Centene CorporationNYSE: CNC
Health Care · Managed Health Care
$53.45
-0.45%
Vol: 4.3M
Research Digest
Friday, May 1, 2026
Centene Q1 beats expectations and raises full-year guidance; Cantor Fitzgerald upgrades to Overweight
Centene Corp reported strong Q1 2026 results with adjusted EPS of $3.37, beating expectations of $2.13, and revenues of $49.94B versus expected $47.58B. Company raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to above $3.40, up 13.3% from prior guidance, and increased revenue guidance to $171.0B-$175.0B. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded stock from Neutral to Overweight with PT of $60 from $41. Stock jumped 14.6% on the earnings beat.
Previous Market Intelligence
13 daysApr 30Centene surges 27% as Q1 earnings of $3.37 EPS beat expectations and 2026 guidance raised above $3.40 (April 28)Positive▶
Centene reported strong Q1 2026 profitability with adjusted EPS of $3.37 (beat $2.23 consensus by 51%), marking the first profitable quarter after negative results in Q3-Q4 2025. The company raised full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance above $3.40 and expects $187.5-191.5B revenue. CMS announced favorable 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D payment rates with net 2.48% increase, adding over $13B to industry revenue, boosting Centene's Medicare business outlook. Stock surged 14.6%-27% on the earnings beat. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded to Overweight with $60 PT from Neutral/$41.
Apr 29Centene Q1 2026: Adjusted EPS $3.37 beat estimates of $2.13 by 80%; raised FY2026 EPS guidance to >$3.40; stock jumped 14.6%.Positive▶
Centene reported Q1 2026 adjusted EPS of $3.37, significantly beating analyst consensus of $2.13. Total revenues reached $49.94 billion, exceeding forecasts. Health benefits ratio improved 20 basis points YoY to 87.3%. Premium and service revenues grew 5% to $44.7 billion from $42.5 billion YoY, driven by premium yield, PDP membership growth, and rate increases. The company raised FY2026 adjusted EPS guidance to >$3.40 (midpoint), up 13.3% from prior guidance, and lifted full-year revenue forecast by $1 billion to ~$189.5 billion. The company invested $10 million in affordable housing and is expanding AI/advanced analytics.
Apr 16Executive restructuring complete with two new Group Presidents; stock rallies on strong CMS Medicare Advantage signalsPositive▶
Centene announced executive leadership changes on April 6, 2026, hiring Daniel Finke as Group President Markets and Michael Carson as Group President Medicare. Stock has surged 18% over 7 days following positive CMS 2027 Medicare Advantage payment rate signals. Trading at $37.14 with 19.45% upside to $41.94 consensus PT. Q1 earnings on April 28.
Apr 15Centene projects >40% YoY adjusted EPS growth to exceed $3 in 2026 despite Q4 adjusted loss of $1.19 per share.Mixed▶
Centene reported Q4 2025 adjusted loss per share of $1.19 but projects significant 2026 recovery with adjusted EPS exceeding $3, representing >40% year-over-year growth. The company serves 20 million medical members as of December 2025, with 64% in Medicaid, 28% in individual exchanges, and 5% in Medicare. Recent Medicare Advantage payment increases are expected to support margins. Leadership created two new group president roles to address margin pressures.
Apr 14Centene announces new executive leadership structure and guides to 40%+ EPS growth in 2026 despite Q4 loss.Mixed▶
Centene announced creation of two new executive positions: Daniel Finke as Group President Markets and Commercial, and Michael Carson as Group President Medicare and Specialty, both reporting to CEO Sarah London. Despite Q4 adjusted loss of $1.19 per share, the company guides 2026 adjusted EPS exceeding $3, representing 40%+ year-over-year growth. Q1 2026 earnings scheduled for April 28.
Apr 13Centene Corp surged 18% on 7-day winning streak with Q1 earnings April 28 and new executive leadership structure.Positive▶
Centene Corporation completed a 7-day winning streak with 18% cumulative gains as of April 10, 2026. The company appointed Daniel Finke as Group President, Markets and Commercial. Centene set FY 2026 guidance at $3.00 EPS with over 40% year-over-year growth expected. Q1 2026 results release set for April 28.
