Centene Corp. (CNC) vs Carter's Inc. (CRI)
A side-by-side comparison of Centene Corp. and Carter's Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: CNC is classified in Healthcare; CRI is classified in Consumer Cyclical. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
CNC
Centene Corp.
$66.40HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
CRI
Carter's Inc.
$30.43Consumer CyclicalDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CNC vs CRI
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCNC +95.7% (+6.9%/yr)CRI -59.2% (-8.6%/yr)CNC compounded faster over this window
CNC CRI
CNC vs CRI: by the numbers
- •CNC is the larger company ($32.80B vs $1.12B market cap).
- •CRI is profitable (6.55% net margin) while CNC runs a net loss (-2.63%).
- •CNC grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.35% vs -2.54% CAGR).
- •CRI pays a dividend (3.31% yield), while CNC has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CNC | CRI |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | N/A | 5.54 |
| Forward P/E | 13.83 | 9.30 |
| P/S ratio | 0.17 | 0.38 |
| P/B ratio | 1.45 | 1.09 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 5.00 |
| FCF yield | 27.34% | 26.13% |
Profitability
| Metric | CNC | CRI |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 16.13% | 48.60% |
| Operating margin | -2.82% | 9.24% |
| Net margin | -2.63% | 6.55% |
| ROE | -22.60% | 18.99% |
| ROIC | -12.90% | 10.17% |
Dividends
| Metric | CNC | CRI |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 3.31% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 18.21% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CNC | CRI |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 10.35% | -2.54% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -24.12% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -1.39% | -26.11% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 2.15% | -18.44% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, CNC or CRI?
- Over the past five years, CNC grew revenue faster — CNC at a 10.35% CAGR versus CRI at -2.54%.
- Does CNC or CRI pay a bigger dividend?
- CRI pays a dividend (3.31% yield), while CNC has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is CNC or CRI more profitable?
- CRI runs the higher net margin — CNC at -2.63% versus CRI at 6.55%.
- How have CNC and CRI total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CNC delivered 7.11% and CRI delivered -8.33% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Carter's P/E ratioCarter's dividend yieldCentene ROECarter's ROECentene operating marginCarter's operating marginCentene revenue growthCarter's revenue growthCentene free cash flowCarter's free cash flow
Centene & Carter's 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 September 13, 2026.