Centene Corporation (CNC) Price Target Analysis

Updated Jun 18, 2026

Analyst Rating: Buy

Based on 43 analysts

3.3% Above Target

CNC trades 3.3% above Wall Street's consensus target of $59.00.

Current Price$61.02

Average Target$59.00

Target

Current

Low$39.00

Median$60.00

High$80.00

Analyst Target Range

Forward P/E17.5x

(Fair)

PEG Ratio—

Implied Growth+126.8%

(High Growth)

Analyst Spread69.5%

(Wide Disagreement)

Price Forecast (1 Year)

Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path

Current$61.02

Consensus$59.00

High$80.00

Low$39.00

Consensus Scenario Assumptions

The base valuation assumes CNC achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 17.5x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 43 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.

Analyst Ratings Distribution

Breakdown of 43 published analyst recommendations for CNC

27/43 analysts are bullish

BearishBullish

Weighted analyst sentiment score based on 43 ratings

ConsensusBuy

Coverage43 Analysts

Net Score+30

Bull / Bear63% / 2%

Strong Buy00%

Buy2763%

Hold1535%

Sell12%

Strong Sell00%

Strong Buy

00%

Buy

2763%

Hold

1535%

Sell

12%

Strong Sell

00%

Recommendation Mix63% Buy · 35% Hold · 2% Sell

Buy (27)Hold (15)Sell (1)

CNC Price Target Analysis

Updated June 21, 2026

As of June 21, 2026, Centene Corporation (CNC) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $59.00, based on estimates from 43 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $61.02, this represents a potential downside of -3.3%. The company has a market capitalization of $30.13B.

Analyst price targets range from a low of $39.00 to a high of $80.00, representing a 69% spread in expectations. The median target of $60.00 aligns closely with the consensus average. The wide target spread reflects significant disagreement on fair value.

The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 27 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,15 rating it Hold, and 1 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The positive sentiment balance indicates moderate optimism about the stock prospects.

From a valuation perspective, CNC trades at a trailing P/E of -4.5x and forward P/E of 17.5x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +126.8% over the next year.

Investment Context: Price targets represent analyst expectations for the next 12 months and should be considered alongside your own research. Targets are based on analysts' assumptions about earnings growth, margins, and market conditions which may change. For sector-specific context, view other Healthcare stocks.

Analyst Sentiment Comparison

Industry Peer Analysis

Avg Peer Upside

+3.9%

Industry Consensus

Avg Forward P/E

47.2x

(Growth Premium)

Peers with Coverage

10 / 10

Active Analyst Tracking

Company	Market Cap	Price	Target	Upside Potential	Rating	Fwd P/E	Analysts
MOHMolina Healthcare, Inc.	$10.2B	$195.37	$175.55	-10.1%	Buy	38.0x	38
UNHUnitedHealth Group Incorporated	$363.9B	$400.96	$425.81	+6.2%	Buy	21.8x	52
ELVElevance Health Inc.	$84.4B	$388.50	$415.19	+6.9%	Buy	14.5x	37
HUMHumana Inc.	$43.3B	$360.65	$298.50	-17.2%	Hold	40.8x	44
CVSCVS Health Corporation	$125.4B	$98.32	$103.64	+5.4%	Buy	13.3x	41
ALHCAlignment Healthcare, Inc.	$4.5B	$21.86	$24.33	+11.3%	Buy	118.7x	16
OSCROscar Health, Inc.	$7.4B	$28.40	$24.20	-14.8%	Hold	31.5x	11
CLOVClover Health Investments, Corp.	$2.6B	$5.00	$4.47	-10.6%	Hold	129.2x	9
BHVNBiohaven Ltd.	$1.4B	$13.57	$17.60	+29.7%	Buy	—	25
MCKMcKesson Corporation	$90.2B	$750.63	$994.86	+32.5%	Buy	17.0x	31

CNC — Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about buying CNC stock.

What is the CNC stock price target for 2026?

Wall Street's consensus price target for CNC is $59, -3.3% from its current price of $61.02. The below-market target from 43 analysts suggests limited near-term appreciation.

Is CNC a buy, sell, or hold?

CNC has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 43 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 27 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $59 implies -3.3% downside from current levels.

Is CNC stock overvalued or undervalued?

With a forward P/E of 17.5159x, CNC trades at a relatively low valuation. The consensus target of $59 implies -3.3% move, suggesting the market may be pricing in risks.

How high can CNC stock go?

The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $80 for CNC, while the most conservative target is $39. The consensus of $59 represents the median expectation. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.

How many analysts cover CNC stock?

CNC is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 43 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 27 have Buy ratings, 15 recommend Hold, and 1 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.

What is the CNC stock forecast?

The 12-month CNC stock forecast based on 43 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $59, with estimates ranging from $39 (bear case) to $80 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy".

What is CNC's forward P/E ratio?

CNC trades at a forward P/E ratio of 17.5x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates. The higher forward P/E suggests near-term earnings pressure. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.

Should I buy CNC stock?

Analysts are cautious on CNC, with 1 Sell ratings and a price target of $59 (-3.3% from current price). The "Buy" consensus suggests careful evaluation before buying. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Why do CNC price targets vary so much?

CNC analyst price targets range from $39 to $80, a 69% wide spread indicating significant analyst disagreement. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $59 consensus represents the middle ground.

Consensus-Based Analysis Tools