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Dec 31, 2019

Centene Q4 2019 Earnings Report

Centene's Q4 2019 financial results were announced, featuring revenue growth and strategic acquisitions.

Key Takeaways

Centene Corporation reported a 14% increase in total revenues for Q4 2019, reaching $18.9 billion. Diluted EPS was $0.49, and adjusted diluted EPS was $0.73. The company's performance was driven by growth in the Health Insurance Marketplace and expansions in several states. Centene also completed its acquisition of WellCare in January 2020, expanding its government-sponsored healthcare programs.

Total revenues for Q4 2019 increased by 14% to $18.9 billion.

Diluted EPS for Q4 2019 was $0.49, while adjusted diluted EPS was $0.73.

The health benefits ratio (HBR) for Q4 2019 was 88.4%, up from 86.8% in Q4 2018.

Centene completed the acquisition of WellCare in January 2020, creating a premier healthcare enterprise focused on government-sponsored healthcare programs.

Total Revenue
$18.9B
Previous year: $16.6B
+13.9%
EPS
$0.73
Previous year: $0.69
+5.8%
Health Benefits Ratio
88.4%
Previous year: 86.8%
+1.8%
SG&A Expense Ratio
9.6%
Previous year: 9.9%
-3.0%
Adjusted SG&A Expense Ratio
9.5%
Previous year: 9.9%
-4.0%
Gross Profit
$2.07B
Previous year: $2.18B
-5.0%
Cash and Equivalents
$12.1B
Previous year: $5.34B
+126.9%
Free Cash Flow
-$851M
Previous year: -$820M
+3.8%
Total Assets
$41B
Previous year: $30.9B
+32.7%

Centene

Centene

Centene Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Centene expects to provide consolidated 2020 annual guidance, including WellCare, on March 3, 2020, with a conference call on March 4, 2020. The company anticipates the WellCare acquisition to be no less than break-even accretion in the first full year and mid-to-upper single-digit accretion in the second full year. Excluding WellCare, the company's stand-alone 2020 guidance is unchanged.

Positive Outlook

  • WellCare acquisition expected to be no less than break-even accretion in the first full year.
  • Mid-to-upper single-digit accretion expected in the second full year post-WellCare acquisition.
  • Stand-alone 2020 guidance unchanged from December investor day (excluding WellCare).
  • Acquisition of WellCare brings a high-quality Medicare platform.
  • The WellCare acquisition further extends Centene's robust Medicaid offerings.

Challenges Ahead

  • Uncertainty as to expected financial performance post-WellCare acquisition.
  • Risk of unexpected costs during WellCare integration.
  • Potential disruption from the WellCare acquisition.
  • Risk of not effectively managing expanded operations post-acquisition.
  • Possibility that expected synergies from WellCare will not be realized.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income