Centene Corp vs Kraft Heinz Co — how do they compare? Centene Corp trades at $66.8 (market cap $33.93B), while Kraft Heinz Co trades at $24.9 (market cap $29.74B). The key difference: Centene Corp and Kraft Heinz Co are close in size by market cap, and Kraft Heinz Co pays a 6.38% dividend while Centene Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNC | KHC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $33.93B | $29.74B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $68.72 | $28.94 |
52-Week Low | $25.21 | $21.21 |
Enterprise Value | $26.56B | $46.78B |
Dividend Yield | — | 6.38% |
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.
Kraft Heinz (KHC) trades at $25.23, up 1.53% with a bullish technical trend and strong recent earnings beats. The stock shows attractive valuation metrics with a P/E of 13.04 and P/B of 0.71, though profitability remains challenged with negative net income margins. Recent corporate restructuring aims to accelerate growth, while a 6.4% dividend yield provides income support. Cash flow trends have improved significantly from 2022's negative $2.4B to 2025's positive $1.46B.
The outlook remains cautious despite technical strength. While undervaluation and dividend yield offer appeal, persistent negative profitability and high debt levels pose significant risks. Analyst consensus is predominantly Hold with a $23.50 price target below current levels, suggesting limited near-term upside potential amid execution challenges.
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 →In July 2015, Kraft merged with Heinz to create the third-largest food and beverage manufacturer in North America behind PepsiCo and Nestle and the fifth-largest player in the world. Beyond its namesake brands, the combined firm's portfolio includes Oscar Mayer, Velveeta, and Philadelphia. Outside North America, the firm's global reach includes a distribution network in Europe and emerging markets that drive around one fifth of its consolidated sales base, as its products are sold in more than 190 countries and territories.
Read more on KHC →