Core Thesis - Centene Corporation (CNC) is viewed as a deep value opportunity with a current share price of $39.34 and a cost basis for investors at $28.15 per share, indicating a discounted valuation relative to its fundamental strength [1][2]. Company Overview - Centene Corporation operates as a healthcare enterprise providing services to under-insured and uninsured families, as well as commercial organizations in the United States [2]. - As the largest Medicaid provider in the U.S., CNC is positioned as a dominant low-cost player in a specialized segment of the healthcare industry, benefiting from scale advantages [3]. Financial Metrics - The estimated maximum liquidation value of Centene exceeds its current market capitalization by over 50%, suggesting substantial potential gains through asset sales [4]. - CNC's seven-year average owner earnings are approximately $2.37 billion, indicating that investors could recoup their investment in about eight years at the current valuation, or in closer to four years if recent earnings levels are maintained [4]. Investment Strategy - The investment strategy involves holding CNC shares unless a superior opportunity arises or there is a significant change in the company's or industry's fundamentals [5]. - A key aspect of the investment thesis is the ability of healthcare insurers to raise prices over time, which supports earnings durability and incremental value creation [5]. Market Context - The broader profitability upswing expected across health insurers is driven by the short-tail nature of healthcare risk, allowing for pricing resets and margin recovery [3].

Core Viewpoint - Centene Corporation is a large-cap healthcare enterprise with a market cap of $19.1 billion, focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals, as well as commercial organizations [1][2]. Financial Performance - Centene's shares have dropped 41.9% from its 52-week high of $66.81, but have increased 29.1% over the past three months, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's gain of 6.2% during the same period [3]. - Year-to-date, Centene's stock is down 35.9%, underperforming the S&P 500's rise of 16.5%, and has dipped 34.7% over the past 52 weeks compared to the S&P 500's return of 13.2% [4]. - The stock has been trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since last year, but has recently moved above its 50-day moving average since early September [4]. Recent Developments - On October 29, Centene's shares jumped 12.5% after the company raised its 2025 adjusted profit forecast to at least $2 per share, which is well above previous estimates [5]. - The company reported a strong Medicaid performance with a 93.4% Medicaid Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) and a total HBR of 92.7%, alongside signs of stabilizing high-cost drug trends [5]. - Centene also exceeded expectations with a Q3 2025 adjusted EPS of $0.50 [5]. Competitive Landscape - In comparison, rival Elevance Health, Inc. has shown a less pronounced decline, with its stock decreasing 10.3% year-to-date and nearly 19% over the past 52 weeks [6]. - Analysts remain cautious on Centene due to its weak performance, with a consensus rating of "Hold" from 20 analysts and a mean price target of $40.53, representing a 4.4% premium to current levels [6].

Core Insights - The Carillon Scout Mid Cap Fund's third-quarter 2025 investor letter highlights strong corporate earnings and AI infrastructure momentum as key drivers for the Russell Midcap Index's positive returns [1] - Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is a significant focus, with a one-month return of 5.35% but a substantial 35.07% decline over the past 52 weeks [2][3] Company Overview - Centene Corporation provides managed care services for government-sponsored health plans, targeting under-insured and uninsured families [2][3] - The company recently lowered its earnings guidance due to higher-than-expected utilization in its health plans and ongoing challenges in its Medicaid business [3] Market Performance - Centene's stock closed at $38.81 per share on December 2, 2025, with a market capitalization of $19.08 billion [2] - The stock has faced investor caution, resulting in an 11.1% decline, and it is not among the top 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds [4] Investment Sentiment - While Centene shows potential as an investment, there is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer better upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Core Insights - Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. has announced a $1.15 million grant over three years to support the Food On The Move mobile food pantry program, which aims to provide healthy food to underserved populations in Illinois [2][4]. Group 1: Grant and Program Details - The grant will fund over 300 mobile market distributions throughout Metro East and Southern Illinois, targeting low-income areas with limited access to nutritious food [3]. - In 2024, Food On The Move supported approximately 12,000 individuals across 4,300 households, and by May 2025, it reached nearly 18,700 people in over 6,500 households [5]. Group 2: Community Impact - More than 1.6 million residents in Illinois face food insecurity, with St. Clair County having an estimated 34,520 food-insecure individuals, representing 13.5% of the population [4]. - The program is expected to serve an anticipated 60,000 community members through 2028, significantly enhancing access to healthy food and nutrition education [5]. Group 3: Program Features and Community Engagement - The mobile pantry allows individuals to choose foods that fit their household needs, serving up to 100 families at each stop, which promotes dignity and respect [7]. - Starting in 2026, Meridian will collaborate with local healthcare providers to offer health screenings and vaccinations at selected Food On The Move events [8].

Core Viewpoint - Centene (CNC) is currently undervalued despite recent struggles, with potential upside linked to possible extensions of ACA insurance subsidies, which could positively impact its business model [1][4]. Company Overview - Centene is based in St. Louis and manages government-sponsored health insurance programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA plans [2]. - The current market capitalization of Centene is $19 billion, with a stock price of $39.32 [3]. Recent Performance - Centene's stock price has seen significant volatility, dropping from over $56 per share in July to below $26 in early August due to concerns over subsidy extensions and Medicaid cuts [5][6]. - The stock has rebounded nearly 19% over the past month, aided by better-than-expected earnings and revenue reports [7]. Market Influences - The stock's performance is closely tied to Medicare and Medicaid spending, as well as the status of ACA health plans [8]. - Recent reports suggest that President Trump may propose a two-year extension for ACA insurance subsidies, which could garner Republican support and benefit Centene as the largest provider in ACA marketplaces [4].

