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CNC Stock Forecast: Centene Corporation Price Predictions for 2026

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$37.56

+0.46 (1.24%)

CNC Stock Forecast 2025-2026

$37.56
Current Price
$18.46B
Market Cap
20 Ratings
Buy 4
Hold 14
Sell 2
Wall St Analyst Ratings

Distance to CNC Price Targets

+86.4%
To High Target of $70.00
+1.2%
To Median Target of $38.00
-25.5%
To Low Target of $28.00

CNC Price Momentum

+6.2%
1 Week Change
-0.7%
1 Month Change
-37.6%
1 Year Change
-38.0%
Year-to-Date Change
-43.8%
From 52W High of $66.81
+49.8%
From 52W Low of $25.08
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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 $38.00 (ranging from $28.00 to $70.00). The overall analyst rating is Buy (6.4/10). Currently trading at $37.56, the median forecast implies a 1.2% upside. This outlook is supported by 4 Buy, 14 Hold, and 2 Sell ratings.

The most optimistic forecast comes from Ricky Goldwasser at Morgan Stanley, projecting a 86.4% upside. Conversely, the most conservative target is provided by Ricky Goldwasser at Morgan Stanley, suggesting a 25.5% downside.

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

4
Buy
14
Hold
2
Sell

CNC Price Target Range

Low
$28.00
Average
$38.00
High
$70.00
Current: $37.56

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
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 Truist Securities David Macdonald Buy Reiterates $45.00
Oct 30, 2025 Cantor Fitzgerald Sarah James Neutral Maintains $41.00
Oct 14, 2025 Goldman Sachs Scott Fidel Sell Initiates $33.00
Oct 14, 2025 Morgan Stanley Ricky Goldwasser Equal-Weight Maintains $38.00
Oct 9, 2025 Mizuho Ann Hynes Neutral Maintains $40.00
Oct 7, 2025 Wells Fargo Stephen Baxter Equal-Weight Maintains $41.00
Sep 12, 2025 Truist Securities Ryan MacDonald Buy Maintains $39.00
Sep 12, 2025 Barclays Andrew Mok Equal-Weight Maintains $35.00
Sep 5, 2025 Bernstein Lance Wilkes Outperform Maintains $36.00
Sep 4, 2025 Barclays Andrew Mok Equal-Weight Maintains $33.00
Aug 26, 2025 Cantor Fitzgerald Sarah James Neutral Reiterates $38.00
Aug 4, 2025 Morgan Stanley Ricky Goldwasser Equal-Weight Maintains $28.00
Jul 29, 2025 JP Morgan John Stansel Neutral Maintains $30.00
Jul 28, 2025 UBS A.J. Rice Neutral Maintains $31.00
Jul 28, 2025 Cantor Fitzgerald Sarah James Neutral Downgrade $38.00

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 $18.46B with a P/E ratio of 8.1x. The company generates $167.68B in trailing twelve-month revenue with a -3.2% profit margin.

Revenue growth is +21.5% quarter-over-quarter, while maintaining an operating margin of +0.5% and return on equity of -21.9%.

Valuation Metrics

Market Cap $18.46B
Enterprise Value $16.91B
P/E Ratio 8.1x
PEG Ratio -0.1x
Price/Sales 0.1x

Growth & Margins

Revenue Growth (YoY) +21.5%
Gross Margin +6.0%
Operating Margin +0.5%
Net Margin -3.2%
EPS Growth +22.4%

Financial Health

Cash/Price Ratio +104.2%
Current Ratio 1.1x
Debt/Equity 83.5x
ROE -21.9%
ROA +2.0%
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Centene Corporation logo

Centene Corporation (CNC) Business Model

About Centene Corporation

What They Do

Provides managed care services for healthcare programs.

Business Model

Centene Corporation operates primarily through two segments: Managed Care and Specialty Services. It generates revenue by offering health plans and services to government-sponsored healthcare programs, including Medicaid and Medicare Advantage, serving uninsured and underinsured populations.

