Centene Corporation (CNC) Price Target Analysis
Wall Street analyst price targets, ratings consensus & upside potential · Updated May 1, 2026
Current Price
$55.31
Price Target
$51.00
Target Range
$39.00 — $63.00
Analyst Rating
Buy
Forward P/E16.4x
Trailing P/E-4.1x
Forward PEG—
Implied Growth+126.0%
Median Target$58.00
Analyst Spread47.1%
Price Forecast (1 Year)
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
Bear Case
$39
-29.5%
Consensus
$51
-7.8%
Bull Case
$63
+13.9%
CNC Price Target Analysis
Updated May 7, 2026As of May 7, 2026, Centene Corporation (CNC) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $51.00, based on estimates from 43 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $55.31, this represents a potential downside of -7.8%. The company has a market capitalization of $27.31B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $39.00 to a high of $63.00, representing a 47% spread in expectations. The median target of $58.00 differs from the mean, suggesting potential outlier estimates.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 26 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 -4.1x and forward P/E of 16.4x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +126.0% 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 AnalysisAvg Peer Upside+19.4%
Avg Forward P/E40.8x
Peers with Coverage10 / 10
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 MOHMolina Healthcare, Inc. | $10.3B | $197.44 | $166.09 | -15.9% | Buy | 38.3x | 38 |
 UNHUnitedHealth Group Incorporated | $333.4B | $367.28 | $385.43 | +4.9% | Buy | 20.1x | 52 |
 ELVElevance Health Inc. | $81.4B | $374.71 | $382.38 | +2.0% | Buy | 14.0x | 37 |
 HUMHumana Inc. | $29.6B | $246.33 | $246.00 | -0.1% | Hold | 27.6x | 44 |
 CVSCVS Health Corporation | $111.3B | $86.86 | $95.20 | +9.6% | Buy | 12.1x | 41 |
 ALHCAlignment Healthcare, Inc. | $3.7B | $18.14 | $24.83 | +36.9% | Buy | 140.1x | 16 |
 OSCROscar Health, Inc. | $5.1B | $19.84 | $16.75 | -15.6% | Hold | 32.9x | 11 |
 CLOVClover Health Investments, Corp. | $1.4B | $2.68 | $3.33 | +24.3% | Hold | 62.6x | 9 |
 BHVNBiohaven Ltd. | $1.1B | $10.04 | $21.29 | +112.1% | Buy | — | 25 |
 MCKMcKesson Corporation | $91.1B | $743.67 | $1006.50 | +35.3% | Buy | 19.1x | 31 |
Upside Potential Comparison
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Start ComparisonCNC — 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 $51, -7.8% from its current price of $55.315. 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 26 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $51 implies -7.8% downside from current levels.
Is CNC stock overvalued or undervalued?
With a forward P/E of 16.3959x, CNC trades at a relatively low valuation. The consensus target of $51 implies -7.8% 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 $63 for CNC, while the most conservative target is $39. The consensus of $51 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, 26 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.
What is the CNC stock forecast?
The 12-month CNC stock forecast based on 43 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $51, with estimates ranging from $39 (bear case) to $63 (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 16.4x 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 $51 (-7.8% 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 $63, a 47% moderate spread showing some variance in outlooks. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $51 consensus represents the middle ground.