Wall Street analyst price targets, ratings consensus & upside potential · Updated Feb 28, 2026
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
As of February 28, 2026, Centene Corporation (CNC) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $45.50, based on estimates from 43 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $44.88, this represents a potential upside of +1.4%. The company has a market capitalization of $22.07B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $38.00 to a high of $59.00, representing a 46% spread in expectations. The median target of $44.50 aligns closely with the consensus average.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 24 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,17 rating it Hold, and 2 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 -3.3x and forward P/E of 15.0x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +122.1% over the next year.
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Start ComparisonThe consensus price target for CNC is $45.5, close to the current price of $44.88 (1.4% implied move). Based on 43 analyst estimates, the stock appears fairly valued near current levels.
CNC has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 43 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 24 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $45.5 implies 1.4% upside from current levels.
With a forward P/E of 14.965x, CNC trades at a relatively low valuation. The consensus target of $45.5 implies 1.4% appreciation, suggesting the market may be pricing in risks.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $59 for CNC, while the most conservative target is $38. The consensus of $45.5 represents the median expectation. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
CNC is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 43 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 24 have Buy ratings, 17 recommend Hold, and 2 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 43 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $45.5, with estimates ranging from $38 (bear case) to $59 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy".
CNC trades at a forward P/E ratio of 15.0x 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 $45.5 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 $38 to $59, a 46% moderate spread showing some variance in outlooks. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $45.5 consensus represents the middle ground.