Centene Corp vs PulteGroup, Inc. — how do they compare? Centene Corp trades at $66.8 (market cap $33.93B), while PulteGroup, Inc. trades at $123.99 (market cap $23.73B). The key difference: Centene Corp is the larger of the two by market cap, and PulteGroup, Inc. pays a 0.83% dividend while Centene Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNC | PHM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $33.93B | $23.73B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $68.72 | $142.56 |
52-Week Low | $25.21 | $108.00 |
Enterprise Value | $26.56B | $23.69B |
Dividend Yield | — | 0.83% |
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.
PulteGroup (PHM) trades at $123.75, down 0.8% on the day, with a bullish technical signal but mixed recent earnings. The stock shows strong profitability with a 12.14% net margin and attractive valuation at a P/E of 11.97. Recent news highlights new community developments and market sensitivity to mortgage rates. Cash flow trends improved in 2025 with net cash flow of $355 million.
Outlook remains cautiously optimistic with a consensus price target of $146, implying 18% upside. Risks include housing affordability pressures and recent earnings misses. Analyst sentiment is balanced with 45% buy ratings. The stock's valuation and dividend support a constructive view amid sector volatility.
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 →PulteGroup Inc is one of the largest homebuilders in the United States, operating in 40 markets across 23 states. The company mainly builds single-family detached homes (85% of unit sales) and offers products to entry-level, move-up, and active-adult buyers. PulteGroup offers homebuyers mortgage financing and title agency services through its financial services segment. The company is headquartered in Atlanta.
Read more on PHM →