Centene Corp vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Centene Corp trades at $65.77 (market cap $32.05B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $142.07 (market cap $10.83B). The key difference: Centene Corp is far larger — about 3× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and Advanced Drainage Systems Inc pays a 0.56% dividend while Centene Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNC | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $32.05B | $10.83B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $68.72 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $26.17 | $129.50 |
Enterprise Value | $21.10B | $12.44B |
Dividend Yield | — | 0.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Centene (CNC) trades at $66.56, up 1.2% today, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $71.00. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $2.51 per share, beating estimates, and raised its full-year EPS guidance, reflecting margin recovery and cost discipline. Revenue growth remains robust, projected to reach $202.9 billion in 2026, though net income margins are negative due to elevated medical costs.
The stock presents a value opportunity with low P/E (8.06) and P/S (0.16) ratios, but investors face risks from Medicaid membership volatility and regulatory pressures. Analyst sentiment is strongly bullish (61% buy ratings), with institutional interest growing, as seen in recent fund additions. Near-term upside is likely if cost controls sustain profitability improvements.
Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS) trades at $141.67, down 1.58% with bearish technical signals. The company demonstrates strong profitability with 14% net margins and consistent earnings beats, though revenue growth has moderated. Recent Q1 2027 results showed 21% sales growth to $1 billion, beating expectations. Technical indicators show resistance at $143 with support at $140, while moving averages signal bearish momentum.
WMS offers solid fundamentals with attractive upside to the $185.86 consensus target, but faces near-term technical headwinds. The company's water management solutions benefit from infrastructure spending, though competitive pressures and margin compression present risks. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 41% buy ratings, suggesting cautious optimism for long-term investors.
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 →