Centene Corporation (CNC) - Stock Analysis

Last updated: Sep 12, 2026

Research Idea

Research content for general circulation. Not individualized advice. Methodology & Disclosures

Fresh 2026-07-28 Q2 upside surprise: EPS of $2.51 beat $0.89 expected, revenue and profit beat, net income topped $1B, and management raised the 2026 outlook. The earnings catalyst and healthcare defensiveness offset the still-recovering technical setup.

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Idea window: 7/28/2026 – 8/4/2026Sector: Healthcare

AI Analyst Overview

Last Price
$69.41
Market Cap
$34.27B
1D Return
+4.50%
YTD Return
+68.68%

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Valuation Metrics

P/E
-6.7
P/B
1.5
P/S
0.2
EV/EBITDA
-17.4
Div Yield
—

Fundamental Analysis

6.0

Key Financial Insights: • Profitability rebound • Strong cash flow • High leverage CNC's quarterly profitability, liquidity, and cash flow improved sharply, but elevated leverage and intangible-heavy equity warrant caution despite low sales/book valuation.

ProfitRecovery
LeverageRisk

Price Behavior

6.0

Key Price Behavior Insights: • Recent rebound • Key support • Overhead resistance Support Level: $64.00–$64.50 Resistance Level: $67.00–$68.00 CNC is cautiously bullish after rebounding from $64.06 to $66.42 over the last month, with support at $64.00–$64.50 and a sustained break above $67.00–$68.00 needed for stronger upside confirmation.

CNC
Technical

Sentiment & News

7.0

Key News Insights: • Margin improvement • Marketplace recovery • Attractive valuation Centene's strong valuation, margin gains, Marketplace recovery, and rising earnings outlook support a favorable growth thesis.

Centene
Healthcare
AI

AI Summary

6.0
Neutral

CNC is an execution-driven margin-recovery opportunity—not a simple value play—where sustained 4.5%–5% pretax margins and positive earnings could unlock upside, but investors should wait for repeated proof that Marketplace/Medicaid pricing and medical costs remain favorable amid leverage and policy risk.

MarginRecovery
PolicyRisk
Execution
AI summary updated 2 days ago

Description

Centene Corporation is a multinational healthcare company that provides programs and services primarily for under-insured and uninsured individuals in the U.S., delivering government-funded managed care across Medicaid, CHIP, long-term services and supports, foster care, and plans for dually eligible and disabled populations, alongside commercial insurance products. Its offerings span clinical and non-clinical care coordination, pharmacy and behavioral health services, telehealth and home-based care, and supplemental services for vision, dental and transportation; a separate specialty-services unit provides pharmacy benefits management, nurse advice lines, correctional and military health support, and related staffing. The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

Idea History

DateCloseTickerCompanySummaryStatusP/L
Jul 28Aug 4CNCCentene Corporation
Fresh 2026-07-28 Q2 upside surprise: EPS of $2.51 beat $0.89 expected, revenue and profit beat, net income topped $1B, and management raised the 2026 outlook. The earnings catalyst and healthcare defensiveness offset the still-recovering technical setup.
Closed+0.3%
Apr 28May 5CNCCentene Corporation
Managed-care momentum with policy catalyst: Q1 2026 adjusted EPS of $3.37 beat expectations and full-year 2026 guidance was raised to above $3.40 adjusted EPS, while finalized Medicare Advantage payment increases improved reimbursement sentiment.
Closed+6.9%
Research content for educational purposes only. Not investment advice. All decisions are your responsibility.