AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsCentene Corp (CNC)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$160.17
+0.33%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $252.33B
CNC
Centene Corp
$66.42
+1.56%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $31.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 194% more annual revenue ($180.30B vs $61.37B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs -2.8%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.81. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
CNC
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+18.4%
Fair Value
$196.10
Current Price
$160.17
$35.93 discount
Margin of Safety
+84.8%
Fair Value
$265.86
Current Price
$66.42
$199.44 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 23.5%
Generating 2.1B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Generating 4.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
4.6% revenue growth
Operating margin of 3.8%
ROE of -22.6% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AZN
The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.0% and operating margin at 23.5%. PEG of 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : CNC
The strongest argument for CNC centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.81 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Revenue Growth, Operating Margin, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while CNC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 6.4% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (4.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. CNC offers better value entry with a 84.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
AstraZeneca PLC
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
AstraZeneca PLC discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription drugs in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory, infections, neuroscience and gastroenterology worldwide. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
Centene Corp
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
Centene Corporation is a large publicly traded company and a multi-line managed care enterprise that serves as a major intermediary for both government-sponsored and privately insured health care programs. It is a healthcare insurer that focuses on managed care for uninsured, underinsured, and low-income individuals.
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