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CNC Stock Forecast 2026-2027
$38.31
Current Price
$18.84B
Market Cap
Buy 5
Hold 13
Sell 2
Wall St Analyst Ratings
Distance to CNC Price Targets
+82.7%
To High Target of $70.00
+7.0%
To Median Target of $41.00
-16.5%
To Low Target of $32.00
CNC Price Momentum
+1.9%
1 Week Change
+11.4%
1 Month Change
-36.4%
1 Year Change
-6.9%
Year-to-Date Change
-40.3%
From 52W High of $64.15
+52.8%
From 52W Low of $25.08
📊 TOP ANALYST CALLS
Did CNC Make This Month's Elite Buy List?
We don't follow just any analyst — only the top 3% with a proven track record make our cut. See if Centene is one of their latest high-conviction picks.
Latest CNC Stock Price Targets & Analyst Predictions
Based on our analysis of 36 Wall Street analysts, CNC has a neutral consensus with a median price target of $41.00 (ranging from $32.00 to $70.00). The overall analyst rating is Buy (6.5/10). Currently trading at $38.31, the median forecast implies a 7.0% upside. This outlook is supported by 5 Buy, 13 Hold, and 2 Sell ratings.
The most optimistic forecast comes from Ricky Goldwasser at Morgan Stanley, projecting a 82.7% upside.
Please note that analyst price targets are forward-looking estimates subject to substantial market, economic, and company-specific risks. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and actual stock performance may materially differ from these projections. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consider their investment objectives and risk tolerance before making investment decisions.
CNC Analyst Ratings
5
Buy
13
Hold
2
Sell
CNC Price Target Range
Low
$32.00
Average
$41.00
High
$70.00
Current: $38.31
Latest CNC Stock Forecasts by Analyst
These are the latest 20 analyst ratings and price targets for CNC.
| Date | Firm | Analyst | Rating | Change | Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 19, 2026 | JP Morgan | John Stansel | Neutral | Maintains | $41.00 |
| Mar 11, 2026 | Mizuho | Ann Hynes | Neutral | Maintains | $41.00 |
| Mar 4, 2026 | Morgan Stanley | Ricky Goldwasser | Equal-Weight | Maintains | $45.00 |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Wells Fargo | Stephen Baxter | Equal-Weight | Maintains | $44.00 |
| Feb 9, 2026 | Cantor Fitzgerald | Sarah James | Neutral | Reiterates | $41.00 |
| Jan 7, 2026 | Wells Fargo | Stephen Baxter | Equal-Weight | Maintains | $43.00 |
| Jan 5, 2026 | Barclays | Andrew Mok | Overweight | Upgrade | $54.00 |
| Nov 21, 2025 | Bernstein | Lance Wilkes | Outperform | Maintains | $45.00 |
| Nov 12, 2025 | Wells Fargo | Stephen Baxter | Equal-Weight | Maintains | $35.00 |
| Nov 4, 2025 | Barclays | Andrew Mok | Equal-Weight | Maintains | $44.00 |
| Nov 4, 2025 | JP Morgan | John Stansel | Neutral | Maintains | $38.00 |
| Oct 31, 2025 | TD Cowen | Ryan Langston | Hold | Maintains | $34.00 |
| Oct 31, 2025 | Goldman Sachs | Scott Fidel | Sell | Maintains | $38.00 |
| Oct 30, 2025 | UBS | A.J. Rice | Neutral | Maintains | $42.00 |
| Oct 30, 2025 | Cantor Fitzgerald | Sarah James | Neutral | Maintains | $41.00 |
| Oct 30, 2025 | Truist Securities | David Macdonald | Buy | Reiterates | $45.00 |
| Oct 14, 2025 | Morgan Stanley | Ricky Goldwasser | Equal-Weight | Maintains | $38.00 |
| Oct 14, 2025 | Goldman Sachs | Scott Fidel | Sell | Initiates | $33.00 |
| Oct 9, 2025 | Mizuho | Ann Hynes | Neutral | Maintains | $40.00 |
| Oct 7, 2025 | Wells Fargo | Stephen Baxter | Equal-Weight | Maintains | $41.00 |
Centene Corporation (CNC) Competitors
The following stocks are similar to Centene based on their market capitalization and industry sector. These similar stocks potentially provide investors with alternative investment opportunities within the same market segment.
Centene Corporation (CNC) Financial Data
Centene Corporation has a market capitalization of $18.84B with a P/E ratio of 8.1x. The company generates $176.15B in trailing twelve-month revenue with a -3.8% profit margin.
Revenue growth is +23.2% quarter-over-quarter, while maintaining an operating margin of -1.9% and return on equity of -28.7%.
