WEST HARTFORD, CT--(Marketwire - Jul 10, 2012) - The law firm of Izard Nobel LLP, which has significant experience representing investors in prosecuting claims of securities fraud, announces that a lawsuit seeking class action status has been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on behalf of purchasers of the common stock of Centene Corporation ("Centene" or the "Company") (NYSE: [ CNC ]) between February 7, 2012 and June 8, 2012, inclusive (the "Class Period").

The Complaint alleges that Centene and certain of its officers and directors violated the federal securities laws. Specifically, the Complaint alleges that Centene misrepresented its financial condition and failed to inform investors that the Company's 2012 outlook, provided at the start of the Class Period, lacked a reasonable basis when made due to already existing and understood competitive pressures.

On June 11, 2012, the Company's stock price plunged over 22% after the Company cut its full-year profit and revenue forecasts due to higher-than-expected medical costs. Centene revised its projections to earnings of $1.45 to $1.65 per share for 2012 versus a previous forecast of $2.64 to $2.84 per share. In addition, the Company also disclosed that expenses were above projections for commercial polices sold by its Celtic Insurance unit and Centene was evaluating goodwill and intangible assets at the unit that may result in a non-cash charge of about $28 million.

If you are a member of the class, you may, no later than August 28, 2012, request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff of the class. A lead plaintiff is a class member that acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Although your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision whether or not to seek appointment as a lead plaintiff, lead plaintiffs make important decisions which could affect the overall recovery for class members.

While Izard Nobel LLP has not filed a lawsuit against the defendants, to view a copy of the Complaint initiating the class action or for more information about the case, and your rights, visit: [ www.izardnobel.com/centene/ ], or contact Izard Nobel LLP toll-free: (800)797-5499, or by e-mail: [ firm@izardnobel.com ]. For more information about class action cases in general, please visit our website: [ www.izardnobel.com ].