Centene Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates on Increasing Premium

Core Insights - Centene Corporation (CNC) reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of 50 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 21 cents, but down from $1.62 per share a year ago [1][11] - Revenues increased by 18.2% year over year to $49.7 billion, surpassing the consensus mark by 4.4% [1][11] Revenue Breakdown - Medicaid revenues grew 9% year over year to $23.2 billion, while Medicare revenues surged 66% year over year to $9.4 billion [3] - Commercial revenues improved by 26% year over year to $11 billion [3] - Total premiums reached $44.1 billion, a 22.2% increase year over year, driven by higher premiums and expanding membership in the Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) [4] Membership and Operational Metrics - Total membership (excluding TRICARE) was 28 million as of September 30, 2025, reflecting an 8% year-over-year growth [6] - The health benefits ratio deteriorated to 92.7%, a decline of 350 basis points year over year [7] Cost and Expenses - Operating expenses totaled $56.6 billion, a 37% increase year over year, attributed to higher medical costs, impairment expenses, and selling, general, and administrative expenses [7] - Medical costs alone increased by 27% year over year [7] Financial Position - Centene ended the third quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $17.1 billion, up from $14.1 billion at the end of 2024 [9] - Total assets decreased to $82.1 billion from $82.4 billion at the end of 2024 [9] - Long-term debt decreased to $17.5 billion from $18.4 billion as of December 31, 2024 [9] Shareholder Actions - Centene repurchased common shares worth approximately $473 million in the first nine months of 2025 [12]