Summary
QEN Chart
Health Insurers Now Get a Pulse: 3 Stocks to Jump in 2026
Health insurers are regaining pricing control and margin visibility, putting UnitedHealth, CVS Health and Centene back in focus as managed care regains its pulse.
3 HMO Stocks in Focus Despite Rising Medical Costs, Regulatory Pressures
The Medical-HMO industry pursues growth through M&A and tech innovation, aided by easing interest rates, but faces headwinds from rising medical costs, regulatory shifts and a shortage of healthcare professionals. UNH, HUM and CNC are likely to navigate industry storms.
Centene's Recovery Still Has Legs - Further Margin Expansion Ahead
CNC remains a Great Buy, thanks to its promising multi-year margin recovery prospects arising from the drastically raised premiums by the mid 30%s. While the management already expects to see "some degree of membership attrition," I am of the opinion that this is an inevitable (and temporary) pain for its future margin recovery. The raised FY2025 guidance and the bottoming in its FQ3'25 HBR imply the worst may be behind us, with FY2026 likely to bring forth improved numbers.
Centene Corporation (QEN) FAQ
What is the stock price today?
On which exchange is it traded?
What is its stock symbol?
Does it pay dividends? What is the current yield?
What is its market cap?
When is the next earnings date?
Has Centene Corporation ever had a stock split?
Centene Corporation Profile
| Health Care Providers & Services Industry | Healthcare Sector | Sarah M. London CEO | XDUS Exchange | US15135B1017 ISIN |
| US Country | 60,400 Employees | - Last Dividend | 7 Feb 2019 Last Split | 13 Dec 2001 IPO Date |
Overview
Centene Corporation stands as a prominent healthcare enterprise catering to the essential healthcare needs of under-insured and uninsured families, commercial organizations, and military families within the United States. Distinguished by its commitment to providing comprehensive health programs and services, the company navigates through the complexity of healthcare needs across diverse populations. Established in 1984 and headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri, Centene has carved a niche for itself in the healthcare sector by offering a wide array of services across its multiple operational segments including Medicaid, Medicare, Commercial, and Other segments. The company's focus on accessibility and quality care underlines its mission to deliver healthcare solutions that foster well-being and improve health outcomes for all its members.
Products and Services
Centene's product and service portfolio spans across several key areas of healthcare, addressing the needs of a vast demographic through its diversified offerings:
- Medicaid: This segment caters to health plan coverage for individuals and families qualifying under Medicaid expansion, aged, blind, disabled individuals, the children's health insurance program, foster care, and those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligibles). It also provides long-term services and support, encompassing a broad range of healthcare products to meet the diverse needs of its members.
- Medicare: In this segment, Centene offers specialized plans for those with specific needs (Special Needs Plans) and Medicare supplement plans. Additionally, the company provides Prescription Drug Plans, which are essential for many elderly and disabled individuals relying on medications for managing their health conditions.
- Commercial: This segment offers health insurance marketplace products tailored for individuals, small and large groups. By catering to the commercial market, Centene ensures that businesses of all sizes can provide their employees with access to quality healthcare services.
- Clinical Healthcare and Pharmacies: Centene operates clinical healthcare facilities and pharmacies, which are vital components of its healthcare delivery model. These services ensure that members receive timely and efficient care, as well as access to necessary medications.
- Dental Services: Recognizing the importance of oral health as part of overall well-being, Centene also offers dental services to its members, ensuring comprehensive healthcare solutions that address all aspects of health.
- Government Contracts: Centene engages in the government contracts business, notably under the TRICARE program, which provides health benefits for military personnel, retirees, and their dependents. This showcases Centene's commitment to serving the health needs of military families and underscores its capacity to manage large-scale healthcare programs.
