Why Centene (CNC) is a Top Value Stock for the Long-Term

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Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors alike.

Many investors also have a go-to methodology that helps guide their buy and sell decisions. One way to find winning stocks based on your preferred way of investing is to use the Zacks Style Scores, which are indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing types: value, growth, and momentum.

Why Investors Should Pay Attention to This Value Stock

Different than growth or momentum investors, value-focused investors are all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under what their true value is before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Centene (CNC)

Centene Corporation is a well-diversified healthcare company that primarily provides a set of services to the government sponsored healthcare programs. The company serves the under-insured and uninsured individuals through member-focused services. It is also engaged in providing education and outreach programs to inform and assist members in accessing quality, appropriate healthcare services.

CNC is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock, with a Value Style Score of A and VGM Score of B. Shares are currently trading at a forward P/E of 11.2X for the current fiscal year compared to the Medical - HMOs industry's P/E of 17.1X. Additionally, CNC has a PEG Ratio of 0.9 and a Price/Cash Flow ratio of 8.2X. Value investors should also note CNC's Price/Sales ratio of 0.3X.

A company's earnings performance is important for value investors as well. For fiscal 2024, three analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for CNC, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.02 to $6.75 per share. CNC also holds an average earnings surprise of 7.1%.

CNC should be on investors' short lists because of its impressive earnings and valuation fundamentals, a good Zacks Rank, and strong Value and VGM Style Scores.

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