July 23 (Reuters) - Health insurer Centene ( CNC ) said

on Tuesday it expects to report a better-than-expected adjusted

profit in the second quarter.

The company is likely to post an adjusted profit of $2.42

per share for the quarter, compared with analysts' average

estimate of $1.98, according to LSEG data.

Centene ( CNC ) also expects to reaffirm its profit forecast for

2024, and an annual adjusted profit of more than $6.80.

The company is set to report its second-quarter results on

July 26.