Core Insights - Corporate leadership is experiencing a significant transformation with an increase in women leading publicly traded companies, resulting in market-beating performance and innovative growth strategies [2][4] - Gender-diverse leadership is being recognized by financial markets, with ESG-focused funds prioritizing companies with women in executive roles, indicating a shift towards inclusive leadership driving sustainable growth [4] Company Highlights - **Accenture (ACN)**: Under Julie Sweet's leadership, Accenture made a $3 billion investment in AI, doubling its AI workforce and restructuring its growth model to enhance innovation and brand leadership [3] - **The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (EL)**: Rashida La Lande's appointment as executive vice president and Global General Counsel in 2024 strengthened the company's legal and compliance frameworks during a transformation period [3] - **Adobe Inc. (ADBE)**: Lara Balazs, as chief marketing officer, has significantly enhanced Adobe's brand and marketing strategy, contributing to strong financial performance with adjusted EPS of $5.08 in Q1 2025, up from $4.48 year-over-year [9][10] - **McKesson Corporation (MCK)**: Michele Lau's role as chief legal officer has been pivotal in navigating regulatory scrutiny and managing complex litigation, with her compensation reflecting a strategic alignment with shareholder value [12][13] - **Centene Corporation (CNC)**: Sarah M. London has transformed Centene's operations since becoming CEO in March 2022, leading to $163 billion in revenues in 2024 and serving nearly 28 million members [15][16] - **Bumble Inc. (BMBL)**: Whitney Wolfe Herd's leadership has driven Bumble's brand identity and strategic shifts, including a workforce reduction aimed at achieving $40 million in annual cost savings, with improved revenue guidance for Q2 2025 [19][20] Investment Opportunities - Companies led by women, such as Adobe, McKesson, Centene, and Bumble, are positioned as attractive investment opportunities due to their strong leadership and strategic vision, indicating potential for long-term success [6]

Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.Looking at the history of these trends, perhaps none is more beloved than value investing. This strategy simply looks to identify companies that are being undervalued by the broader market. Value investors use a variety of methods, including tried-a ...

Core Concept - The price-to-book (P/B) ratio is a key metric for value investors to identify undervalued stocks with potential for exceptional returns, calculated as market price per share divided by book value per share [1][5] Understanding Book Value - Book value represents the total value remaining for shareholders if a company were to liquidate its assets after settling all liabilities, calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total assets [3][4] P/B Ratio Insights - A P/B ratio under 1.0 indicates a potentially undervalued stock, while a ratio above 1.0 suggests overvaluation [5][6] - Stocks with low P/B ratios can indicate strong growth prospects, but a low ratio may also reflect weak asset returns or overstated assets [7][8] Screening Parameters for Value Stocks - Stocks should have a P/B ratio lower than the industry median, a P/S ratio below the industry median, and a P/E ratio using F(1) estimates lower than the industry median [11][12] - A PEG ratio under 1 indicates undervaluation relative to growth prospects, and stocks must trade at a minimum price of $5 [13] - High trading volume and favorable Zacks Rank (1 or 2) are also important criteria for screening [14] Identified Low P/B Stocks - Centene Corporation (CNC) has a projected 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 11.5% and holds a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [16] - CVS Health (CVS) has a projected EPS growth rate of 11.4% and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of A [16] - The ODP Corporation (ODP) has a projected EPS growth rate of 14% and holds a Zacks Rank of 1 with a Value Score of A [17] - StoneCo (STNE) has a projected EPS growth rate of 25.3% and holds a Zacks Rank of 2 with a Value Score of B [18] - Paysafe Limited (PSFE) has a projected EPS growth rate of 17.9% and holds a Zacks Rank of 1 with a Value Score of A [19]

CANADA - 2025/04/06: In this photo illustration, the Centene Corporation logo is seen displayed on a ... More smartphone screen. (Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesCentene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) experienced a challenging Tuesday evening, witnessing a 25% drop in shares during after-hours trading on July 1st. The significant decline in the healthcare giant's stock wasn’t merely another example of market fluctuations; it was di ...

U.S. stock futures were higher this morning, with the Dow futures gaining around 0.2% on Wednesday.Shares of Centene Corporation CNC fell sharply in today's pre-market trading after the health care company withdrew its guidance for 2025.Centene withdrew its previous 2025 earnings guidance and all underlying guidance elements based on the company's preliminary interpretation of marketplace data from the independent actuarial firm Wakely.Centene shares dipped 27.7% to $40.94 in the pre-market trading session. ...

Shares of Centene (NYSE: CNC) have tumbled more than 20% after the healthcare giant stunned investors by withdrawing its full-year financial guidance.The move echoed a similar shock from UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) in May, deepening concerns about rising costs and mounting pressure across the health insurance sector.In pre-market trading on Tuesday, Centene stock dropped as much as 26% to $41.57. This followed a previous close of $56.65, where CNC shares had gained 4.3% in the prior session.CNC one-day s ...

