Centene Corp
NYSE: CNC · HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS
Updated 2026-04-29
Centene Corp (CNC) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for CNC.
Valued
Valuation reasonably reflects current fundamentals. Limited margin of safety at these levels.
CNC historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in CNC's own 5Y range.
CNC intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Standard discounted cash flow models produce unreliable output for unprofitable or near-breakeven companies. Revenue-based multiples such as P/S and EV/Sales, combined with the historical valuation position above, give a more reliable read for this stock.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
CNC valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 0.15x
Is CNC overvalued in 2026?
Centene Corp (CNC) currently trades at $53.98 per share with a market capitalization of $26,655,162,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock trades at a fair valuation with a Smart Value Score of 58/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
CNC currently has no meaningful P/E ratio, which typically signals that the company is unprofitable, near breakeven, or emerging from a loss-making period. With a P/S ratio of 0.1x, the market is valuing the company primarily on its revenue rather than its earnings.
Looking at its own history, CNC is currently trading cheaper than 100% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 0th percentile of its historical range, a level that has historically coincided with attractive entry points.
A standard DCF model does not produce reliable output for CNC under current conditions. For unprofitable or near-breakeven companies, revenue-based multiples such as EV/Sales and historical P/S percentile are more informative than intrinsic value calculations.
The Piotroski F-Score of 4/9 puts financial quality in a middling range, neither a standout strength nor an obvious red flag.
Bottom line: CNC trades at a fair valuation on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 58/100. The valuation is defensible but offers no obvious bargain. Patience or a better entry price may reward disciplined buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is CNC overvalued in 2026?
Based on a Smart Value Score of 58/100, CNC is fairly valued. Price reasonably reflects current fundamentals with limited cushion in either direction.
What is CNC's fair value?
Standard DCF is unreliable for CNC due to its current profitability profile. Revenue-based approaches such as EV/Sales or historical P/S percentile are more informative for this stock.
What P/E ratio does CNC trade at?
CNC does not have a meaningful P/E ratio at this time, typically a sign of unprofitability or an ongoing earnings transition.
Is CNC a buy based on valuation?
WallStSmart does not issue buy or sell recommendations. Our Smart Value Score of 58/100 reflects the combined read on growth, quality, and price. The profile is balanced. Best suited for investors with an existing thesis.
How does CNC's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, CNC currently sits in the 0th percentile of its own 5Y range. That is historically cheap relative to where it has traded over the period.
What is CNC's Smart Value Score?
CNC's Smart Value Score is 58/100. The Smart Value Score is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation attractiveness into a single 0-100 read. Scores above 75 are rare and indicate strong multi-factor alignment.