Centene Corp. (CNC) vs IQVIA Holdings Inc. (IQV)
A side-by-side comparison of Centene Corp. and IQVIA Holdings 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.
CNC
Centene Corp.
$67.98HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 11:15 AM EDT
IQV
IQVIA Holdings Inc.
$264.42HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 11:15 AM EDT
Total return — CNC vs IQV
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCNC +98.7% (+7.1%/yr)IQV +236.0% (+12.9%/yr)IQV compounded faster over this window
CNC IQV
CNC vs IQV: by the numbers
- •IQV is the larger company ($43.52B vs $33.58B market cap).
- •IQV is profitable (8.10% net margin) while CNC runs a net loss (-2.63%).
- •CNC grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.35% vs 5.61% CAGR).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CNC | IQV |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | N/A | 32.81 |
| Forward P/E | 14.16 | 20.39 |
| P/S ratio | 0.17 | 2.56 |
| P/B ratio | 1.49 | 7.05 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 16.59 |
| FCF yield | 26.70% | 4.66% |
Profitability
| Metric | CNC | IQV |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 16.13% | 26.23% |
| Operating margin | -2.82% | 13.57% |
| Net margin | -2.63% | 8.10% |
| ROE | -22.60% | 22.28% |
| ROIC | -12.90% | 8.32% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CNC | IQV |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 10.35% | 5.61% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 40.21% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -1.39% | 4.44% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 2.15% | 0.10% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, CNC or IQV?
- Over the past five years, CNC grew revenue faster — CNC at a 10.35% CAGR versus IQV at 5.61%.
- Is CNC or IQV more profitable?
- IQV runs the higher net margin — CNC at -2.63% versus IQV at 8.10%.
- How have CNC and IQV total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CNC delivered 7.11% and IQV delivered 13.00% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
IQVIA P/E ratioCentene ROEIQVIA ROECentene operating marginIQVIA operating marginCentene revenue growthIQVIA revenue growthCentene free cash flowIQVIA free cash flow
Centene & IQVIA 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.