Cantor upgrades Centene to Overweight on margin improvement path

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Sarah James last night upgraded Centene (CNC) to Overweight from Neutral with a price target of $60, up from $41. The company’s path to margin improvement “has become incrementally clear,” the analyst tells investors in a research note. Cantor sees a “compelling entry point” at current share levels, saying its base case Scenario implies 90% stock appreciation over two years. The firm views the healthcare exchange bear case scenario in Q2 and Q3 unlikely and views Centene’s 2026 outlook as conservative.