NYSE:CNC
Centene (CNC)
Financials 
Technical Analysis 
Aug 13, 2026, 12:00 amThis summary was created by AI, based on 1 opinions in the last 12 months.
Experts are expressing concerns about Centene Corporation (CNC-N), highlighting several macroeconomic and sector-specific challenges that the company is currently facing. Notably, the increase in Medical Loss Ratios (MLRs) is seen as a negative trend, impacting profitability and operational efficiency. There are also worries about the company pulling back its earnings guidance, which raises concerns about future growth potential. Additionally, the influence of the Trump administration's policies has been outlined as a complicating factor for the company's outlook. Given these considerations, experts suggest a cautious approach, advising investors to hold off on new investments until at least 2026, when they anticipate potential recovery or improvement.
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.
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Premium contentOur 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.
Premium contentWe 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)Premium contentCNC 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)
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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, 1 stock analyst issued a Buy, Sell, or Hold rating on CNC (previously CNC-N on Stockchase). 0 analysts recommended to BUY and 0 analysts recommended to SELL the stock. The latest stock analyst rating is HOLD. 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 Mike Vinokur, CFA, CMT, and CFP on 2025-08-28. 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 2026-08-13, Centene (CNC) stock closed at a price of $66.04.
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.