Alcon Inc. (ALC) vs Centene Corp. (CNC)
A side-by-side comparison of Alcon Inc. and Centene Corp. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
ALC
Alcon Inc.
$71.47HealthcareDelayed quote: Aug 28, 2026, 12:44 PM EDT
CNC
Centene Corp.
$64.62HealthcareDelayed quote: Aug 28, 2026, 12:44 PM EDT
Total return — ALC vs CNC
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 7yALC +26.9% (+3.5%/yr)CNC +22.4% (+2.9%/yr)ALC compounded faster over this window
ALC CNC
ALC vs CNC: by the numbers
- •ALC is the larger company ($34.86B vs $31.92B market cap).
- •ALC is profitable (5.95% net margin) while CNC runs a net loss (-2.63%).
- •CNC grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.35% vs 6.57% CAGR).
- •ALC pays a dividend (0.50% yield), while CNC has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | ALC | CNC |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 55.56 | N/A |
| Forward P/E | 20.49 | 13.60 |
| P/S ratio | 3.28 | 0.17 |
| P/B ratio | 1.63 | 1.44 |
| EV / EBITDA | 17.44 | N/A |
| FCF yield | 4.77% | 27.55% |
Profitability
| Metric | ALC | CNC |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 56.43% | 16.13% |
| Operating margin | 10.26% | -2.82% |
| Net margin | 5.95% | -2.63% |
| ROE | 2.96% | -22.60% |
| ROIC | 3.35% | -12.90% |
Dividends
| Metric | ALC | CNC |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.50% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 18.06% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | ALC | CNC |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 6.57% | 10.35% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 40.55% | -1.39% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -2.16% | 0.42% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, ALC or CNC?
- Over the past five years, CNC grew revenue faster — ALC at a 6.57% CAGR versus CNC at 10.35%.
- Does ALC or CNC pay a bigger dividend?
- ALC pays a dividend (0.50% yield), while CNC has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is ALC or CNC more profitable?
- ALC runs the higher net margin — ALC at 5.95% versus CNC at -2.63%.
- How have ALC and CNC total returns compared?
- Over the past 5 years, ALC delivered -2.16% and CNC delivered 6.80% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Alcon P/E ratioAlcon dividend yieldAlcon ROECentene ROEAlcon operating marginCentene operating marginAlcon revenue growthCentene revenue growthAlcon free cash flowCentene free cash flow
Alcon & Centene appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 28, 2026.