Advance Auto Parts, Inc. vs Centene Corp — how do they compare? Advance Auto Parts, Inc. trades at $52.93 (market cap $3.36B), while Centene Corp trades at $65.58 (market cap $32.89B). The key difference: Centene Corp is far larger — about 9.8× Advance Auto Parts, Inc.'s market cap, and Advance Auto Parts, Inc. pays a 1.79% dividend while Centene Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AAP | CNC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.36B | $32.89B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Health |
52-Week High | $64.17 | $68.72 |
52-Week Low | $38.75 | $26.17 |
Enterprise Value | $5.63B | $21.93B |
Dividend Yield | 1.79% | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Advance Auto Parts (AAP) trades at $57.80, down 0.21% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and key support at $57. The company shows mixed fundamentals: a low P/S of 0.41 and strong recent earnings beats, but thin net margins of 0.51% and negative operating cash flow in 2025. News highlights restructuring efforts and AI-driven delivery initiatives as potential growth catalysts.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic; analyst consensus targets $61.30 with a buy rating, but high debt and competitive pressures pose risks. Earnings momentum and valuation appeal offer upside, yet execution on turnaround plans is critical for sustained recovery.
Centene (CNC) trades at $65.77, up 2.48% with a bullish technical signal. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations with EPS of $2.51 versus $1.09 estimate, driven by margin recovery and cost control. Revenue grew to $194.78B in 2025, though net income was negative at -$6.67B. Valuation ratios are attractive with P/E of 8.06 and P/S of 0.16. Analyst consensus is strongly bullish with 61.37% buy ratings and a $70.36 price target.
Outlook is positive due to raised 2026 guidance and operational improvements, but risks include Medicaid membership softness and persistent negative margins. The stock offers value potential if profitability rebounds as projected, though investors should monitor medical cost trends and regulatory changes affecting government healthcare programs.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Advance Auto Parts is one of the industry's largest retailers of aftermarket automotive parts, tools, and accessories to do-it-yourself customers in North America. Advance operated 4,972 stores as of the end of 2021, in addition to servicing 1,317 independently owned Carquest stores. The company's Worldpac unit is a premier distributor of imported original-equipment parts. Advance derived 58% of its 2021 sales from commercial clients, up from 30%-40% before the General Parts deal.
Read more on AAP →Centene is a managed-care organization focused on government-sponsored healthcare plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and the individual exchanges. Centene served 22 million medical members as of September 2021, mostly in Medicaid (68% of membership), the individual exchanges (10%), Medicare Advantage (6%), and the balance in Tricare (West region), correctional facility, and international plans. The company also serves 4 million users through the Medicare Part D pharmaceutical program.
Read more on CNC →