Analyst Stephen Baxter of Wells Fargo reiterated a Buy rating on Centene (CNC – Research Report), retaining the price target of $76.00.
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Stephen Baxter has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors including Centene’s impressive fourth-quarter performance and optimistic guidance for 2025. The company’s adjusted earnings per share (EPS) significantly surpassed expectations, reflecting strong financial health despite some challenges in Medicaid medical loss ratio (MLR). Additionally, Centene’s revenue guidance was raised by $4 billion, indicating robust growth prospects driven by increased enrollments in key segments such as Medicare Advantage and Medicaid.
Furthermore, Centene’s strategic approach, including favorable adjustments in general and administrative expenses and a lower-than-expected tax rate, supports its financial resilience. Although there were concerns over higher Medicaid MLR, the company’s conservative reserve management and overall positive indicators in other financial areas suggest a solid foundation for future performance. This combination of strong results, upward guidance revisions, and strategic financial management underpins Baxter’s favorable outlook on Centene’s stock.
In another report released today, Barclays also maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a $93.00 price target.