On Tuesday, managed health-care company Centene (NYSE:CNC) released Q3 earnings for the period ended Sept. 30.

  • Revenues exceeded analyst estimates by 2.4%, while EPS missed estimates due to one-time charges.
  • Centene's revenues increased 57.6% due to increases in premiums and members.
  • An impairment charge from the loss of a contract largely affected the EPS.
  • Cash flow from operations increased 177.3% because of an increase in accounts payable and estimated future medical claims.
  • Free cash flow increased 203.0% because of higher cash flow from operations, which was partially offset by higher capital spending.
  • The company's long-term debt increased 82% to $169 million.

(Figures in millions, except per-share data)

Income Statement Highlights

Avg. Est.

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Sales

$616

$631

$401

57.6%

Net Profit

--

($71)

$12

N/A

EPS

$0.28

($1.65)

$0.27

N/A

Diluted Shares

--

43

45

(4.5%)



Get back to basics with a look at the income statement.

Margin Checkup

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change*

Gross Margin

18.14%

16.87%

1.27

Operating Margin

(10.54%)

3.78%

(14.32)

Net Margin

(11.28%)

3.02%

(14.30)



*Expressed in percentage points.

Margins are the earnings engine. See how they work.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Assets

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Cash + ST Invest.

$268

$180

48.8%

Accounts Rec.

$86

$43

99.2%

Inventory

No data

No data

No data

Liabilities

Q3 2006

Q3 2005

Change

Accounts Payable

$68

$47

43.7%

Long-Term Debt

$169

$93

82.0%



Learn the ways of the balance sheet.

Cash Flow Highlights

YTD 2006

YTD 2005

Change

Cash From Ops.

$125

$45

177.3%

Capital Expenditures

$39

$17

134.6%

Free Cash Flow

$85

$28

203.0%



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