Centene Corporation (CNC) Price Target Analysis
Updated Jul 2, 2026
Analyst Rating: Buy
Based on 43 analysts9.6% Above Target
CNC trades 9.6% above Wall Street's consensus target of $59.79.
Current Price$66.12
Average Target$59.79
Target
Current
Low$39.00
Median$60.00
High$80.00
Analyst Target Range
Forward P/E18.9x
(Fair)
PEG Ratio—
Implied Growth+126.9%
(High Growth)
Analyst Spread68.6%
(Wide Disagreement)
Price Forecast (1 Year)
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
Consensus Scenario Assumptions
The base valuation assumes CNC achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 18.9x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 43 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
CNC Price Target Analysis
Updated July 8, 2026As of July 8, 2026, Centene Corporation (CNC) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $59.79, based on estimates from 43 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $66.12, this represents a potential downside of -9.6%. The company has a market capitalization of $32.65B.
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 -4.9x and forward P/E of 18.9x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +126.9% 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
-5.1%
Industry Consensus
Avg Forward P/E
49.6x
(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. | $12.1B | $232.90 | $178.92 | -23.2% | Buy | 45.4x | 38 |
 UNHUnitedHealth Group Incorporated | $388.9B | $428.19 | $426.75 | -0.3% | Buy | 23.3x | 52 |
 ELVElevance Health Inc. | $91.0B | $418.85 | $419.75 | +0.2% | Buy | 15.6x | 37 |
 HUMHumana Inc. | $47.4B | $394.62 | $298.50 | -24.4% | Hold | 44.6x | 44 |
 CVSCVS Health Corporation | $133.1B | $104.33 | $103.64 | -0.7% | Buy | 14.1x | 41 |
 ALHCAlignment Healthcare, Inc. | $4.9B | $24.05 | $24.33 | +1.2% | Buy | 126.2x | 16 |
 OSCROscar Health, Inc. | $8.1B | $31.12 | $24.20 | -22.2% | Hold | 29.8x | 11 |
 CLOVClover Health Investments, Corp. | $2.6B | $5.00 | $4.47 | -10.6% | Hold | 129.2x | 9 |
 BHVNBiohaven Ltd. | $1.6B | $15.55 | $16.50 | +6.1% | Buy | — | 25 |
 MCKMcKesson Corporation | $97.0B | $807.33 | $994.86 | +23.2% | Buy | 18.2x | 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 $59.79, -9.6% from its current price of $66.12. 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 $59.79 implies -9.6% downside from current levels.
Is CNC stock overvalued or undervalued?
With a forward P/E of 18.893x, CNC trades at a relatively low valuation. The consensus target of $59.79 implies -9.6% 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 $59.79 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 $59.79, 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 18.9x 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 $59.79 (-9.6% 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 $59.79 consensus represents the middle ground.
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