AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsCentene Corp (CNC)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$187.37
+1.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.11B
CNC
Centene Corp
$53.69
-0.54%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $26.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 206% more annual revenue ($179.48B vs $58.74B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.11. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
CNC
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+4.1%
Fair Value
$214.51
Current Price
$187.37
$27.14 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Earnings expanding 53.9% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%
Generating 1.4B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.5% revenue growth
Generating 4.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
4.1% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Operating margin of 3.7%
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AZN
The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 21.6%.
Bull Case : CNC
The strongest argument for CNC centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow. Revenue growth of 15.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.11 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Operating Margin, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a value stock while CNC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.
CNC is growing revenue faster at 15.5% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (4.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. 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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