Centene Corp vs Diageo plc — how do they compare? Centene Corp trades at $65 (market cap $32.05B), while Diageo plc trades at $94.95 (market cap $53.05B). The key difference: Diageo plc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Diageo plc pays a 3.5% dividend while Centene Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNC | DEO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $32.05B | $53.05B |
Sector | Health | Technology |
52-Week High | $68.72 | $115.33 |
52-Week Low | $26.17 | $72.47 |
Enterprise Value | $21.10B | $72.54B |
Dividend Yield | — | 3.5% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Centene (CNC) trades at $67.35, up 1.19% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong analyst support. The stock has beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, including Q2 2026 EPS of $2.51 versus $1.09 expected, and shows robust cash flow trends with 2025 net cash flow of $3.94 billion. Recent news highlights margin recovery and raised 2026 guidance, reinforcing positive momentum.
The outlook remains favorable given valuation discounts (P/E of 8.06, P/S of 0.16) and analyst consensus price target of $71.00, though risks include negative net income margins and Medicaid membership volatility. Upside potential hinges on execution of cost controls and premium growth in government-sponsored health plans.
Diageo (DEO) trades at $93.96, down 3.24% today, with mixed technical signals showing bullish moving averages but overbought RSI readings. The company reported FY2026 results with organic sales declining 2% but operating profit increasing 2% through cost savings. Recent news highlights a $1 billion cost-cutting plan and strategic reset under new CEO Dave Lewis, driving investor optimism despite North American weakness.
The outlook remains cautiously optimistic with analyst consensus leaning buy (49%) as cost savings and cash generation initiatives offset regional challenges. Key risks include persistent North American sales pressure and execution risks on the turnaround plan, while valuation metrics suggest premium pricing relative to historical levels.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Guinness. It operates a vast portfolio of spirits and beers across more than 180 countries.
Read more on DEO →