UPDATE: Centene Posts Upbeat Q3 Profit

Centene

reported a stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit. For the full year, Centene now projects full-year premium and services revenue of $10.6 billion to $10.8 billion, versus its earlier forecast of $10.3 billion to $10.6 billion. Centene's quarterly net earnings surged to $49.4 million, or $0.87 per share, up from $3.8 million, or $0.07 per share, in the year-ago period. Excluding items, it earned $0.88 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $0.84 per share. Its premium and services revenue climbed 24% to $2.73 billion. Centene shares closed at $66.11 yesterday.