Centene Corporation (CNC) Issues Strong FY15 Outlook; Affirms FY14 Guidance

Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced its 2015 financial guidance. Premium and service revenues are expected to be $20.3 billion to $20.8 billion, representing growth of approximately 32% compared to the 2014 guidance range. Earnings per diluted share are expected to be $5.05 to $5.35, representing an increase of 17% compared to the 2014 guidance range of $4.35 to $4.50.

For its 2015 fiscal year, the Company expects the following results from continuing operations:

• Premium and service revenues in the range of $20.3 billion to $20.8 billion.
• Earnings per diluted share of approximately $5.05 to $5.35.
• Consolidated Health Benefits Ratio of approximately 89.2% to 89.6%.
• Consolidated G&A expense ratio in the range of 8.0% to 8.4%.
• Effective tax rate of approximately 48.0% to 50.0%.
• Diluted shares outstanding of approximately 61.5 million to 62.0 million.

*** The Street sees FY15 revs of $19.97 billion and EPS of $4.92.

The Company affirms its 2014 revenue guidance in the previously announced range for premium and service revenues of $15.3 billion to $15.8 billion and earnings per diluted share of $4.35 to $4.50. Full year 2014 earnings will be reported on February 3, 2015, at 6:00 AM, with a conference call at 8:30 AM (Eastern Time).

Centene Corporation will host an investor meeting today, including a question-and-answer session, to discuss the details of its guidance. The meeting will begin promptly at 8:30 AM (Eastern Time) and end at approximately 11:45 AM (Eastern Time). Michael F. Neidorff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and William N. Scheffel, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, of Centene Corporation will host the meeting before an audience of investors at the St. Regis Hotel on East 55th Street, in New York City.

Investors and other interested parties who are unable to attend in person are invited to listen to the investor meeting via a live, audio webcast on the Company's website at www.centene.com, under the Investors section.

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