Centene Corp (CNC)vsCVS Health Corp (CVS)
CNC
Centene Corp
$62.33
-0.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $32.19B
CVS
CVS Health Corp
$95.93
+1.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $128.46B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CVS Health Corp generates 127% more annual revenue ($405.62B vs $178.33B). CVS leads profitability with a 0.7% profit margin vs -3.6%. CVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.28. CVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
CVS
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+85.0%
Fair Value
$269.76
Current Price
$62.33
$207.43 discount
Margin of Safety
+45.4%
Fair Value
$141.01
Current Price
$95.93
$45.08 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 63.1% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of -30.1% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency
0.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.1%
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNC
The strongest argument for CNC centers on Price/Book, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : CVS
The strongest argument for CVS centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Market Cap. PEG of 0.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : CVS
The primary concerns for CVS are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 44.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while CVS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
CVS is growing revenue faster at 6.1% — sustainability is the question.
CVS generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CVS scores higher overall (65/100 vs 57/100). CNC offers better value entry with a 85.0% 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.
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.
CVS Health Corp
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
CVS Health (previously CVS Corporation and CVS Caremark Corporation) is an American healthcare company that owns CVS Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain; CVS Caremark, a pharmacy benefits manager; Aetna, a health insurance provider, among many other brands. The company's headquarters is in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
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