Quarterly ResultApr 28, 2026, 06:12 AM
CENTENE Q1 GAAP EPS $3.11, Adj. EPS $3.37; Raises 2026 Adj. EPS Guidance
AI Summary
Centene Corporation reported strong first-quarter 2026 financial results, with GAAP diluted EPS of $3.11 and adjusted diluted EPS of $3.37, exceeding expectations by approximately $0.50. The company also increased its 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to greater than $3.40, reflecting tangible progress in margin recovery and strengthened operations. Key financial highlights include a 5% increase in premium and service revenues to $44.7 billion, an improved health benefits ratio of 87.3%, and $1.0 billion in debt reduction during the quarter.
Key Highlights
- Adjusted diluted EPS of $3.37 for Q1 2026, approximately $0.50 better than expectations.
- Increased 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to greater than $3.40.
- Premium and service revenues rose 5% to $44.655 billion in Q1 2026.
- Health benefits ratio (HBR) improved to 87.3% in Q1 2026 from 87.5% in Q1 2025.
- Medicaid HBR was 93.1%, Medicare HBR 84.9%, and Commercial HBR 75.3%.
- $1.0 billion in debt was reduced during the first quarter of 2026.
- Cash flow provided by operations was $4.4 billion for Q1 2026.