Centene Corp vs Marriott International Inc — how do they compare? Centene Corp trades at $64.5 (market cap $33.93B), while Marriott International Inc trades at $364.6 (market cap $95.77B). The key difference: Marriott International Inc is far larger — about 2.8× Centene Corp's market cap, and Marriott International Inc pays a 0.8% dividend while Centene Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNC | MAR | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $33.93B | $95.77B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $68.72 | $402.54 |
52-Week Low | $25.21 | $255.35 |
Enterprise Value | $26.56B | $112.72B |
Dividend Yield | — | 0.8% |
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.
Marriott International (MAR) trades at $362.87, down 3.52% today, with a bearish technical signal and mixed earnings history. The company maintains strong revenue growth, reaching $26.19B in 2025, and a net income margin of 9.72%. Recent developments include the launch of Ask Bonvoy AI and expansion to 10,000 properties, though debt levels have risen to 58.83% of assets. Analyst consensus is a $387.33 price target with 44% buy ratings.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic given solid fundamentals and strategic initiatives, but high valuation ratios and increasing leverage pose risks. Near-term performance hinges on Q2 2026 earnings due August 3, 2026, with investor focus on debt management and travel demand sustainability amid economic uncertainties.
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 →Marriott International Inc. of Maryland is a worldwide operator and franchisor of hotels. The Company franchises lodging facilities and vacation timesharing resorts under various brand names. Marriott also provides services to home and condominium owner associations for projects associated with several of its brands.
Read more on MAR →