Core Viewpoint - Centene Corporation reported a mixed performance in its latest earnings report, with adjusted earnings per share beating estimates but showing a decline compared to the previous year, while revenues increased significantly year over year [3][4]. Financial Performance - Centene's Q3 2025 adjusted earnings per share were 50 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 21 cents, but down from $1.62 per share in the prior year [3]. - Revenues increased by 18.2% year over year to $49.7 billion, exceeding the consensus mark by 4.4% [3]. - Premiums totaled $44.1 billion, up 22.2% year over year, driven by higher premiums and expanding membership in the Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) [6]. Revenue Breakdown - Medicaid revenues grew 9% year over year to $23.2 billion, while Medicare revenues surged 66% to $9.4 billion [5]. - Commercial revenues improved by 26% year over year to $11 billion [5]. - Service revenues decreased by 1.5% year over year to $772 million, although it beat estimates [7]. Membership and Costs - Total membership (excluding TRICARE) reached 28 million as of September 30, 2025, an 8% increase year over year [8]. - The health benefits ratio deteriorated to 92.7%, a decline of 350 basis points year over year [9]. - Operating expenses rose 37% year over year to $56.6 billion, driven by higher medical costs, which increased by 27% [9]. Cash Flow and Equity - Centene ended Q3 with cash and cash equivalents of $17.1 billion, up from $14.1 billion at the end of 2024 [11]. - Total stockholders' equity fell to $21 billion from $26.5 billion at the end of 2024 [12]. - The company generated $4.7 billion of net cash from operations in the first nine months of 2025, a significant increase from $741 million a year ago [12]. Share Repurchase - Centene repurchased common shares worth approximately $473 million in the first nine months of 2025 [13]. Market Sentiment and Outlook - There has been a downward trend in estimates, with the consensus estimate shifting down by 42.99% [14]. - Centene holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [16]. - The stock has a subpar Growth Score of D and a score of A on the value side, placing it in the top 20% for value investment strategy [15].

Core Insights - Health Net, a Medi-Cal managed care health plan in California, announced over $1.4 million in investments in 2025 to address food insecurity, particularly in light of disruptions to federal nutrition programs affecting millions of families [1][3][4] Investment Details - The investments aim to strengthen community food resources across California, providing immediate relief and long-term solutions to hunger [2] - Key contributions include a $1.1 million grant from the Centene Foundation to the California Association of Food Banks and significant grants to local organizations in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties [7] Community Engagement - Health Net employees volunteered over 500 hours in 2025 with organizations focused on food insecurity, reflecting the company's commitment to community support [5] - The company supports the California Food is Medicine Coalition, which provides medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling to those in need [6] Impact on Local Communities - Food insecurity affects approximately 5.5 million people in California, with over 270,000 in Sacramento County alone, highlighting the critical need for these investments [4] - Local organizations, such as Hope the Mission, emphasize the positive impact of access to nutritious food on community health and well-being [4]

Core Insights - Coordinated Care has provided over 18 million meals in Washington since 2020, addressing food insecurity as part of its commitment to increase access to healthy food [1][5] - The organization’s One Million Meals campaign has consistently exceeded annual goals, demonstrating effective community partnerships [2][5] - Coordinated Care Harvest Bucks program offers Medicaid members up to $100 annually for produce prescriptions, enhancing grocery budgets and promoting nutritional health [4][5] Company Initiatives - The One Million Meals campaign began during the COVID-19 pandemic and has shown significant success through collaboration with local partners [2][3] - Coordinated Care's volunteer efforts have included packing meals and supporting local food programs, reflecting a strong community engagement [7] - The organization aims to address whole-person health care needs by integrating food access with healthcare services [5][8] Community Impact - Food insecurity affects approximately 47.4 million people in the U.S., including 13.8 million children, highlighting the importance of Coordinated Care's initiatives [1] - The organization collaborates with various local food banks and health organizations to maximize its impact on community health [2][7] - Coordinated Care's efforts are part of a broader mission to transform community health by addressing nutrition and food access challenges [5][8]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting personal in-depth research and due diligence before making investment decisions [3] Group 1 - The analysis is intended for informational purposes and should not be considered professional investment advice [3] - There is a clear disclaimer regarding the lack of any stock or derivative positions in the companies mentioned, indicating a neutral stance [2] - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and does not reflect the views of Seeking Alpha as a whole [4]

Core Insights - President Trump is expected to announce a plan to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which has led to a surge in shares of major health insurers [1][5] - The proposed plan may extend ACA subsidies for approximately two years and could introduce new income limits for enrollees, along with minimum premium payments [1][2] Group 1: Market Reaction - Shares of Molina Healthcare (MOH) increased by over 3%, Centene (CNC) rose by 5%, and Oscar Health (OSCR) saw an 18% jump following the news [1] - The potential extension of subsidies is anticipated to stabilize enrollment and reduce volatility in the individual health insurance market [2] Group 2: Legislative Context - The ACA subsidies were a contentious issue during the recent government shutdown, with Democratic lawmakers blocking funding bills to extend these subsidies [3] - The White House plans to request Congress to approve funds aimed at reducing cost-sharing, which would lower out-of-pocket expenses for some ACA recipients [2]