Centene Corp (CNC)vsEdwards Lifesciences Corp (EW)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.33
+4.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $26.34B
EW
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
$83.20
+0.35%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $48.42B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 2729% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $6.30B). EW leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. EW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
EW
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
+69.8%
Fair Value
$262.87
Current Price
$83.20
$179.67 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 31.2%
16.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : EW
The strongest argument for EW centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 31.2%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : EW
The primary concerns for EW are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while EW is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
EW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — expect wider price swings.
EW is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
EW scores higher overall (61/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. 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.
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Edwards Lifesciences is an American medical technology company headquartered in Irvine, California, specializing in artificial heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring.
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