Centene (NYSE: CNC) reported earnings on April 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), Centene beat expectations on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

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

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
Centene notched revenue of $1.71 billion. The 12 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted revenue of $1.68 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 40% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.22 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 $0.45. The 16 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.48 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.45 for Q1 were 2.2% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.46 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 15.7%, 590 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 2.0%, 150 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 1.4%, 50 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.89 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.67.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $7.59 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.73.

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 $49.40.

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