Valuation Metrics
Market Cap
$18.84B
Enterprise Value
$16.72B
P/E Ratio
8.1x
PEG Ratio
0.0x
Price/Sales
0.1x
Growth & Margins
Revenue Growth (YoY)
+23.2%
Gross Margin
+5.0%
Operating Margin
-1.9%
Net Margin
-3.8%
EPS Growth
+21.9%
Financial Health
Cash/Price Ratio
+107.9%
Current Ratio
1.1x
Debt/Equity
90.6x
ROE
-28.7%
ROA
+1.0%
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Centene Corporation (CNC) Business Model
About Centene Corporation
What They Do
Provides managed care services for government programs.
Business Model
Centene Corporation operates by offering managed care services primarily to government-sponsored programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. It generates revenue through premiums paid by the government and private insurers for providing healthcare coverage to its members, which totals nearly 28 million individuals across the United States.
Additional Information
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in the Greater St. Louis area, Centene has grown through strategic acquisitions and a focus on local, culturally sensitive care. The company is recognized as one of the Fortune 500's top revenue-generating enterprises and is committed to enhancing health equity and community wellness.
Company Information
Sector
Healthcare
Industry
Healthcare Plans
Employees
61,100
CEO
Ms. Sarah M. London
Country
United States
IPO Year
2001
Website
www.centene.comCentene Corporation (CNC) Latest News & Analysis
Featured Analysis
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Why It Matters
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Source: Zacks Investment Research
Market Sentiment:
Positive
Quick Summary
Health Net, a Centene Corporation company, announced a $3 million investment in Sacramento for housing stability and infrastructure, partnering with SACOG and Mutual Housing California.
Why It Matters
The $3 million investment by Health Net in Sacramento enhances community infrastructure and housing stability, potentially boosting local economic growth and benefiting Centene's market position.
Source: PRNewsWire
Market Sentiment:
Neutral
Quick Summary
Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) will release its Q1 2026 financial results on April 28, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. ET, followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Why It Matters
Centene's upcoming financial results release and conference call could impact its stock price and investor sentiment, providing insights into the company's performance and future outlook.
Source: PRNewsWire
Market Sentiment:
Neutral
Quick Summary
US managed care insurers' stock prices rose after CMS announced a 2.48% increase in Medicare Advantage rates for 2027, equating to over $13 billion in additional payments.
Why It Matters
Higher Medicare Advantage rates boost revenue potential for managed care insurers, enhancing profitability and attractiveness, which likely drives up stock prices and investor interest.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Market Sentiment:
Positive
Sunshine Health Delivers Career Pathways for Floridians and Advances Healthcare Workforce
14 days ago
Quick Summary
Sunshine Health, part of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), reported 2025 results for its workforce development program aimed at alleviating healthcare labor shortages in Florida.
Why It Matters
Sunshine Health's workforce program could enhance employee retention and address labor shortages, potentially improving operational efficiency and profitability for Centene Corporation.
Source: PRNewsWire
Market Sentiment:
Neutral
Here's Why Centene (CNC) is a Strong Value Stock
13 days ago
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Market Sentiment:
Positive
Frequently Asked Questions About CNC Stock
What is Centene Corporation's (CNC) stock forecast for 2026?
Based on our analysis of 36 Wall Street analysts, Centene Corporation (CNC) has a median price target of $41.00. The highest price target is $70.00 and the lowest is $32.00.
Is CNC stock a good investment in 2026?
According to current analyst ratings, CNC has 5 Buy ratings, 13 Hold ratings, and 2 Sell ratings. The stock is currently trading at $38.31. Always conduct your own research and consider your investment goals before making investment decisions.
What is the long-term price prediction for CNC stock?
Wall Street analysts predict CNC stock could reach $41.00 in the next 12 months. This represents a 7.0% increase from the current price of $38.31. Please note that this is a projection by Wall Street analysts and not a guarantee.
What is Centene Corporation's business model?
Centene Corporation operates by offering managed care services primarily to government-sponsored programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. It generates revenue through premiums paid by the government and private insurers for providing healthcare coverage to its members, which totals nearly 28 million individuals across the United States.
What is the highest forecasted price for CNC Centene Corporation?
The highest price target for CNC is $70.00 from Ricky Goldwasser at Morgan Stanley, which represents a 82.7% increase from the current price of $38.31.
What is the lowest forecasted price for CNC Centene Corporation?
The lowest price target for CNC is $32.00 from at , which represents a -16.5% decrease from the current price of $38.31.
What is the overall CNC consensus from analysts for Centene Corporation?
The overall analyst consensus for CNC is neutral. Out of 36 Wall Street analysts, 5 rate it as Buy, 13 as Hold, and 2 as Sell, with a median price target of $41.00.
How accurate are CNC stock price projections?
Stock price projections, including those for Centene Corporation, are based on various factors including financial models, market conditions, and analyst forecasts. While these predictions provide valuable insights, they should be considered alongside your own research and risk tolerance.
Important Disclaimer
The information provided by Ticker Nerd is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered financial or investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Analyst ratings and price forecasts are sourced from Wall St analysts and other experts. These projections are speculative and do not guarantee future stock performance.
Last updated: April 21, 2026 4:27 PM UTC