Apr 10Centene achieves 5-day winning streak with 14% gain; BofA upgrades to $34 price target but maintains Underperform.Mixed▶
Centene Corp hit a 5-day winning streak with cumulative gains of 14% as of April 8, adding $2.2 billion market cap. Company projects 2026 premium and service revenue of $170-174 billion with adjusted EPS exceeding $3.00 (40% YoY growth). BofA raised price target to $34 from $32 but kept Underperform rating. Q1 2026 earnings expected April 28.
Apr 9Centene announces new leadership structure; North Carolina units merge to expand statewide footprintMixed▶
Centene announced April 6 creation of two new executive positions: Daniel Finke (Group President, Markets/Commercial, ex-Aetna SVP) and Michael Carson (Group President, Medicare/Specialty). Carolina Complete Health and WellCare NC will merge into single provider-led MCO under Carolina Complete Health brand serving 980K members. Positive momentum from increased Medicare Advantage payment rates. Q4 2025 showed adjusted loss of $1.19 EPS but company projects 2026 adjusted EPS exceeding $3 (>40% YoY growth). Analyst consensus Hold with $41.94 PT (19.45% upside). Recent ACA membership headwinds present execution risk.
Apr 8Centene names new group presidents for Markets and Medicare as it manages cost pressuresNegative▶
Centene appointed Daniel Finke (Group President, Markets/Commercial) and Michael Carson (Group President, Medicare/Specialty) April 6. Q4 adjusted EPS loss of $1.19, but 2026 guidance calls for EPS >$3 (+40% YoY). Stock down 13% after ACE membership miss announcement.
Apr 7No significant overnight updatesNeutral▶
No material news in the last 48 hours.
Apr 6Centene upgraded to Buy as earnings reset opens re-rating door; 2026 EPS exceeds $3.Positive▶
Centene upgraded to Buy as margin recovery and earnings normalization appear credible post-crisis. Company projects 2026 adjusted EPS exceeding $3 (>40% YoY growth) vs Q4 2025 adjusted loss of -$1.19. 2026 guidance: $170-$174B premium/service revenue. Medicaid and Medicare expected to drive margin stabilization.
Apr 3Centene projects 2026 adjusted EPS exceeding $3.00 (40% YoY growth) while facing Medicaid funding pressures and declining ACA enrollment.Mixed▶
Centene reported Q4 2025 adjusted loss per share of $1.19 but projects significant 2026 growth with adjusted EPS exceeding $3.00, representing 40% year-over-year increase. Company expects 2026 premium and service revenue between $170-174 billion. Health Net subsidiary launching $1 million campaign to educate Medi-Cal members ahead of 2027 requirements.
Apr 2Centene units win North Carolina regulatory approval to merge, forming combined plan serving over 980,000 members.Mixed▶
Carolina Complete Health and WellCare of North Carolina received regulatory approval to close merger on April 2, 2026, with combined plan serving over 980,000 members. Centene is navigating Medicaid funding cuts and declining ACA enrollment challenges. Q4 2025 showed adjusted loss per share of $1.19 but company projects 2026 adjusted EPS exceeding $3. Q1 2026 earnings expected April 28 with analysts expecting $1.88 per share profit.
Sector Peers
| Company | Price | Day | 1M | Fwd P/E | Beta | Mkt Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNHUNITEDHEALTH | $370.09 | -0.11% | +31.7% | 17.9x | 0.41 | $336.5B |
| ELVELEVANCE | $373.38 | -0.81% | +24.4% | 12.9x | 0.50 | $81.7B |
| HUMHUMANA | $234.67 | -0.75% | +29.4% | 15.5x | 0.45 | $28.4B |
| CNCCENTENE | $53.45 | -0.45% | +51.7% | 12.3x | 0.59 | $26.5B |
| MOHMOLINA | $192.82 | -0.92% | +35.8% | 21.9x | 0.55 | $10.1B |
| LLYELI | $964.50 | +3.20% | +0.8% | 22.2x | 0.50 | $834.9B |
Key Fundamentals
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Price above both MAs — bullish structure.