Core Insights - Centene has withdrawn its 2025 financial guidance amid potential cuts to Medicaid and Obamacare funding by the Republican-controlled Congress, which could impact health insurers significantly [2][3] - The health insurance sector has faced challenges in controlling costs for government-subsidized plans, with Centene's earnings expected to decline by at least $1.8 billion, or $2.75 per share, due to higher-than-anticipated medical costs and a sicker subscriber base [6][8] Company-Specific Insights - Centene's individual coverage market growth in over 20 states is lower than expected, leading to a significant earnings hit [6] - The company is experiencing rising costs in its Medicaid business, particularly in behavioral health, home health, and high-cost drugs, with expectations of a higher Medicaid Health Benefits Ratio in Q2 2025 compared to Q1 2025 [8] - Other health insurers, such as UnitedHealth Group, Humana, and CVS Health, are also facing similar challenges, with UnitedHealth suspending its financial outlook and CVS exiting the individual health insurance market [4][5] Industry-Wide Implications - The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the proposed budget cuts could result in nearly 12 million Americans losing health insurance coverage over the next decade, which would destabilize state Medicaid programs and local healthcare systems [8][9] - The trade group America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) warns that the proposed policies could lead to the largest rollback in healthcare coverage in U.S. history, resulting in millions losing access to affordable primary care [9]

Core Viewpoint - Centene has withdrawn its 2025 guidance due to lower-than-expected market growth in over 20 states, impacting its risk adjustment revenue expectations significantly [2][3]. Group 1: Market Analysis - An independent actuarial firm's analysis indicated that the overall market growth in 22 states where Centene operates is lower than anticipated, with morbidity levels being significantly higher than the company's previous assumptions [3]. - The analysis covers 22 of the 29 states where Centene sells individual coverage, representing approximately 72% of the company's marketplace membership [3]. Group 2: Financial Impact - Centene's preliminary analysis suggests a reduction in its full-year net risk adjustment revenue transfer expectation by about $1.8 billion, which translates to an adjusted diluted EPS impact of approximately $2.75 [4]. - The estimate is based on paid claims data through April 30, 2025, and includes projections for the remaining eight months of the year [4]. Group 3: Enrollment Trends - Centene's enrollment in Obamacare increased by 29% to 5.6 million members in the first quarter of the year, up from 4.3 million a year ago, despite a decrease of over 330,000 enrollees in Medicaid coverage [4]. Group 4: Legislative Context - The announcement coincides with the U.S. Senate passing a budget bill that could lead to 11 million Americans losing health insurance coverage, primarily affecting those enrolled in Obamacare and Medicaid, which Centene administers [5]. Group 5: Future Reporting - Centene is currently closing its second quarter and analyzing data, with plans to report its second quarter 2025 results and provide further insights on July 25 [6].

Exhibit 99.1 N E W S R E L E A S E Contact: Investor Relations Inquiries Media Inquiries Jennifer Gilligan Isabella Wiltse Senior Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations Vice President, Media & Public Relations (212) 549-1306 (314) 445-0790 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CENTENE CORPORATION REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2025 RESULTS -- Diluted EPS of $2.63; Adjusted Diluted EPS of $2.90 -- ST. LOUIS, April 25, 2025 -- Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) (the Company) announced today its financial results for the first quar ...

Core Viewpoint - Centene Corporation has withdrawn its previous 2025 GAAP and adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) guidance due to lower-than-expected market growth and higher morbidity rates in the Health Insurance Marketplace [1][3]. Group 1: Financial Guidance and Market Analysis - The company analyzed 2025 Marketplace data from Wakely, covering 22 of its 29 states, which represents approximately 72% of its Marketplace membership [2]. - The preliminary analysis indicates a reduction in the full year net risk adjustment revenue transfer expectation by approximately $1.8 billion, leading to an adjusted diluted EPS impact of about $2.75 [4]. - The company anticipates further reductions in net risk adjustment revenue transfer expectations for the remaining seven states based on observed morbidity trends [5]. Group 2: Future Pricing and Market Strategy - Centene has begun the process of refiling 2026 Marketplace rates to reflect a higher projected baseline of Marketplace morbidity than previously expected [6]. - The company expects to implement corrective pricing actions for 2026 in states representing a substantial majority of its Marketplace membership [6]. Group 3: Medicaid and Medicare Performance - The Medicaid business has seen a step-up in medical cost trends, particularly in behavioral health, home health, and high-cost drugs, with expectations for a higher Medicaid Health Benefits Ratio (HBR) in Q2 2025 compared to Q1 2025 [8]. - The Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan businesses are performing better than expected in Q2 2025, contributing positively to the company's overall financial performance [9]. Group 4: Upcoming Reporting - The company is in the process of closing Q2 2025 and will report results and provide additional insights on July 25, 2025 [10].