WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsDollar General Corporation (DG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 314% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $43.08B). DG leads profitability with a 3.6% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 3.5Value: 7.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.83

DG

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.08
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNCUndervalued (+85.0%)

Margin of Safety

+85.0%

Fair Value

$268.78

Current Price

$62.33

$206.45 discount

UndervaluedFair: $268.78Overvalued
DGUndervalued (+13.5%)

Margin of Safety

+13.5%

Fair Value

$170.04

Current Price

$103.70

$66.34 discount

UndervaluedFair: $170.04Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNC2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.40B8/10

Generating 3.4B in free cash flow

DG2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
16.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

CNC2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
-30.1%2/10

ROE of -30.1% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
-3.6%1/10

Currently unprofitable

DG4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.654/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.4%4/10

3.4% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

3.6% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.793/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : DG

The strongest argument for DG centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : CNC

The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : DG

The primary concerns for DG are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.79 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while DG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

CNC is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.

CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DG scores higher overall (59/100 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.

Dollar General Corporation

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA

Dollar General Corporation is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

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