Centene Corporation (CNC) vs Zoetis Inc. (ZTS)

CNC leads on 7 of 13 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Centene Corporation and Zoetis 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 ZTS

growth of $100 · last 13y
CNC +495.3%ZTS +156.6%CNC compounded faster
200400600800Start $1002016201920222025$595$257
CNC ZTS

CNC vs ZTS: by the numbers

  • ZTS is the larger company ($33.36B vs $32.19B market cap).
  • ZTS is profitable (27.79% net margin) while CNC runs a net loss (-3.25%).
  • CNC grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.48% vs 6.28% CAGR).
  • ZTS pays a dividend (2.59% yield) while CNC does not currently pay one.

Which is better, CNC or ZTS?

Metric tally: CNC 7 · ZTS 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Valuation

MetricCNCZTS
P/E ratio13.20
Forward P/E14.4910.75
P/S ratio0.163.53
P/B ratio1.5110.40
PEG ratio2.04
EV / EBITDA10.15
FCF yield19.65%6.35%

Profitability

MetricCNCZTS
Gross margin14.93%70.75%
Operating margin-3.68%37.57%
Net margin-3.25%27.79%
ROE-30.07%81.75%
ROIC-13.41%21.54%

Dividends

MetricCNCZTS
Dividend yield2.59%
Payout ratio34.16%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNCZTS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.48%6.28%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.68%11.88%
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.28%4.90%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-1.64%-14.40%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CNC or ZTS?
It depends on your goal. growth: CNC (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: ZTS (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, CNC leads 7 to 6.
Which has grown faster, CNC or ZTS?
Over the past five years, CNC grew revenue faster — CNC at a 11.48% CAGR versus ZTS at 6.28%.
Does CNC or ZTS pay a bigger dividend?
ZTS pays a dividend (2.59% yield) while CNC does not currently pay one.
Is CNC or ZTS more profitable?
ZTS runs the higher net margin — CNC at -3.25% versus ZTS at 27.79%.
Which has been the better investment, CNC or ZTS?
Over the past 10-year, CNC delivered the higher annualized total return — CNC at 6.74% versus ZTS at 6.19%. 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.