexes rose, with the S&P 500 up close to 1% and the Nasdaq rising over 1%, driven by optimism regarding a spending plan to end the government shutdown [2][7] - Health insurance stocks, including Centene, declined after President Trump suggested that federal health insurance subsidies could be directed to individuals rather than insurers [3][7] Group 2: Company-Specific Developments - Micron Technology shares surged following positive comments from Mizuho Securities, indicating potential boosts from increased demand and pricing [3] - Eli Lilly's shares increased after announcing a partnership with Insilico Medicine to leverage artificial intelligence for drug discovery [3] - Metsera's shares fell after Novo Nordisk did not raise its bid for the company, allowing Pfizer to complete its $10 billion acquisition, which also caused Pfizer's shares to drop [4] - Ball's shares declined after the announcement of CEO Daniel Fisher's resignation, with Ronald Lewis set to replace him [4]

Core Insights - Major health insurers' shares declined due to a Senate deal that ended a 40-day U.S. government shutdown but did not extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, creating uncertainty for millions relying on these subsidies for health coverage [1][3] - The ongoing debate over ACA subsidies is politically charged, with a narrow window for lawmakers to act before the open enrollment period for 2026 coverage ends on January 15 [5] Group 1: Market Reaction - Health insurance stocks fell as investors assessed the implications of the political stalemate on the sector [1] - Key companies affected include Cigna Group, Centene Corp, CVS Health Inc, Elevance Health, Humana Inc, Molina Healthcare Inc, UnitedHealth Group Inc, HCA Healthcare, and Tenet Healthcare Corporation [2] Group 2: Legislative Context - A procedural vote passed 60-40, allowing for short-term funding through January 30, while delaying the ACA subsidy issue until December [3] - The temporary spending bill prevents federal agencies from terminating employees until January 30, which is seen as a victory for federal worker unions [4] Group 3: Potential Impact on Consumers - Without congressional action, approximately 24 million enrollees could face significant premium increases for their 2026 plans, with estimates suggesting monthly premiums for ACA plans could more than double if pandemic-era assistance is not extended [3]

Core Viewpoint - Harris Associates L.P. emphasizes a consistent investment philosophy focused on value investing, believing that stock prices will eventually reflect the underlying company's value [1] Investment Philosophy - The company is committed to superior investment research and high levels of customer service, which have remained unchanged since its founding in 1976 [1] - Harris Associates seeks companies trading at significant discounts to their underlying value, with substantial profit potential and management that acts as owners [1] Research Process - The investment process is framed as owning a piece of a business for the long term, highlighting the importance of intensive, fundamental research [1] - The research methodology involves a disciplined quantitative and qualitative screening process, with analysts acting as independent thinkers rather than relying on Wall Street [1] - Analysts at Harris Associates are generalists who evaluate companies based on their fundamental characteristics [1]

Core Viewpoint - The stock prices of U.S. health insurance companies, particularly those heavily involved in the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), have declined significantly following former President Donald Trump's statements advocating for direct federal funding to be given to individuals rather than insurance companies [1][2]. Group 1: Impact on Health Insurance Companies - Centene and Oscar Health led the decline in the U.S. healthcare sector, with stock prices dropping over 10% in pre-market trading, while other major insurers like Elevance Health and Molina Healthcare also experienced significant losses [2]. - Trump's comments suggest a shift in funding strategy that could severely impact the profitability of health insurance companies operating under the ACA framework, as federal funds may no longer support insurance premiums [1][4]. Group 2: Political Context and Proposals - A Republican proposal aims to redirect federal funds into flexible spending accounts for families instead of providing subsidies to insurance companies, potentially breaking the deadlock in the Senate regarding healthcare funding [3]. - Trump's rhetoric emphasizes a populist approach, advocating for direct financial support to citizens, which could undermine the Democratic Party's signature healthcare policy [4].

Group 1 - U.S. stock futures are higher, with Nasdaq futures gaining approximately 1.5% [1] - Monday.Com Ltd is expected to report quarterly earnings of 88 cents per share, an increase from 85 cents per share year-over-year [2] - The consensus estimate for monday.com's quarterly revenue is $312.26 million, up from $251 million a year earlier [2] Group 2 - Monday.Com shares fell 2.6% to $184.70 in pre-market trading [2] - Metsera Inc shares dipped 15% to $70.68 in pre-market trading following Pfizer's $10 billion acquisition deal [4] - Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc declined 11.5% to $65.00 after disclosing results from pivotal Phase 3 studies [4] - Other companies such as UniQure NV, Oscar Health Inc, Centene Corp, and Immunovant Inc also experienced declines in pre-market trading [4]