Expected court timeline
A securitiesâclassâaction of this size normally follows a multiâstage schedule:
- Initial filing & pleading (now â AugustâŻ12âŻ2025).
- Discovery & motions â 6â9âŻmonths to exchange documents, depose key Centene executives and address any âmotion to dismissâ challenges.
- Preâtrial resolution â most cases settle before trial; historically 12â18âŻmonths after filing, i.e., lateâŻ2026.
- If no settlement, trial â an additional 3â6âŻmonths, pushing a final judgment into midâ2027.
Thus, investors can reasonably expect the class action to be in the discoveryâandâmotion phase through the remainder of 2025 and into early 2026, with a likely settlement or resolution by the end of 2026. A full trial, should it be required, would not be expected until midâ2027.
Trading implications
- Shortâterm (next 3â6âŻmonths): The filing itself is a neutralâtoâslightlyânegative catalyst (â65 sentiment) as it flags potential liability for Centene. Expect modest downward pressure, especially on the âlossâleaderâ stocks that were bought in the affected window (DecâŻ2024âŻââŻJunâŻ2025).
- Midâterm (12â18âŻmonths): If the case moves toward a settlement, the market will price in a singleâdigitâpercentage hit to Centeneâs equity (typical settlements range from 3â7âŻ% of market cap). This could create a buying opportunity for longâterm holders once the settlement is announced and the uncertainty is removed.
- Longâterm (beyond 2026): Should the case proceed to trial, the risk premium widens, and the stock may stay depressed until a definitive judgment. In that scenario, a riskâoff tilt toward defensive sectors would be prudent, while maintaining a watch on any new filings or updates from Robbins LLP that could accelerate the timeline.
Actionable takeâaway: Keep a close watch on Robbins LLP communications and any court docket updates. If a settlement is announced in lateâŻ2026, consider a strategic entry on pullâbacks (5â10âŻ% below the preâsettlement low) with a modest stopâloss, as the removal of litigation risk typically fuels a rebound. Conversely, if the case drifts into a trial phase, tighten exposure and hedge with options or sectorâneutral positions until the outcome is clearer.