NYSE:CNC

Centene (CNC)

67.86
-0.49 (0.72%)
as of Jul 2, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
17 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconJul 2, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 2 opinions in the last 12 months.

Centene Corporation (CNC-N) is currently facing significant challenges, which have led to a bleak outlook from analysts. Recent developments include a more than 40% drop in share prices after the company withdrew its full-year forecast, primarily due to lower-than-anticipated sales in Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. Furthermore, a projected $1.8 billion reduction in expected risk-adjustment revenue transfers from the federal government and an anticipated $2.75 decrease in earnings per share this year have raised serious concerns. Experts attribute these difficulties to issues prevalent in the entire healthcare insurance sector, such as rising Medical Loss Ratios (MLRs) and potential financial repercussions stemming from fraud. Given these factors, the recommendation is to hold off on investing in Centene for the time being and consider revisiting the stock in 2026.

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Consensus
Bearish
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Valuation
Overvalued
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Similar
Molina,MOH
HOLD

He's down on this name for the reasons that are hitting the space as a whole such as MLRs creeping up, guidance being pulled back, and Trump administration policies. We're in a portion of the cycle where earnings aren't going to come back quickly. Hold off for now with new $$; revisit in 2026.

DON'T BUY

Tanked over 40% today because yesterday they withdrew their full-year forecast due to low sales on ACA (Obamacare) plans. Market growth in 22 states is lower than expected; expects a $1.8 billion reduction in expected risk-adjustment revenue transfers from Washington. Also expects a $2.75 hit to EPS this year. No wonder shares were hammered. Them and these are peers are paying out a lot more than they had expected.  A major problem are fraudulent claims in ACA.

BUY

Likes it, unless the House really passes Medicaid cuts, because Medicaid is a big part of its business and they do it very well.

WATCH

Support level has definitely been broken. Lower lows, lower highs. All that is negative technically. Looking at a 3-year chart, now testing support from 2023. If that can hold, it's not so bad a picture.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 29/24, Down 7.9%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with CNC has triggered its stop at $72.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  This will result in a net investment loss of 5%, when combined with our previous recommendation.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O’Reilly

We reiterate CNC, a provider of healthcare to under-insured families and military personnel in the US as a TOP PICK.  It continues to build cash reserves, while retiring debt and buying back shares.  It trades at 16x earnings, under 2x book and supports a 10% ROE.  We recommend trailing up the stop (from $63) to $72, looking to achieve $90 — upside potential of 16%.  Yield 0%

(Analysts’ price target is $89.64)
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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

CNC provides healthcare to under-insured families and military personnel in the US.  Healthcare is a sector expected to grow for years to come as the population ages.  It trades at 1.6x book and 17x earnings.  Cash reserves are growing as stock is aggressively bought back and debt is retired.  We recommend placing a stop-loss at $63, looking to achieve $88 -- upside potential of 20%.  Yield 0% 

(Analysts’ price target is $88.33)
BUY

About as cheap as it's been in the last 5 years at 1.25x book. FMV is 93% above current price. Earnings and FMV continue to rise. A good buying opportunity.

BUY
They report Tuesday. It can go higher. It's a takeover target.
BUY
Friday it holds its analysts meeting where he expects to hear of strong cash flow and buybacks. T
BUY
His favourite health insurer. CNC mostly manages government health plans, so it will benefit huge from any expansion of medicare. It down modestly from its high, but this boasts an ultra-low 14x earnings. Meanwhile, their acquisitions are working well and they're buying back lots of shares.
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Centene (CNC) Frequently Asked Questions

What is Centene stock symbol?

Centene is a American stock, trading under the symbol CNC (previously CNC-N on Stockchase) on the New York Stock Exchange (CNC). It is usually referred to as NYSE:CNC or CNC

Is Centene a buy or a sell?

In the last year, 2 stock analysts issued a Buy, Sell, or Hold rating on CNC (previously CNC-N on Stockchase). 0 analysts recommended to BUY and 1 analyst recommended to SELL the stock. The latest stock analyst rating is BUY. Read the latest stock experts' ratings for Centene.

Is Centene a good investment or a top pick?

Centene was recommended as a Top Pick by Jim Cramer - Mad Money on 2021-11-22. Read the latest stock experts ratings for Centene.

Why is Centene stock dropping?

Earnings reports or recent company news can cause the stock price to drop. Read stock experts' recommendations for Centene.

Is Centene worth watching?

Centene is followed by 17 investors on Stockchase and is a trending stock that is worth watching.

What is Centene stock price?

On 2026-07-02, Centene (CNC) stock closed at a price of $67.86.