Centene Corp. (CNC) vs Waters Corporation (WAT)
A side-by-side comparison of Centene Corp. and Waters Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CNC
Centene Corp.
$66.24HealthcareDelayed quote: Aug 10, 2026, 12:20 PM EDT
WAT
Waters Corporation
$410.20HealthcareDelayed quote: Aug 10, 2026, 12:20 PM EDT
Total return — CNC vs WAT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCNC +87.7% (+6.5%/yr)WAT +158.4% (+10.0%/yr)WAT compounded faster over this window
CNC WAT
CNC vs WAT: by the numbers
- •CNC is the larger company ($32.72B vs $30.68B market cap).
- •WAT is profitable (3.58% net margin) while CNC runs a net loss (-2.63%).
- •WAT grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.70% vs 10.35% CAGR).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CNC | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | N/A | 101.46 |
| Forward P/E | 13.89 | 27.93 |
| P/S ratio | 0.17 | 8.60 |
| P/B ratio | 1.45 | 2.63 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 47.96 |
| FCF yield | 27.40% | 0.99% |
Profitability
| Metric | CNC | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 16.13% | 50.78% |
| Operating margin | -2.82% | 28.22% |
| Net margin | -2.63% | 3.58% |
| ROE | -22.60% | 1.09% |
| ROIC | -13.41% | 17.57% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CNC | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 10.35% | 11.70% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 5.16% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -1.39% | -9.19% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -0.31% | 0.57% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, CNC or WAT?
- Over the past five years, WAT grew revenue faster — CNC at a 10.35% CAGR versus WAT at 11.70%.
- Is CNC or WAT more profitable?
- WAT runs the higher net margin — CNC at -2.63% versus WAT at 3.58%.
- How have CNC and WAT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CNC delivered 6.37% and WAT delivered 9.97% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Waters P/E ratioCentene ROEWaters ROECentene operating marginWaters operating marginCentene revenue growthWaters revenue growthCentene free cash flowWaters free cash flow
Centene & Waters 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 August 10, 2026.