Centene Reports Losses but Exceeds 2026 EPS Guidance
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 06 2026
0mins
Should l Buy CNC?
Source: Investing
Centene Corp's stock fell 3.13% and hit a 20-day low amid broader market gains, with the Nasdaq-100 up 0.96% and the S&P 500 up 0.93%.
The company reported a GAAP diluted loss per share of $13.53 for 2025, but provided an optimistic adjusted EPS guidance for 2026, expecting it to exceed $3.00, which is above Wall Street's average estimate of $2.88. This guidance reflects management's confidence in restoring profitability despite challenges in the healthcare market, including increased competition and rising medical costs.
Despite the current losses, Centene's strong revenue growth and improved cash position indicate potential for recovery. The company reported a significant increase in Q4 revenues, which may attract investor interest moving forward.
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Analyst Views on CNC
Wall Street analysts forecast CNC stock price to rise
15 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
8 Hold
2 Sell
Hold
Current: 41.230
Low
32.00
Averages
43.07
High
59.00
Current: 41.230
Low
32.00
Averages
43.07
High
59.00
About CNC
Centene Corporation is a healthcare company. The Company provides fully integrated services to government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Its segments include Medicaid, Medicare, Commercial and Other. Specifically, the Medicaid segment includes the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, Medicaid Expansion programs, the Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) program, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), Foster Care, Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMP), which cover beneficiaries who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare and other state-based programs. The Medicare segment includes Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. The Commercial segment includes the Health Insurance Marketplace product along with individual, small group, and large group commercial health insurance products.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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