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CNC vs ELV
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Centene Corporation (CNC) vs. Elevance Health (ELV) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CNC is a government-program-focused managed care leader whose shares have rebounded sharply as Medicaid and Marketplace margins recovered faster than expected.
- ELV is a diversified health benefits and services enterprise whose Carelon platform is driving growth even as medical cost trends pressure margins.
- CNC has delivered stronger recent relative performance, while ELV offers greater business diversification and a steadier capital-return profile through dividends and buybacks.
- Both companies face similar headwinds, including Medicaid membership declines and regulatory scrutiny, but their market positioning and risk profiles differ meaningfully.
Introduction
Centene Corporation (CNC) and Elevance Health (ELV) are two of the largest health insurers in the United States, yet they occupy distinct corners of the managed care market. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing a concentrated, government-focused turnaround story against a more diversified payer-and-services model. Both names have navigated elevated medical costs, Medicaid enrollment shifts, and evolving regulation in recent months, making their relative performance and market positioning a useful lens for traders and long-term investors evaluating the managed care sector.
CNC Overview and Recent Performance
Centene Corporation is a managed care company focused primarily on government-sponsored health programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans sold under its Ambetter brand. After a difficult 2025 in which the company withdrew guidance amid unexpectedly sicker Marketplace members and rising medical costs, CNC has staged a notable recovery in recent weeks and months.
The turnaround has been driven by corrective pricing in the Marketplace business, disciplined cost management, and improving Medicaid margins. The health benefits ratio (HBR), a key measure of medical costs relative to premiums, has improved year over year, and the company has repeatedly raised its full-year outlook. Recent market activity has also reflected balance-sheet strengthening, including debt reduction and a planned program to streamline prior authorization for providers. These developments have lifted sentiment, and the stock has traded near its 52-week high, though investors continue to watch Medicaid membership attrition closely.
ELV Overview and Recent Performance
Elevance Health, formerly Anthem, operates a diversified portfolio spanning health benefits, pharmacy benefit management (PBM), and care services. Its Carelon segment—comprising CarelonRx and Carelon Services—has been a central growth engine, scaling risk-based clinical solutions alongside traditional insurance products.
ELV has reported solid revenue growth and beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, supported by higher premium yields and expanding CarelonRx product revenue. However, the stock's momentum has been tempered by elevated medical cost trends in Medicaid, a sizable accrual related to a CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) risk-adjustment matter, and disciplined repositioning of its Medicare Advantage and commercial risk businesses. The company has continued returning capital to shareholders through a $1.72 quarterly dividend and share repurchases, and management has signaled a return to double-digit adjusted EPS (earnings per share) growth in 2027. Sentiment remains constructive but comparatively measured.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two companies lies in their business models. CNC is concentrated in government-sponsored programs, giving it meaningful exposure to Medicaid redeterminations, ACA Marketplace dynamics, and state-level reimbursement decisions. This concentration amplified its 2025 drawdown but has also powered its recent recovery as pricing and cost actions took hold. ELV, by contrast, spans commercial employer coverage, government programs, and a fast-growing services arm, which provides diversification but also exposes it to a broader set of margin pressures, including PBM regulation and employer-market competition.
On growth drivers, CNC's story is largely margin-recovery oriented—revenue growth is modest, and the investment case rests on sustaining improved underwriting results into 2027. ELV leans more on organic expansion through Carelon and its technology-enabled cost-management initiatives, alongside steady capital returns. In terms of momentum, CNC has shown stronger recent relative performance and trades at a lower forward valuation, while ELV offers greater stability, diversification, and a more established dividend. Key risk factors for both include medical cost trend, regulatory change, and government-program funding uncertainty.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely express a modest preference for CNC in the current environment. The stock's trend consistency, improving margins, repeated guidance raises, and upward earnings-revision momentum present a cleaner near-term catalyst profile. However, this favor is probabilistic rather than definitive: ELV's diversification, Carelon growth, and disciplined capital returns may appeal more to strategies prioritizing stability and lower volatility. The relative ranking could shift as medical cost trends and government-program developments evolve, which is precisely why AI-driven monitoring of both tickers can help investors track changing conditions.
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 Hold and ELV is a Hold.
CNC's RSI Indicator reaching overbought territory
The RSI Oscillator for CNC moved into overbought territory on November 04, 2026. Be on the watch for a price drop or consolidation in the future -- when this happens, think about selling the stock or exploring put options.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 42 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 70%.
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.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CNC as a result. In 65 of 91 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CNC just turned positive on November 04, 2026. Looking at past instances where CNC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 29 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
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 10 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 48%.
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 143 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 67%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 1 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 10 (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 46 (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 (1.477) is slightly lower than the industry average of (3.512). P/E Ratio (-6.532) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.100). 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 51 (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 87 (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 83, 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.
ELV in downward trend: price may decline as a result of having broken its higher Bollinger Band on October 09, 2026
ELV broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 09, 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. The A.I.dvisor looked at 37 similar instances where the stock broke above the upper band. In 27 of the 37 cases the stock fell afterwards. This puts the odds of success at 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for ELV moved out of overbought territory on October 23, 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 28 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 17 of the 28 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 61%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for ELV turned negative on October 28, 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 30 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 59%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ELV 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 58%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 39 of 65 cases where ELV'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 60%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ELV as a result. In 57 of 98 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
ELV moved above its 50-day moving average on October 06, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for ELV crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 15 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 53%.
Following a +4.98% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ELV advanced for three days, in 183 of 319 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 132 of 251 cases where ELV Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 53%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 13 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. ELV’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
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 Valuation Rating of 57 (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: P/B Ratio (1.999) is normal, around the industry mean (3.512). P/E Ratio (18.251) is within average values for comparable stocks, (126.100). ELV's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.291) is slightly higher than the industry average of (0.786). Dividend Yield (0.017) settles around the average of (0.009) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.453) is also within normal values, averaging (0.569).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 79 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ELV’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 83, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 99 (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.
CNC | ELV | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 89 | 84 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 46 Fair valued | 57 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 87 | 79 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 95 | 99 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 10 | 25 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 51 | 13 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 1 | 50 |
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 (46) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as ELV (57). This means that CNC’s stock grew similarly to ELV’s over the last 12 months.
ELV's Profit vs Risk Rating (79) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as CNC (87). This means that ELV’s stock grew similarly to CNC’s over the last 12 months.
CNC's SMR Rating (95) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as ELV (99). This means that CNC’s stock grew similarly to ELV’s over the last 12 months.
CNC's Price Growth Rating (10) in the Managed Health Care industry is in the same range as ELV (25). This means that CNC’s stock grew similarly to ELV’s over the last 12 months.
ELV's P/E Growth Rating (13) in the Managed Health Care industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CNC (51). This means that ELV’s stock grew somewhat faster than CNC’s over the last 12 months.
| CNC | ELV | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 80% | 1 day ago 61% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 70% | 1 day ago 60% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 71% | 1 day ago 58% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 59% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 60% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 57% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 64% | 3 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 73% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 53% |
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 ELV’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CNC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- ELV’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while ELV’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CNC’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- ELV’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CNC (@Managed Health Care) experienced а +13.36% price change this week, while ELV (@Managed Health Care) price change was +4.77% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Managed Health Care industry was +4.35%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +7.51%, and the average quarterly price growth was +19.94%.
Reported Earning Dates
CNC is expected to report earnings on Feb 09, 2027.
ELV is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Managed Health Care (+4.35% 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.
ELV and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ELV has been closely correlated with UNH. These tickers have moved in lockstep 67% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ELV jumps, then UNH could also see price increases.