CNC Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
CNC - Centene Corporation
$35.11
1.16 (3.42%)
▲
5d:
+4.62%
30d:
-21.96%
90d:
-14.68%
BUY
HIGH Confidence
Analysis Updated: Apr 2, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Apr 24, 2026
20d
Smart Money Accumulation
CNC is down 5.7% this week, but smart money is accumulating calls. Top strike: $45 2026-06-18 with 3,928 OI. Call ratio: 65% View Scanner →
Strength: 4.3/10
Get Alerted When CNC Hits Your Target Price
Join 10,000+ traders who never miss a move
You're in! Check your email to confirm and set your target price.
100% Free
No spam, ever
Unsubscribe anytime
Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
Loading chart...
Loading historical data...
Bottom Line:
✅ BUY SIGNAL: CNC appears deeply undervalued. Market expects -11.0% annual earnings decline despite 22% recent earnings growth. Contrarian opportunity at discount to historical valuation.
✅ BUY SIGNAL: CNC appears deeply undervalued. Market expects -11.0% annual earnings decline despite 22% recent earnings growth. Contrarian opportunity at discount to historical valuation.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$96.85
Based on 14.5% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$60.14
41.6% Margin of Safety
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 12.2x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: CNC is currently trading at $35.11, which is considered slightly low relative to its 30-day fair value range of $33.00 to $42.49. From a valuation perspective, the stock is trading at a discount (Forward PE: 8.6) compared to its historical average (12.2). Remarkably, the market is currently pricing in an annual earnings decline of 11.0% over the next few years. This pessimistic expectation contrasts with the company's recent 21.8% earnings growth, suggesting potential undervaluation if the company simply maintains stability.
Technical Outlook: Technically, CNC is in a strong downtrend. The price is approaching resistance at $35.58. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation. The stock is showing strong short-term momentum, up 3.4% recently.
Market Sentiment: The stock shows a mixed technical setup (45/100), with neutral trendline and momentum signals. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $43.18 (+23.0%). Combining these factors, the current setup offers a favorable risk/reward ratio for buyers.
Technical Outlook: Technically, CNC is in a strong downtrend. The price is approaching resistance at $35.58. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation. The stock is showing strong short-term momentum, up 3.4% recently.
Market Sentiment: The stock shows a mixed technical setup (45/100), with neutral trendline and momentum signals. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $43.18 (+23.0%). Combining these factors, the current setup offers a favorable risk/reward ratio for buyers.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
SLIGHTLY LOW
Fair Price Range
$33.00 -
$42.49
Company Quality Score
54/100
(HOLD)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
84.3%
All Signals
- BULLISH: Price oversold vs 30-day range
- NEUTRAL: Mixed technical signals (45/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BULLISH: Strong upward momentum (+3.4%)
- BULLISH: Trading 23.0% below Wall St target ($43.18)
Fair Price Analysis
30-Day Fair Range
$33.00 -
$42.49
Current vs Fair Value
SLIGHTLY LOW
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$31.63
Resistance Level
$35.58
Current Trend
Strong Downtrend
Technical data as of
Apr 2, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
8.61
Wall Street Target
$43.18
(+23.0%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
23.2%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
21.8%
Profit Margin
-3.8%
Valuation Discount vs History
-11.0% cheaper
PE vs Historical
8.6 vs 12.2
CHEAP
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
-11.0%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$31.60
(-10%)
2-Year Target
$28.44
(-19%)
3-Year Target
$25.60
(-27%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 9→12)
$36.26
(+3%)
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 20.6, Growth: 36.2%)
$212.08
(+504%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 8.6, Growth: 36.2%)
$88.80
(+153%)
Bear:
(PE: 7.3, Growth: 36.2%)
$75.48
(+115%)
💡
Upside Surprise Potential
If earnings stabilize (0% growth), PE could expand from 8.6 to 12.2
Stabilization Target:
$49.73
(+41.7%)
PE Expansion Potential:
+41.7%
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: April 02, 2026 7:17 PM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 8:17 PM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 8:17 PM
🔥 Top Stocks Breaking Out Now
| Ticker | Score | Recommendation | Change % |
|---|
Technical Signals Check
Is CNC showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
1
Buys
1
Sells
0
Net
NEUTRAL
Recent Transactions
Ro Khanna
SELL
2026-02-05
Ro Khanna
BUY
2026-01-29
Top Rated Healthcare Plans Stocks
Top-rated stocks in Healthcare Plans by analyst ratings.
| Stock | Analyst Consensus | Analyst Target | Tradestie Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CVS
CVS Health Corp |
STRONG BUY
28 analysts |
$97 | 63 BUY |
|
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incor… |
STRONG BUY
27 analysts |
$361 | 64 BUY |
|
CI
Cigna Corp |
STRONG BUY
25 analysts |
$339 | 61 BUY |
|
ELV
Elevance Health Inc |
STRONG BUY
22 analysts |
$381 | 58 HOLD |
|
HUM
Humana Inc |
HOLD
26 analysts |
$212 | 57 HOLD |
Advanced CNC Option Strategies
Professional options setups generated by AI based on today's CNC price and gamma walls.
