Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) reported robust first-quarter earnings for 2026, with adjusted EPS rising to $3.37 and a health benefits ratio decrease to 87.3%, prompting TD Cowen to lift its price target from $38 to $48 while reaffirming a 'Hold' rating. The company attributed its growth to improved premium yields and membership increases, while it raised its fiscal EPS guidance, indicating a favorable outlook in the healthcare sector. However, ongoing legal scrutiny and investor concerns regarding inflated financial risks cast a shadow over these positive developments.
“Centene · witnessed health benefits ratio decrease · 87.3% · in the first quarter”
“Centene · closed up · percentage · +5%”
“Centene · has · Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin · 3.6%”
“Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) · is · one of the best healthcare stocks to buy for the long term”
“TD Cowen · lifted · the price target on Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) · to $48 from $38”
“TD Cowen · reaffirmed · a Hold rating on the shares of Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC)”
“Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) · reported · its fiscal Q1 2026 results”
“Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) · had · first-quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share · of $3.11”
“Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) · had · adjusted diluted earnings per share · of $3.37”
“Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) · raised · its 2026 GAAP diluted EPS guidance · to greater than $2.37”
“Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) · raised · its adjusted diluted EPS guidance · to greater than $3.40”
“Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) · attributes growth to · premium yield and membership growth”
