Centene Reports Q3 2026 Earnings Beat and Raises Full-Year Guidance
Centene Corporation (CNC) reported third-quarter results that exceeded expectations, driven largely by strong performance in its Medicare segment. The company reported an adjusted diluted EPS of $0.58 and subsequently raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to over $5.20, a significant increase from the previous floor of $4.80. While total premium and service revenue grew slightly to $45.1 billion, the company is navigating shifts in membership. Medicaid membership saw a 5% decrease since the start of the year due to eligibility terminations, and Marketplace membership is expected to decline toward the end of 2026. However, management noted that its Medicare Advantage business is on track to reach breakeven in 2026, one year ahead of schedule. The company also demonstrated improved cost discipline, reducing total debt to $15.0 billion following a $1.1 billion senior note repurchase and lowering its adjusted SG&A expense ratio to 6.5%.
Topics: debt reduction earnings report EPS guidance Medicaid membership Medicare segment performance