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CNC vs CVS
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Centene Corporation (CNC) vs. CVS Health (CVS) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Relative momentum favors CNC: Centene has rallied roughly 66% year to date versus about 17% for CVS, reflecting a faster, more decisive turnaround.
- Different business models: CNC is a focused government managed-care insurer, while CVS is a diversified healthcare conglomerate spanning insurance, pharmacy, and pharmacy benefit management (PBM).
- Profitability trajectory: CNC's Medicare Advantage business reached financial breakeven ahead of schedule, while CVS is still working through regulatory and legal overhangs tied to its PBM.
- Income profile: CVS pays a dividend yielding roughly 2.95%, whereas CNC currently offers no dividend, giving CVS an edge for income-focused investors.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: CNC is the favored ticker of the two, based on trend consistency, relative performance, and near-term catalysts.
- For more detail, explore CNC Major News, CNC Today's Price Move, CVS Major News, and CVS Today's Price Move.
- Interested in automated strategies? Explore Trending AI Robots to see how AI trading bots are navigating today's market.
Introduction
Centene Corporation (CNC) and CVS Health (CVS) are two of the largest names in U.S. healthcare, yet they represent very different ways to invest in the sector. CNC is a pure-play managed-care organization concentrated in government-sponsored plans such as Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. CVS is a vertically integrated healthcare giant combining the Aetna insurance business, the Caremark PBM, and a national retail pharmacy network. This stock comparison is relevant to investors weighing a focused, momentum-driven turnaround against a diversified, dividend-paying conglomerate with a more complex risk profile.
CNC Overview and Recent Performance
Centene Corporation (CNC) is the largest Medicaid managed-care organization in the United States and a leading provider of ACA Marketplace plans. The company's recent market activity reflects a sharp recovery from a difficult 2025, when it withdrew earnings guidance after discovering that Marketplace members were sicker than expected and medical costs were rising. In recent quarters, that narrative has reversed. Centene's latest results showed adjusted earnings per share (EPS) well above consensus, driven by Medicare margin improvement and stronger Marketplace pricing, and management raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance above $5.20. The company has also reported that its Medicare Advantage business reached financial breakeven ahead of plan. Shares have climbed roughly 66% year to date, and the stock now trades near the upper end of its 52-week range after recovering from a base near $31.
CVS Overview and Recent Performance
CVS Health (CVS) operates an integrated model that links the Aetna health-insurance segment, the Caremark PBM (the entity that manages prescription drug benefits for employers and insurers), and thousands of retail pharmacies. Recent results have shown broad-based improvement, with adjusted EPS rising sharply and management raising its 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to a range of roughly $7.90 to $8.10. Aetna's margin recovery has been a key driver, while the pharmacy and health-services segments have benefited from drug mix and prescription volume. However, the stock's momentum has been more muted than CNC's, with shares up about 17% year to date. CVS also carries a heavier debt load and faces regulatory scrutiny over its PBM ownership model, plus lingering legal and integration overhangs that have tempered sentiment even as fundamentals improve.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge most sharply on business model and risk profile. CNC is concentrated in government-sponsored insurance, making it highly sensitive to Medicaid redetermination, reimbursement rates, and ACA policy changes, but also a direct beneficiary of disciplined pricing and medical-cost management. Its recent relative performance has been the stronger of the two, with a cleaner, margin-led recovery. CVS, by contrast, offers diversification across insurance, PBM, and retail pharmacy, along with a dividend, but carries meaningfully higher leverage and faces regulatory and legal exposure around its PBM and pharmacy ownership. In terms of market positioning, CNC's beta of about 1.13 indicates greater sensitivity to market swings than CVS's beta near 0.58. Growth drivers also differ: CNC's story centers on restoring margins in Medicare and Marketplace, while CVS is focused on Aetna's recovery, PBM reform risk, and cash-flow generation to support deleveraging and dividends.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, relative performance, and near-term catalysts, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward CNC. Centene has demonstrated a more decisive and consistent upward trend over recent months, reinforced by earnings beats and upward guidance revisions, with its Medicare Advantage turnaround arriving ahead of expectations. CVS offers a dividend and diversification, but its more complex regulatory and legal overhangs, higher leverage, and comparatively softer momentum present a less consistent setup. This assessment reflects a probabilistic view of the two stocks' current market positioning rather than a definitive prediction, and either name could outperform depending on how key catalysts evolve.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CNC is a StrongBuy and CVS is a Buy.
