Centene Corporation $CNC Shares Sold by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP reduced its holdings in Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) by 4.5% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 2,835,121 shares of the company’s stock after selling 133,562 shares during the quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP’s holdings in Centene were worth $92,798,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in CNC. Baird Financial Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Centene in the 1st quarter valued at $236,000. Sivia Capital Partners LLC raised its position in Centene by 80.0% during the second quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 9,710 shares of the company’s stock worth $527,000 after acquiring an additional 4,315 shares during the period. CW Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Centene by 20.3% in the second quarter. CW Advisors LLC now owns 4,863 shares of the company’s stock valued at $264,000 after purchasing an additional 820 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Centene by 6.1% in the second quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 44,945 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,440,000 after purchasing an additional 2,582 shares during the period. Finally, Treasurer of the State of North Carolina increased its stake in shares of Centene by 0.4% during the second quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina now owns 231,938 shares of the company’s stock worth $12,590,000 after purchasing an additional 967 shares in the last quarter. 93.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Centene Price Performance

CNC stock opened at $61.79 on Thursday. Centene Corporation has a 1 year low of $25.08 and a 1 year high of $69.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 1.12. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.51 billion, a PE ratio of -5.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 1.07. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $63.74 and a 200-day simple moving average of $50.09.

Centene (NYSE:CNC) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 28th. The company reported $2.51 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.09 by $1.42. The firm had revenue of $53.58 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $47.64 billion. Centene had a positive return on equity of 12.12% and a negative net margin of 2.51%.The firm’s revenue was up 9.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($0.16) earnings per share. Centene has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.800- EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Centene Corporation will post 4.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Trending Headlines about Centene

Here are the key news stories impacting Centene this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Large earnings and revenue beat: Centene reported adjusted EPS of $2.51, versus the roughly $1.09 consensus estimate, while revenue reached $53.58 billion, up 9.9% year over year and well above expectations. GAAP net income was $1.09 billion, compared with a loss in the prior-year quarter. Centene Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results
• Positive Sentiment: Profit outlook raised: Management increased 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to above $4.80 and GAAP diluted EPS guidance to above $3.11. Revenue guidance was raised to $193.5 billion-$197.5 billion, reflecting stronger premium and service revenue growth. Centene Raises Annual Profit Forecast
• Positive Sentiment: Improving medical cost trends: The health benefits ratio improved to 89.6% from 93.0% a year earlier. Commercial results were particularly strong, with a 79.2% ratio, while Medicare also showed improvement. Analysts highlighted margin recovery, cost discipline and better Marketplace performance as key drivers. Centene Stock Q2 Earnings Call Highlights Margin Recovery
• Positive Sentiment: Valuation viewed favorably: Recent commentary argues that CNC may still look inexpensive after its substantial advance, with the earnings recovery potentially supporting further gains. Centene Stock Still Looks Like a Bargain
• Neutral Sentiment: Debt and board changes: Centene announced the partial redemption of $500 million of 2027 notes. It also added Paul J. Diaz to the board following Kenneth Burdick’s retirement. These moves are unlikely to materially change near-term earnings but may signal balance-sheet management and governance transition. Centene Announces Partial Redemption of 2027 Notes
• Negative Sentiment: Membership remains a concern: Total at-risk membership declined to 25.885 million, and Medicaid membership softened. Investors appear focused on whether enrollment declines and the Medicaid outlook could limit future revenue growth despite better margins. Centene Back on Track
• Negative Sentiment: Expectations and valuation risk: With CNC near its 52-week high after a 150% run, some investors may be taking profits. Robert W. Baird raised its price target to $66 but maintained a neutral rating, suggesting limited near-term upside from current levels.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on CNC. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Centene from $72.00 to $74.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, June 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on Centene from $70.00 to $71.00 and gave the company a “sector perform” rating in a report on Thursday, July 9th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on Centene from $39.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 29th. Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on Centene from $46.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Raymond James Financial set a $75.00 price objective on Centene in a research note on Tuesday, July 7th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $67.00.

Centene Profile

Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) is a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise that specializes in providing services to government-sponsored and national health programs. The company primarily acts as a managed care organization, delivering healthcare coverage and administering benefits for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare Advantage, and individual marketplace plans. Centene also contracts with federal and state agencies to manage specialty care programs and community-based services for vulnerable populations.

Centene’s offerings extend beyond traditional insurance to include a range of specialty and support services.