Demystifying Centene: Insights From 5 Analyst Reviews
Centene (NYSE:CNC) has been analyzed by 5 analysts in the last three months, revealing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The following table summarizes their recent ratings, shedding light on the changing sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
| Bullish | Somewhat Bullish | Indifferent | Somewhat Bearish | Bearish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ratings | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 30D | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1M Ago | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2M Ago | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 3M Ago | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Analysts have recently evaluated Centene and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $43.6, accompanied by a high estimate of $54.00 and a low estimate of $35.00. Observing a 10.66% increase, the current average has risen from the previous average price target of $39.40.
Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis
The analysis of recent analyst actions sheds light on the perception of Centene by financial experts. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
| Analyst | Analyst Firm | Action Taken | Rating | Current Price Target | Prior Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah James | Cantor Fitzgerald | Maintains | Neutral | $41.00 | $41.00 |
| Stephen Baxter | Wells Fargo | Raises | Equal-Weight | $43.00 | $35.00 |
| Andrew Mok | Barclays | Raises | Overweight | $54.00 | $44.00 |
| Lance Wilkes | Bernstein | Raises | Outperform | $45.00 | $36.00 |
| Stephen Baxter | Wells Fargo | Lowers | Equal-Weight | $35.00 | $41.00 |
Key Insights:
- Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Centene. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.
- Rating: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Centene compared to the broader market.
- Price Targets: Understanding forecasts, analysts offer estimates for Centene's future value. Examining the current and prior targets provides insight into analysts' changing expectations.
Capture valuable insights into Centene's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.
Stay up to date on Centene analyst ratings.
Unveiling the Story Behind Centene
Centene is a managed care organization that focuses on government-sponsored healthcare plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and the individual exchanges. Centene served 22 million medical members as of December 2024, mostly in Medicaid (about 60% of membership), the individual exchanges (about 20%), and Medicare (about 5%). The company also has a military contract and provides Medicare Part D pharmaceutical plans.
Financial Insights: Centene
Market Capitalization Analysis: Falling below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a reduced size compared to peers. This positioning may be influenced by factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Revenue Growth: Centene's remarkable performance in 3M is evident. As of 30 September, 2025, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 18.24%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Health Care sector.
Net Margin: Centene's net margin is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in maintaining strong profitability. With a net margin of -13.34%, the company may face hurdles in effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Centene's ROE is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of -27.43%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of -7.87%, the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns from its assets.
Debt Management: The company faces challenges in debt management with a debt-to-equity ratio higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 0.84, caution is advised due to increased financial risk.
Analyst Ratings: What Are They?
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.