Additional Information

Founded in 1984 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Centene is a key player in the healthcare sector, focusing on improving accessibility and affordability. The company enhances healthcare quality through various specialized services such as pharmacy solutions and behavioral health, impacting millions of lives across the United States.

Company Information

Sector

Healthcare

Industry

Healthcare Plans

Employees

60,500

CEO

Ms. Sarah M. London

Country

United States

IPO Year

2001

Centene Corporation (CNC) Latest News & Analysis

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Latest News

CNC stock latest news image
Quick Summary

Wellcare, part of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), will provide Medicare Advantage plans to over 51 million beneficiaries in 32 states and nationwide Prescription Drug Plans starting in 2026.

Why It Matters

The expansion of Medicare Advantage plans and Wellcare's transition to integrated D-SNPs indicates growth potential for Centene Corporation, influencing investor confidence and stock performance.

Source: PRNewsWire
Market Sentiment: Neutral
CNC stock latest news image
Quick Summary

Centene's Wellcare will provide Medicare Advantage plans in 32 states, including 13 counties in California, starting in 2026, targeting over 51 million beneficiaries.

Why It Matters

Centene's expansion of Wellcare's Medicare Advantage plans boosts its market presence, potentially increasing revenue and attracting more beneficiaries, which positively impacts stock performance.

Source: PRNewsWire
Market Sentiment: Neutral
CNC stock latest news image
Quick Summary

Superior HealthPlan and Centene Foundation announced an investment to combat food insecurity in Texas, addressing challenges from recent disruptions to SNAP and WIC programs.

Why It Matters

Investment in food resources indicates a commitment to social responsibility, potentially enhancing Centene's reputation, customer loyalty, and long-term profitability amidst rising food insecurity.

Source: PRNewsWire
Market Sentiment: Neutral
CNC stock latest news image
Quick Summary

Meridian Health Plan and Centene Foundation announced an investment to combat food insecurity in Illinois, responding to challenges in access to nutritious food due to disruptions in SNAP and WIC programs.

Why It Matters

The investment by Meridian and Centene addresses rising food insecurity, potentially strengthening community ties and enhancing Centeneโ€™s reputation, which can positively impact its stock performance.

Source: PRNewsWire
Market Sentiment: Neutral
CNC stock latest news image
Quick Summary

Starting Nov. 1, 2025, Ambetter from Arizona Complete Health will offer affordable health insurance plans in nine Arizona counties for 2026, under Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC).

Why It Matters

Centene's expansion of affordable health plans in Arizona may boost its market share and revenue, signaling growth potential and increased demand for healthcare services.

Source: PRNewsWire
Market Sentiment: Neutral
CNC stock latest news image
Quick Summary

Starting Nov. 1, Ambetter Health will offer affordable plans during open enrollment in 39 counties, providing increased access to health insurance options.

Why It Matters

Ambetter Health's expanded offerings could boost its market share and revenue, impacting stock performance and health sector valuations in the affected counties.

Source: PRNewsWire
Market Sentiment: Neutral

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 $38.00. The highest price target is $70.00 and the lowest is $28.00.

Is CNC stock a good investment in 2026?

According to current analyst ratings, CNC has 4 Buy ratings, 14 Hold ratings, and 2 Sell ratings. The stock is currently trading at $37.56. 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 $38.00 in the next 12 months. This represents a 1.2% increase from the current price of $37.56. 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 primarily through two segments: Managed Care and Specialty Services. It generates revenue by offering health plans and services to government-sponsored healthcare programs, including Medicaid and Medicare Advantage, serving uninsured and underinsured populations.

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 86.4% increase from the current price of $37.56.

What is the lowest forecasted price for CNC Centene Corporation?

The lowest price target for CNC is $28.00 from Ricky Goldwasser at Morgan Stanley, which represents a -25.5% decrease from the current price of $37.56.

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, 4 rate it as Buy, 14 as Hold, and 2 as Sell, with a median price target of $38.00.

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: November 9, 2025 2:28 AM UTC
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