UPDATE: Centene Reports Upbeat Q4 Profit

Centene Corp (NYSE: CNC) reported upbeat fourth-quarter operating earnings.

Centene's quarterly net income from continuing operations surged to $30.1 million, or $0.57 per share, from $25.5 million, or $0.50 per share, in the year-ago period. Its premium and service revenue surged 29% to $1.46 billion.

Analysts were expecting earnings of $0.55 per share on revenue of $1.44 billion.

Centene shares fell 1.47% to close at $45.60 yesterday.