Compare Centene Corp (CNC) vs Hershey Co (HSY) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Centene Corp vs Hershey Co — how do they compare? Centene Corp trades at $66.53 (market cap $33.93B), while Hershey Co trades at $172.33 (market cap $34.78B). The key difference: Centene Corp and Hershey Co are close in size by market cap, and Hershey Co pays a 3.39% dividend while Centene Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNC | HSY | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $33.93B | $34.78B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $68.72 | $236.28 |
52-Week Low | $25.21 | $162.31 |
Enterprise Value | $26.56B | $39.58B |
Dividend Yield | — | 3.39% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Centene Corporation (CNC) trades at $68.29, up 1.4% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving average signals. The stock shows impressive 66% YTD gains, supported by recent contract renewals and margin recovery initiatives. Despite negative 2025 net income of -$6.67B, valuation metrics remain attractive with P/E of 8.06 and P/S of 0.17. Analyst consensus is strongly bullish with 61% buy ratings and $66.07 price target.
Centene presents a compelling value opportunity with low valuation multiples and strong operational cash flow of $5.09B. Key risks include ongoing margin pressure and Medicaid contract dependency. The company's AI-driven cost controls and recent Illinois Medicaid renewal provide catalysts for earnings recovery, though healthcare regulatory changes remain a concern for long-term stability.
Hershey (HSY) trades at $175.24, up 0.91% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamental performance. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, including Q1 2026 EPS of $2.35 versus $2.04 expected. Revenue growth is steady, with 2025 revenue at $11.69 billion, though net income margin compressed to 9.12% from prior years. Analyst consensus price target is $209.25, implying significant upside, supported by a 3.3% dividend yield and recent margin recovery trends.
The outlook for HSY is cautiously optimistic, with earnings momentum and valuation support offset by near-term technical weakness. Investment opportunity lies in continued execution on margin improvement and innovation, such as new REESE'S PIECES products. Key risks include persistent input cost pressures, competitive threats, and macroeconomic sensitivity. Wall Street sentiment is mixed, with 65.7% hold ratings reflecting balanced risk-reward amid recovery phase.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Centene Corp
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 →About Hershey Co
Hershey is a leading confectionery manufacturer in the U.S. (around a $25 billion market), controlling around 46% of the domestic chocolate space (per IRI). Beyond its namesake label, the firm's mix has expanded over the last 85 years and now consists of 100 brands, including Reese's, Kit Kat, Kisses, and Ice Breakers. Hershey's products are sold in about 80 countries, albeit with just a high-single-digit percentage of sales coming from markets outside the U.S., including Brazil, India, and Mexico. The firm has sought inorganic opportunities to extend its reach beyond its core confection business, adding Amplify Snack Brands and its Skinny Pop ready-to-eat popcorn to its mix and Pirate Brands (including the Pirate's Booty, Smart Puffs, and Original Tings brands) over the past few years.
Read more on HSY →
