Centene (CNC) vs Labcorp (LH)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Centene (CNC) has outperformed Labcorp (LH) over the past year, gaining 69.2% versus a gain of 11.6%. Over five years, LH leads with a +33.7% price change compared with -0.5% for CNC. Centene is the larger company by market cap ($32.10 billion vs $25.30 billion), about 1.3 times the size.
On valuation, Centene trades at a lower forward P/E (12.2x vs 15.7x for Labcorp). Labcorp pays a dividend yielding 0.92%, while Centene does not currently pay one. Labcorp converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 6.3% 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 | LH |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $64.99 | $311.97 |
| Market cap | $32.10B | $25.30B |
| 1-day change | +0.59% | +0.08% |
| YTD return | +57.93% | +24.35% |
| 1-year return | +69.16% | +11.57% |
| 5-year return | -0.51% | +33.70% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | — | 25.80 |
| Forward P/E | 12.15 | 15.75 |
| EPS (TTM) | $-10.44 | $12.09 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.92% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $2.88 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $194.78B | $13.95B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +19.44% | +7.25% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-6.67B | $876.50M |
| Gross margin | 7.30% | 28.76% |
| Operating margin | -3.91% | 9.92% |
| Net margin | -3.43% | 6.28% |
| 52-week high | $69.63 | $341.80 |
| 52-week low | $31.63 | $244.52 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -6.66% | -8.73% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +10.45% | +10.33% |
| Average volume | 4.57M | 737.41K |
| Shares outstanding | 494.00M | 81.10M |
| Employees | 61,100 | 71,000 |
| 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 LH by 57.6 percentage points over the past year.
- Labcorp is more profitable, keeping 6.3 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 +7.25%).
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 Labcorp
LH stock →Labcorp Holdings Inc. provides laboratory services.
Health Care · Medical Specialities · 71,000 employees
CNC vs LH FAQ
Which is bigger, Centene or Labcorp?
Centene (CNC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $32.10B compared with $25.30B for Labcorp (LH).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CNC or LH?
CNC returned +69.16% over the past 12 months, compared with +11.57% for LH (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, Centene or Labcorp?
Labcorp pays a dividend yielding 0.92%, while Centene does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Centene and Labcorp in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Medical Specialities industry within the Health Care sector.