Centene (NYSE: CNC) reported earnings on Feb. 7. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Centene beat expectations on revenue and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue improved significantly and GAAP earnings per share expanded.

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
Centene booked revenue of $1.51 billion. The 14 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted revenue of $1.43 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 28% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.18 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.57. The 17 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.55 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.57 for Q4 were 14% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.50 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 18.4%, 370 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 3.4%, 70 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 2.0%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.67 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.48.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $7.53 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.72.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Centene is outperform, with an average price target of $41.63.

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