CNC trades 7.9% below Wall Street's consensus target of $68.29.
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
The base valuation assumes CNC achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 13.0x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 44 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
As of September 23, 2026, Centene Corp. (CNC) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $68.29, based on estimates from 44 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $63.28, this represents a potential upside of +7.9%. The company has a market capitalization of $31.26B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $39.00 to a high of $80.00, representing a 60% spread in expectations. The median target of $70.00 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,16 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 -4.6x and forward P/E of 13.0x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +147.5% over the next year.
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside Potential | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 MOHMolina Healthcare, Inc. | $10.0B | $191.19 | $205.45 | +7.5% | Buy | 36.5x | 39 |
 UNHUnitedHealth Group Incorporated | $338.7B | $372.95 | $473.89 | +27.1% | Buy | 18.8x | 52 |
 ELVElevance Health Inc. | $87.3B | $402.43 | $444.06 | +10.3% | Buy | 14.8x | 38 |
 HUMHumana Inc. | $44.7B | $371.93 | $418.53 | +12.5% | Hold | 40.6x | 44 |
 CVSCVS Health Corp. | $111.1B | $87.10 | $111.20 | +27.7% | Buy | 10.9x | 41 |
 ALHCAlignment Healthcare, Inc. | $1.7B | $7.99 | $19.00 | +137.8% | Buy | 44.0x | 16 |
 OSCROscar Health, Inc. | $8.0B | $30.67 | $34.00 | +10.9% | Hold | 17.8x | 12 |
 CLOVClover Health Investments, Corp. | $2.4B | $4.67 | $5.50 | +17.8% | Hold | 83.4x | 9 |
 BHVNBiohaven Ltd. | $2.2B | $14.85 | $20.00 | +34.7% | Buy | — | 25 |
 MCKMcKesson Corporation | $106.2B | $891.23 | $953.00 | +6.9% | Buy | 20.0x | 31 |
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying CNC stock.
The consensus price target for CNC is $68.29, close to the current price of $63.28 (7.9% implied move). Based on 44 analyst estimates, the stock appears fairly valued near current levels.
CNC has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 44 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 27 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $68.29 implies 7.9% upside from current levels.
With a forward P/E of 12.9925x, CNC trades at a relatively low valuation. The consensus target of $68.29 implies 7.9% appreciation, suggesting the market may be pricing in risks.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $80 for CNC, while the most conservative target is $39. The consensus of $68.29 represents the median expectation. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
CNC is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 44 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 27 have Buy ratings, 16 recommend Hold, and 1 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month CNC stock forecast based on 44 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $68.29, with estimates ranging from $39 (bear case) to $80 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy".
CNC trades at a forward P/E ratio of 13.0x 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.
CNC appears fairly valued according to analysts, with a "Buy" rating and minimal upside to the $68.29 target. Consider your investment thesis and risk tolerance. 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.
CNC analyst price targets range from $39 to $80, a 60% wide spread indicating significant analyst disagreement. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $68.29 consensus represents the middle ground.
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