Centene Corp (CNC)vsElevance Health Inc (ELV)
CNC
Centene Corp
$66.42
+1.56%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $31.90B
ELV
Elevance Health Inc
$418.72
+0.52%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $90.81B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Elevance Health Inc generates 12% more annual revenue ($201.11B vs $180.30B). ELV leads profitability with a 2.5% profit margin vs -2.8%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.81. CNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
CNC
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
ELV
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+84.8%
Fair Value
$265.86
Current Price
$66.42
$199.44 discount
Margin of Safety
-0.7%
Fair Value
$415.84
Current Price
$418.72
$2.88 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Generating 4.2B in free cash flow
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 1.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
4.6% revenue growth
Operating margin of 3.8%
ROE of -22.6% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
1.4% revenue growth
2.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.6%
Earnings declined 13.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : ELV
The strongest argument for ELV centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.36 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Revenue Growth, Operating Margin, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : ELV
The primary concerns for ELV are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 2.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while ELV is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.
CNC is growing revenue faster at 4.6% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (4.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNC scores higher overall (56/100 vs 52/100). 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.
Elevance Health Inc
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
Elevance Health Inc. is a health benefits company. The company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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