Centene Corp vs 22nd Century Group Inc — how do they compare? Centene Corp trades at $66.29 (market cap $33.13B), while 22nd Century Group Inc trades at $3.93 (market cap $1.49M). The key difference: Centene Corp is far larger — about 22234.9× 22nd Century Group Inc's market cap, and Centene Corp is trading nearer its 52-week high, 22nd Century Group Inc nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNC | XXII | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $33.13B | $1.49M |
Sector | Health | Technology |
52-Week High | $68.72 | $801.00 |
52-Week Low | $26.93 | $3.72 |
Enterprise Value | $22.18B | -$6.74M |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Centene (CNC) trades at $67.35, up 1.19% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong analyst support. The stock has beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, including Q2 2026 EPS of $2.51 versus $1.09 expected, and shows robust cash flow trends with 2025 net cash flow of $3.94 billion. Recent news highlights margin recovery and raised 2026 guidance, reinforcing positive momentum.
The outlook remains favorable given valuation discounts (P/E of 8.06, P/S of 0.16) and analyst consensus price target of $71.00, though risks include negative net income margins and Medicaid membership volatility. Upside potential hinges on execution of cost controls and premium growth in government-sponsored health plans.
22nd Century Group (XXII) trades at $4.31, down 0.92% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and bearish moving averages. The company shows deep unprofitability with a gross margin of -52.19% and net margin of -65.76%, though revenue was $7.05M in 2025. Recent corporate actions include a 20:1 reverse stock split in June 2026, and news highlights retail expansion for VLN reduced-nicotine cigarettes in California and New York.
The outlook remains speculative with high execution risk amid persistent losses, but analyst sentiment is bullish with 75% buy ratings. Key risks include negative cash flow from operations, regulatory hurdles for tobacco products, and the need for successful commercialization of VLN to achieve profitability.
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 →22nd Century Group is a plant biotechnology company that uses genetic engineering and gene editing to control the levels of nicotine in tobacco plants. Its flagship product line, VLN®, is the first and only combustible cigarette authorized by the FDA as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP), containing 95% less nicotine than traditional cigarettes to help adult smokers smoke less.
Read more on XXII →