Centene posted a $253 million loss in the second quarter as it navigates significant cost pressures on the Affordable Care Act's marketplaces. | Centene posted a $253 million loss in the second quarter as it navigates significant cost pressures on the Affordable Care Act's marketplaces.

Centene expects to deliver improved profitability in its three government-backed healthcare insurance businesses in 2026, it said on Friday, sending its shares up 5% and reversing previous premarket losses.

In its second quarter, the Clayton-based company lost $253 million dollars, 51 cents a share. In the same period last year, Centene saw earnings of $2.26 a share.