Momentum Indicator for CNC turns positive, indicating new upward trend
CNC saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on November 09, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 91 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 65 of the 91 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
CNC moved above its 50-day moving average on October 09, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CNC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 21 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
Following a +14.25% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CNC advanced for three days, in 186 of 305 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 132 of 213 cases where CNC Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for CNC moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 29 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 21 of the 29 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 72%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 40 of 60 cases where CNC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CNC turned negative on November 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 50 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 30 of the 50 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 60%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CNC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 64%.
CNC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 12 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. CNC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 44 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: CNC's P/B Ratio (1.527) is slightly lower than the industry average of (3.520). P/E Ratio (-6.751) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.353). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.754) is also within normal values, averaging (0.786). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.160) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 55 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 94 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CNC’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock worse than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 95 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
CVS in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026
CVS may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 25 of 36 cases where CVS's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where CVS's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 18 of 31 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 34 of 54 cases where CVS's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
Following a +4.82% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CVS advanced for three days, in 223 of 336 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 173 of 253 cases where CVS Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 68%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 29, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CVS as a result. In 52 of 87 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CVS turned negative on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 51 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 33 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 65%.
CVS moved below its 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CVS crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 14 of 20 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CVS declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 49 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: CVS's P/B Ratio (1.346) is slightly lower than the industry average of (3.520). P/E Ratio (21.950) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.353). CVS's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.206) is slightly lower than the industry average of (0.786). CVS has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.032) as compared to the industry average of (0.009). P/S Ratio (0.283) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. CVS’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 80 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CVS’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 81 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
CNC | CVS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 80 | 30 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 44 Fair valued | 49 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 94 | 80 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 95 | 81 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 12 | 58 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 55 | 97 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CNC's Valuation (44) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as CVS (49) in the Drugstore Chains industry. This means that CNC’s stock grew similarly to CVS’s over the last 12 months.
CVS's Profit vs Risk Rating (80) in the Drugstore Chains industry is in the same range as CNC (94) in the Managed Health Care industry. This means that CVS’s stock grew similarly to CNC’s over the last 12 months.
CVS's SMR Rating (81) in the Drugstore Chains industry is in the same range as CNC (95) in the Managed Health Care industry. This means that CVS’s stock grew similarly to CNC’s over the last 12 months.
CNC's Price Growth Rating (12) in the Managed Health Care industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CVS (58) in the Drugstore Chains industry. This means that CNC’s stock grew somewhat faster than CVS’s over the last 12 months.
CNC's P/E Growth Rating (55) in the Managed Health Care industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CVS (97) in the Drugstore Chains industry. This means that CNC’s stock grew somewhat faster than CVS’s over the last 12 months.
| CNC | CVS | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 58% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 60% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 65% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 62% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 58% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 61% | 1 day ago 66% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 9 days ago 61% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | 1 day ago 68% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CNC’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while CVS’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- CNC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- CVS’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CNC’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while CVS’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CNC’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- CVS’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
CNC (@Managed Health Care) experienced а +3.02% price change this week, while CVS (@Managed Health Care) price change was -3.68% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Managed Health Care industry was +3.86%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +3.55%, and the average quarterly price growth was +10.92%.
Reported Earning Dates
CNC is expected to report earnings on Feb 09, 2027.
CVS is expected to report earnings on Feb 17, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Managed Health Care (+3.86% weekly)Managed healthcare industry focuses on providing health/medical and disability insurance plans, generally intended to reduce the cost of for-profit health care. The insurance products might be provided through employer-paid (fully or partly) insurance and benefit programs, or through Medicare/Medicaid. Some of the largest providers of managed health care include Aetna, Humana Inc., and Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare.
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CNC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CNC has been loosely correlated with ELV. These tickers have moved in lockstep 62% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CNC jumps, then ELV could also see price increases.
CVS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CVS has been loosely correlated with UNH. These tickers have moved in lockstep 65% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CVS jumps, then UNH could also see price increases.