Centene Corp. (CNC) vs CVS Health Corp. (CVS)
A side-by-side comparison of Centene Corp. and CVS Health Corp. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CNC
Centene Corp.
$66.40HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
CVS
CVS Health Corp.
$94.66HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CNC vs CVS
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCNC +95.5% (+6.9%/yr)CVS +44.1% (+3.7%/yr)CNC compounded faster over this window
CNC CVS
CNC vs CVS: by the numbers
- •CVS is the larger company ($120.78B vs $32.80B market cap).
- •CVS is profitable (1.18% net margin) while CNC runs a net loss (-2.63%).
- •CNC grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.35% vs 8.32% CAGR).
- •CVS pays a dividend (2.79% yield), while CNC has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CNC | CVS |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | N/A | 25.04 |
| Forward P/E | 13.83 | 11.83 |
| P/S ratio | 0.17 | 0.29 |
| P/B ratio | 1.45 | 1.52 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 14.50 |
| FCF yield | 27.34% | 9.74% |
Profitability
| Metric | CNC | CVS |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 16.13% | 14.15% |
| Operating margin | -2.82% | 2.00% |
| Net margin | -2.63% | 1.18% |
| ROE | -22.60% | 6.16% |
| ROIC | -12.90% | 4.14% |
Dividends
| Metric | CNC | CVS |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 2.79% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 70.37% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CNC | CVS |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 10.35% | 8.32% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -23.89% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -1.39% | -10.28% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 1.83% | 6.05% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, CNC or CVS?
- Over the past five years, CNC grew revenue faster — CNC at a 10.35% CAGR versus CVS at 8.32%.
- Does CNC or CVS pay a bigger dividend?
- CVS pays a dividend (2.79% yield), while CNC has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is CNC or CVS more profitable?
- CVS runs the higher net margin — CNC at -2.63% versus CVS at 1.18%.
- How have CNC and CVS total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CNC delivered 6.94% and CVS delivered 3.54% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CVS Health P/E ratioCVS Health dividend yieldCentene ROECVS Health ROECentene operating marginCVS Health operating marginCentene revenue growthCVS Health revenue growthCentene free cash flowCVS Health free cash flow
Centene & CVS Health 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 11, 2026.