Centene Corp vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Centene Corp trades at $66.85 (market cap $33.93B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $153 (market cap $11.57B). The key difference: Centene Corp is far larger — about 2.9× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and Advanced Drainage Systems Inc pays a 0.53% dividend while Centene Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNC | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $33.93B | $11.57B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $68.72 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $25.21 | $110.89 |
Enterprise Value | $26.56B | $13.14B |
Dividend Yield | — | 0.53% |
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.
WMS trades at $147.62, down 1.89% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong fundamentals including a 24.02% ROE and consistent earnings beats. Recent news includes a dividend increase and investor day, while cash flow dipped in 2025 but is projected to recover. The stock shows robust profitability with a 13.98% net margin and trades below the consensus price target of $184.43.
Outlook is positive with analyst support and operational strength, but risks include a high P/E of 27.09 and mixed sentiment from recent Strong Sell ratings. Upside potential exists if earnings momentum continues, though investors should monitor debt levels and competitive pressures in the water management sector.
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 →Advanced Drainage Systems Inc is engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related water management products in North and South America, and Europe. The company's operating segment includes Pipe
Read more on WMS →