Centene (NYSE:CNC) Issues FY 2026 Earnings Guidance

Centene (NYSE:CNC) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 4.800- for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 4.890. The company issued revenue guidance of -.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several brokerages have issued reports on CNC. Oppenheimer lifted their price target on Centene from $58.00 to $67.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Centene from $60.00 to $67.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 4th. UBS Group set a $79.00 price target on shares of Centene in a report on Tuesday, August 18th. Zacks Research raised Centene from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 29th. Finally, Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on Centene from $46.00 to $66.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $70.05.

Centene Price Performance

Shares of NYSE CNC opened at $67.56 on Wednesday. Centene has a 1 year low of $31.63 and a 1 year high of $69.63. The stock has a market capitalization of $33.38 billion, a P/E ratio of -6.47, a P/E/G ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 1.10. The company’s 50-day moving average is $65.55 and its 200 day moving average is $55.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 1.15.

Centene (NYSE:CNC) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 27th. The company reported $2.51 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.09 by $1.42. Centene had a negative net margin of 2.51% and a positive return on equity of 12.12%. The business had revenue of $53.58 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $47.64 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted ($0.16) earnings per share. Centene’s quarterly revenue was up 9.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Centene will post 4.89 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity at Centene

In other news, General Counsel Christopher Koster sold 56,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.90, for a total value of $3,779,850.00. Following the sale, the general counsel directly owned 248,854 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $16,648,332.60. This represents a 18.50% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.37% of the company’s stock.

Key Centene News

Here are the key news stories impacting Centene this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Momentum and analyst interest: Centene was identified as one of four stocks trading near 52-week highs with potential for further gains. The company’s recent price strength and favorable outlook could continue to support investor demand. 4 Stocks Trading Near 52-Week High With More Upside Potential
• Positive Sentiment: Attractive valuation: CNC was included among low price-to-book stocks viewed as offering a combination of value and growth potential. Separate coverage also described Centene as an undervalued healthcare stock, which may appeal to value-oriented investors. 5 Low P/B Stocks That Offer Attractive Value and Growth Undervalued Healthcare Stocks With Attractive Valuation Grades
• Positive Sentiment: Favorable ratings and guidance: Zacks highlighted Centene’s strong 2026 guidance, positive estimate revisions and attractive valuation, while also listing CNC as a Rank #1 Strong Buy growth stock. Fresh analyst price targets and the 52-week-high breakout reinforce the bullish narrative. 2 Non-AI Giants to Buy on Solid Guidance and Lucrative Valuation Best Growth Stocks to Buy for September 14th
• Neutral Sentiment: Defensive positioning: CNC was recommended as a defensive healthcare holding amid inflation, oil-price volatility, weak consumer sentiment and expectations for possible additional rate hikes. This could support relative demand for the stock, but it does not represent a new fundamental catalyst. 4 Defensive Stocks to Take Refuge In as Consumer Sentiment Plummets
• Negative Sentiment: Near-term risk: After the rally to a 52-week high, investors may take profits or question how much upside remains. The articles provide supportive commentary but limited new operating data, leaving the stock vulnerable to valuation concerns or a broader market pullback. Centene Corporation Hit a 52 Week High, Can the Run Continue?

About Centene

Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) is a managed-care company that provides health insurance and related healthcare services, primarily through government-sponsored programs. Its offerings include Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans, coverage for individuals and families through the health insurance marketplace, and health services for military families and veterans.

The company markets several healthcare brands, including Ambetter, which provides marketplace plans, and Wellcare, which offers Medicare products.