$CNC

Centene (CNC) shares rose 5.2% as investors digested late-July results showing improved profitability and cost control. The company reported Q2 2026 adjusted diluted EPS of $2.51 on $44.4B revenue, with the health benefits ratio improving to 89.6%. Centene raised its 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to over $4.80 from over $3.40, citing better Medicaid and Marketplace margins.

CMS said Medicare Advantage payments to private insurers will rise 2.48% next year, implying about $13 billion in additional payments, and 4.98% after risk-score trends. UNH, HUM, CNC and ELV shares rose 5% to 11% in extended trading. CVS and MOH also gained, after a January proposal for a near-flat increase.

Hotchkis & Wiley’s Q2 2026 investor letter says the Hotchkis & Wiley Mid-Cap Value Fund returned 4.74% in Q2 2026, lagging the Russell Midcap Value Index. It highlights Centene (CNC) as a contributor, noting a Q2 adjusted EPS beat versus consensus by 48%, raised full-year guidance, and improved confidence in Medicaid margin recovery and ACA membership reset.

Centene (CNC) is the focus. After FY2026 Q2 results on July 28, shares fell 5.1% as membership declined despite revenue rising 9.9% to $53.6B and adjusted diluted EPS reaching $2.51. Centene raised FY2026 revenue guidance to $193.5B-$197.5B and adjusted EPS to over $4.80. Analysts expect 2026 adjusted EPS of $4.89; Bernstein lifted its price target to $79.

Centene (CNC) reported Q2 results with revenue of $53.58B versus $47.39B expected and adjusted EPS of $2.51 versus $1.08. Management raised full-year revenue guidance to $195.5B and adjusted EPS to $4.80. CEO Sarah London said Medicaid membership declines were driven by state eligibility tightening and regulatory preparations.

Oregon Health & Science University research in Health Affairs analyzed 2022 Medicaid claims and found millions of adolescents are covered by managed care organizations owned by five national firms: Centene, Elevance Health, UnitedHealth Group, Molina Healthcare, and CVS Health. Compared with other MCOs, these firms showed lower screening, more psychotropic prescriptions without psychotherapy, and higher emergency/inpatient mental health use.

Centene (CNC) reported Q2 2026 revenue of $53.579B and net income of $1.091B, and raised 2026 revenue and GAAP EPS guidance. It announced a $500M partial redemption of its 4.25% 2027 notes, completed a buyback program, and changed its board. The update centers on expected margin recovery in Medicaid and Marketplace plans.

Centene Corporation said Kenneth A. Burdick will retire from its board effective July 28, 2026. Paul J. Diaz will join the board on the same date. Burdick served on the board since Jan 2022. Diaz is a managing partner at Cressey & Company and previously led Myriad Genetics and Kindred Healthcare.

Missouri Medicaid faces federal penalties under a new law requiring the state to cut its error rate below 3% starting Oct. 2029. The state is considering extending managed care contracts through FY2028 for plans including Healthy Blue (Elevance Health), Home State Health (Centene) and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Advocates cite a report estimating up to $259 million annual general-revenue savings if run directly, while insurers dispute the premise. Missouri spent $7.6B on managed care in FY2

More and more uninsured patients are showing up in hospital emergency rooms and clinics, having lost their coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Executives running some of the biggest hospital systems, including large for-profit chains spanning many states, expressed concern over the unexpectedly sharp rise in uninsured patients and the costs associated with treating them.