Centene Corp (CNC)vsCVS Health Corp (CVS)
CNC
Centene Corp
$52.96
-1.12%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $26.34B
CVS
CVS Health Corp
$82.01
-0.10%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $105.21B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CVS Health Corp generates 124% more annual revenue ($399.83B vs $178.33B). CVS leads profitability with a 0.4% profit margin vs -3.6%. CVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.24. 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
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
+77.4%
Fair Value
$340.13
Current Price
$82.01
$258.12 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 76.6% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 2.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
ROE of 2.3% — below average capital efficiency
0.4% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.6%
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNC
The strongest argument for CNC centers on Price/Book, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.02 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : CVS
The strongest argument for CVS centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.24 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 59.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.4% 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 0.59 — expect wider price swings.
CVS is growing revenue faster at 8.4% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CVS scores higher overall (65/100 vs 57/100). 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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