Centene Corp. (CNC) vs Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX)
A side-by-side comparison of Centene Corp. and Quest Diagnostics Incorporated 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.
CNC
Centene Corp.
$67.64HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
DGX
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
$247.29HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CNC vs DGX
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCNC +98.7% (+7.1%/yr)DGX +250.4% (+13.4%/yr)DGX compounded faster over this window
CNC DGX
CNC vs DGX: by the numbers
- •CNC is the larger company ($33.41B vs $27.29B market cap).
- •DGX is profitable (9.19% net margin) while CNC runs a net loss (-2.63%).
- •CNC grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.35% vs 0.89% CAGR).
- •DGX pays a dividend (1.41% yield), while CNC has no payments in the available dividend history.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CNC | DGX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | N/A | 26.25 |
| Forward P/E | 14.09 | 22.10 |
| P/S ratio | 0.17 | 2.36 |
| P/B ratio | 1.48 | 3.63 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 16.55 |
| FCF yield | 26.84% | 4.47% |
Profitability
| Metric | CNC | DGX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 16.13% | 33.15% |
| Operating margin | -2.82% | 14.14% |
| Net margin | -2.63% | 9.19% |
| ROE | -22.60% | 14.13% |
| ROIC | -12.90% | 8.25% |
Dividends
| Metric | CNC | DGX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 1.41% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 35.24% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CNC | DGX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 10.35% | 0.89% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -3.65% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -1.39% | -10.89% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 2.15% | 10.93% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, CNC or DGX?
- Over the past five years, CNC grew revenue faster — CNC at a 10.35% CAGR versus DGX at 0.89%.
- Does CNC or DGX pay a bigger dividend?
- DGX pays a dividend (1.41% yield), while CNC has no payments in the available dividend history.
- Is CNC or DGX more profitable?
- DGX runs the higher net margin — CNC at -2.63% versus DGX at 9.19%.
- How have CNC and DGX total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CNC delivered 7.11% and DGX delivered 13.51% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Quest Diagnostics P/E ratioQuest Diagnostics dividend yieldCentene ROEQuest Diagnostics ROECentene operating marginQuest Diagnostics operating marginCentene revenue growthQuest Diagnostics revenue growthCentene free cash flowQuest Diagnostics free cash flow
Centene & Quest Diagnostics 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.