Centene Corp vs McCormick & Company, Incorporated — how do they compare? Centene Corp trades at $68.55 (market cap $33.72B), while McCormick & Company, Incorporated trades at $52.85 (market cap $14.45B). The key difference: Centene Corp is far larger — about 2.3× McCormick & Company, Incorporated's market cap, and McCormick & Company, Incorporated pays a 3.57% dividend while Centene Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNC | MKC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $33.72B | $14.45B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $68.72 | $72.81 |
52-Week Low | $25.21 | $45.60 |
Enterprise Value | $26.35B | $19.05B |
Dividend Yield | — | 3.57% |
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.
McCormick (MKC) trades at $53.75, up 2.48% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The stock shows strong profitability with a 21.91% net income margin and 25.7% ROE, while valuation metrics like a P/E of 8.94 appear attractive. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat estimates, and the company reaffirmed its 2026 outlook, supported by the transformative Unilever Foods deal announced in July 2026.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $59.67 offering 11% upside, driven by margin recovery and strategic acquisitions. Risks include soft consumer volumes in the Americas and integration challenges from the Unilever deal. The stock presents a value opportunity with a 4% dividend yield, but investors should monitor volume trends and deal execution.
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 its 130-year history, McCormick has grown to become the leading global manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of spices, herbs, extracts, seasonings, and other flavorings. Beyond end consumers, McCormick's customer base also includes top quick-service restaurants, retail grocery chains, and other packaged food and beverage manufacturers, with about 30% of sales generated beyond its home turf to include 150 other countries and territories. In addition to its namesake brand, the firm's portfolio includes Old Bay, Zatarain's, Thai Kitchen, Frank's RedHot, French's, and the recently acquired Cholula brand.
Read more on MKC →