As Centene Stock Surges 21% in a Month, Molina Healthcare Stock’s Story Stands Out

CNC: Centene logo
CNC
Centene

Molina Healthcare (MOH) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Centene (CNC) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in MOH

  • MOH’s Last 12 Months revenue growth was 16.1%, vs. CNC’s 13.0%.
  • In addition, its Last 3-Year Average revenue growth came in at 12.8%, ahead of CNC’s 8.9%.
  • MOH leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 3.8% and 3-year average of 4.2%.

Single stock can be risky, but there is a huge value to a broader diversified approach we take with Trefis High Quality Portfolio. Separately, consider what could long-term performance for your portfolio be if you combined 10% commodities, 10% gold, and 2% crypto with equities.

CNC provides health plan coverage and services to under-insured and uninsured individuals through government programs and commercial healthcare products for individuals and employers. MOH provides managed healthcare services to low-income families and individuals through Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and other government programs, serving 5.2 million members across 18 states.

Valuation & Performance Overview

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  CNC MOH Preferred
     
Valuation      
P/EBIT Ratio 9.5 6.5 MOH
     
Revenue Growth      
Last Quarter 22.4% 15.7% CNC
Last 12 Months 13.0% 16.1% MOH
Last 3 Year Average 8.9% 12.8% MOH
     
Operating Margins      
Last 12 Months 1.1% 3.8% MOH
Last 3 Year Average 1.9% 4.2% MOH
     
Momentum      
Last 3 Year Return -49.4% -42.6% MOH

Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: CNC Revenue Comparison | MOH Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: CNC Operating Income Comparison | MOH Operating Income Comparison
 
But do these numbers tell the full story? Read Buy or Sell MOH Stock to see if Molina Healthcare’s edge holds up under the hood or if Centene still has cards to play (see Buy or Sell CNC Stock).

Historical Market Performance

  2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total [1] Avg Best
Returns
CNC Return -5% 37% -0% -10% -18% -38% -38%  
MOH Return 57% 50% 4% 9% -19% -31% 49%  
S&P 500 Return 16% 27% -19% 24% 23% 15% 108% <===
Monthly Win Rates [3]
CNC Win Rate 42% 50% 58% 58% 50% 44%   50%  
MOH Win Rate 67% 75% 42% 58% 33% 44%   53%  
S&P 500 Win Rate 58% 75% 42% 67% 75% 67%   64% <===
Max Drawdowns [4]
CNC Max Drawdown -28% -3% -10% -25% -24% -58%   -25%  
MOH Max Drawdown -21% -5% -21% -21% -24% -48%   -23%  
S&P 500 Max Drawdown -31% -1% -25% -1% -2% -15%   -12% <===

[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] 2025 data is for the year up to 10/9/2025 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year

 
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read MOH Dip Buyer Analyses and CNC Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.