Centene Raises 2026 Profit Forecast Above $5.20 Per Share on Strong Q3 Results

Health insurer Centene raised its annual profit forecast on Tuesday and reported better-than-expected third-quarter results, citing solid fundamentals in its core businesses. The company now expects 2026 adjusted profit of more than $5.20 per share, up from its prior guidance of more than $4.80. Analysts had expected $4.88, according to LSEG data. Centene's medical loss ratio—the share of premiums spent on medical care—was 92.7% in the third quarter, unchanged from a year earlier and slightly below the 92.84% analysts anticipated. "Solid underlying fundamentals within our core businesses have powered a faster recovery to our earnings trajectory than previously anticipated," CEO Sarah M. London said. Health insurers have contended with rising medical costs in recent years as patients seek more care, pressuring profits and driving a focus on cost controls.