Summary of Centene Conference Call - September 11, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) - **Event**: Conference at the DB Healthcare Summit - **Speakers**: Sarah London (CEO), Drew Asher (CFO) Key Industry Insights Medicaid and Marketplace - **Full-Year Forecast**: Reaffirmed diluted EPS guidance of $1.75 for 2025 [3] - **Medicaid Results**: Positive results for July and August support the Health Benefit Ratio (HBR) improvement trajectory [4] - **Health Insurance Marketplace**: Successfully refiled rates covering 95% of membership for 2026, with most approvals expected by the end of the month [4][11] - **Risk Adjustment Headwinds**: $2.4 billion risk adjustment headwind and $200 million back half pressure remain in estimates [6][7] - **Utilization Trends**: Steady utilization in the Marketplace; updates on risk adjustment expected by the Q3 call [7] Medicare Segment - **Improvement Expectations**: Anticipated $700 million improvement in the Medicare segment, with STARS performance aligning with expectations [4] - **Break-Even Target**: On track to achieve break-even in Medicare Advantage by 2027 [4] - **Part D Performance**: Strong performance in Part D with 7.8 million members, below national benchmarks for low-income populations [71] Market Dynamics - **Sustainability of Marketplace**: The market is expected to remain sustainable even if enhanced subsidies expire, with potential growth from uninsured populations [17] - **Enrollment Projections**: Anticipated market contraction of 15% to 50% due to the expiration of enhanced Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) [64] Financial Performance and Guidance - **2026 Earnings Outlook**: Focus on margin recovery across Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and Marketplace; specific guidance for 2026 not provided yet [58][60] - **Goodwill Evaluation**: Accelerated evaluation of goodwill due to market cap drop; no significant downstream impacts expected [74][75] - **Capital Deployment**: Priorities include funding organic growth, managing costs, and exploring share repurchase and M&A opportunities [76] Operational Strategies - **Cost Management**: Ongoing efforts to optimize discretionary spending and improve operational efficiency [78] - **Long-Term Margin Structure**: Confidence in margin improvement opportunities across all three business lines, with a focus on maintaining competitive margins [80] Additional Considerations - **Regulatory Changes**: Monitoring the impact of OB-3 and other regulatory changes on long-term margin structures [80] - **State Partnerships**: Positive engagement with state partners regarding rate increases and benefit design changes [39][40] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Centene conference call, highlighting the company's strategic focus, financial outlook, and operational challenges within the healthcare industry.