Centene (CNC) vs Quest Diagnostics (DGX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Centene (CNC) has outperformed Quest Diagnostics (DGX) over the past year, gaining 69.2% versus a gain of 24.8%. Over five years, DGX leads with a +59.3% price change compared with -0.5% for CNC. Centene is the larger company by market cap ($32.10 billion vs $25.06 billion), about 1.3 times the size.
On valuation, Centene trades at a lower forward P/E (12.2x vs 18.8x for Quest Diagnostics). Quest Diagnostics pays a dividend yielding 1.46%, while Centene does not currently pay one. Quest Diagnostics converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 9.0% versus -3.4%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CNC | DGX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $64.99 | $227.06 |
| Market cap | $32.10B | $25.06B |
| 1-day change | +0.59% | -0.58% |
| YTD return | +57.93% | +30.85% |
| 1-year return | +69.16% | +24.83% |
| 5-year return | -0.51% | +59.34% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | — | 24.10 |
| Forward P/E | 12.15 | 18.83 |
| EPS (TTM) | $-10.44 | $9.42 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 1.46% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $3.32 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $194.78B | $11.04B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +19.44% | +11.78% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-6.67B | $992.00M |
| Gross margin | 7.30% | 33.21% |
| Operating margin | -3.91% | 14.10% |
| Net margin | -3.43% | 8.99% |
| 52-week high | $69.63 | $248.84 |
| 52-week low | $31.63 | $171.18 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -6.66% | -8.75% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +10.45% | +9.25% |
| Average volume | 4.55M | 1.04M |
| Shares outstanding | 494.00M | 110.37M |
| Employees | 61,100 | 46,000 |
| Sector | Health Care | Health Care |
| Industry | Medical Specialities | Medical Specialities |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- CNC has outperformed DGX by 44.3 percentage points over the past year.
- Quest Diagnostics offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.46% vs 0.00%).
- Quest Diagnostics is more profitable, keeping 9.0 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -3.4 cents for Centene.
- Centene grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+19.44% vs +11.78%).
About Centene
CNC stock →Centene Corporation operates as a managed care company that provides programs and services to under-insured families, and commercial organizations in the United States. It operates through four segments: Medicaid, Medicare, Commercial, and Other.
Health Care · Medical Specialities · 61,100 employees
About Quest Diagnostics
DGX stock →Quest Diagnostics Incorporated provides diagnostic testing and services in the United States. The company develops and delivers diagnostic information services, such as routine, non-routine and advanced clinical testing, anatomic pathology testing, and other diagnostic information services.
Health Care · Medical Specialities · 46,000 employees
CNC vs DGX FAQ
Which is bigger, Centene or Quest Diagnostics?
Centene (CNC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $32.10B compared with $25.06B for Quest Diagnostics (DGX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CNC or DGX?
CNC returned +69.16% over the past 12 months, compared with +24.83% for DGX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, Centene or Quest Diagnostics?
Quest Diagnostics pays a dividend yielding 1.46%, while Centene does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Centene and Quest Diagnostics in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Medical Specialities industry within the Health Care sector.