Centene Corporation (CNC) vs IQVIA Holdings Inc. (IQV)

IQV leads on 8 of 13 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Centene Corporation and IQVIA Holdings Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — CNC vs IQV

growth of $100 · last 13y
CNC +415.1%IQV +328.1%CNC compounded faster
200400600800Start $1002016201920222025$515$428
CNC IQV

CNC vs IQV: by the numbers

  • CNC is the larger company ($32.19B vs $30.29B market cap).
  • IQV is profitable (8.33% net margin) while CNC runs a net loss (-3.25%).
  • CNC grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.48% vs 6.72% CAGR).

Which is better, CNC or IQV?

Metric tally: CNC 5 · IQV 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthCNC(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityIQV(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricCNCIQV
P/E ratio22.49
Forward P/E14.4912.82
P/S ratio0.161.85
P/B ratio1.514.95
PEG ratio6.34
EV / EBITDA8.79
FCF yield19.65%8.67%

Profitability

MetricCNCIQV
Gross margin14.93%26.11%
Operating margin-3.68%13.86%
Net margin-3.25%8.33%
ROE-30.07%22.26%
ROIC-13.41%8.23%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNCIQV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.48%6.72%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.68%40.21%
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.28%5.56%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-1.64%-5.71%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CNC or IQV?
It depends on your goal. growth: CNC (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: IQV (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, IQV leads 8 to 5.
Which has grown faster, CNC or IQV?
Over the past five years, CNC grew revenue faster — CNC at a 11.48% CAGR versus IQV at 6.72%.
Is CNC or IQV more profitable?
IQV runs the higher net margin — CNC at -3.25% versus IQV at 8.33%.
Which has been the better investment, CNC or IQV?
Over the past 10-year, IQV delivered the higher annualized total return — CNC at 6.74% versus IQV at 10.71%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 June 13, 2026.