UBS Says Centene Faces No Weakness In Fundamentals, Despite Shakiness In Shares

UBS checked in with healthcare provider Centene Corp CNC management this week and reported no fundamental changes on its outlook despite share weakness.

Centene is approaching the end of its talks with California regulators regarding potential changes in its off-exchange PPO plan in the state, according to UBS. Centene is looking for a 23 percent rate increase along with benefit design changes for 2017.

California has informed Centene management that the state is comfortable approving certain of the requested benefit design changes. If the rate hike were approved, it would reduce losses by 50 percent. The decision is expected to be made at the end of the month.

Last week, Pennsylvania picked Centene alongside two other private MCO's (a contract worth approximately $7 billion) to manage long-term care in the state for over 420,000 low-income individuals.

UBS has a Buy rating on Centene with a 12-month price target of $80.

Centene traded up 2.6 percent to $67.04.