Centene (CNC) Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
CNC - Centene Corporation
$70.17
-1.07 (-1.50%)
▼
5d:
+1.46%
30d:
+13.32%
90d:
+9.5%
WAIT
LOW Confidence
Analysis Updated: Oct 23, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Oct 27, 2026
2d
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
📊 MIXED SIGNALS: CNC shows conflicting indicators. Wait for confirmation before entering.
📊 MIXED SIGNALS: CNC shows conflicting indicators. Wait for confirmation before entering.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$92.59
Based on 6.8% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$57.49
Trading above historical range
How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 12.5x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: CNC is currently trading at $70.17, which is considered extended relative to its 30-day fair value range of $62.82 to $69.23. The stock's valuation (Forward PE: 13.1) is in line with its historical norms (12.5). At these levels, the market is pricing in 1.6% annual earnings growth. This growth rate appears achievable given the company's track record, suggesting the valuation is rational.
Technical Outlook: Technically, CNC is in a strong downtrend. Immediate support is located at $65.08, while resistance sits at $72.50.
Market Sentiment: CNC scores 0/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge. Note this measures entry quality, not trend direction — a low score can mean the chart is extended after a strong run (don't chase) or still falling without stabilization; better entries typically come after a pullback toward the 20-day average. Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Technical Outlook: Technically, CNC is in a strong downtrend. Immediate support is located at $65.08, while resistance sits at $72.50.
Market Sentiment: CNC scores 0/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge. Note this measures entry quality, not trend direction — a low score can mean the chart is extended after a strong run (don't chase) or still falling without stabilization; better entries typically come after a pullback toward the 20-day average. Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
EXTENDED
Historical Trading Range
$62.82 -
$69.23
Company Quality Score
25/100
(STRONG SELL)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
24.8%
Protect Your Profits
Holding CNC? Use our AI-powered strategies to protect your downside while keeping your long-term position.
View Profit Protection PlanAll Signals
- BEARISH: Price extended above range
- BEARISH: Weak technical setup (0/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- NEUTRAL: Near Wall St target ($71.78)
- NEUTRAL: Market pricing in 1.6% annual earnings growth - fairly valued
- WARNING: Composite score 24/100 in the bottom quintile — this cohort historically lags the market
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$62.82 -
$69.23
Current vs Trading Range
EXTENDED
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$65.08
Resistance Level
$72.50
Current Trend
Strong Downtrend
Technical data as of
Oct 23, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
13.12
Wall Street Target
$71.78
(+2.3%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
4.6%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
18.3%
Profit Margin
-2.8%
Valuation Premium vs History
+1.6% premium
PE vs Historical
13.1 vs 12.5
FAIR
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
+1.6%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$71.29
(+2%)
2-Year Target
$72.43
(+3%)
3-Year Target
$73.59
(+5%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 13→13)
PE COMPRESSION
$70.11
(0%)
Earnings growth offset by PE compression
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 19.9, Growth: 9.5%)
$139.38
(+99%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 13.1, Growth: 9.5%)
$92.09
(+31%)
Bear:
(PE: 11.2, Growth: 9.5%)
$78.27
(+12%)
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: October 24, 2026 6:23 AM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 7:23 AM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 7:23 AM
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Technical Signals Check
Is CNC showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
0
Buys
0
Sells
0
Net
NEUTRAL
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Advanced CNC Option Strategies
Professional options setups generated by AI based on today's CNC price and gamma walls.
