Cantor Fitzgerald Keeps a Neutral Rating on Centene (CNC) Amid Ongoing Rate Uncertainty

Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is one of the S&P 500 stocks with a low PE ratio. On September 16, Cantor Fitzgerald assigned a Neutral rating to CNC along with a $38 price target.

The firm noted that finalized rates usually match payor proposals but are less than the desired 30%+ increases for 2026, which resulted in a cautious market outlook. Centene, a major player in the Healthcare Providers & Services industry, has a strong financial profile, controlled debt, and a PE ratio of 8.03x.

According to Cantor Fitzgerald, an analysis of the first 15 states with finalized rates demonstrates that payors’ final rates are within nearly 1% of their initial proposals, while Centene’s final rates were about 30 basis points higher. The research firm identified less-responsive states, noting a huge discrepancy in New York, where Centene’s proposed 8.1% increase was finalized at only 2.9%.

The market climate remains uncertain due to political instability, particularly around the CMS Marketplace Integrity & Affordability Final Rule and the upcoming expiration of premium-enhanced subsidies at year-end.

Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is a healthcare company providing services to under-insured and uninsured individuals, as well as commercial organizations in the United States.

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