Centene Corp (CNC)vsThe Home Depot Inc (HD)
CNC
Centene Corp
$62.33
-0.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $32.19B
HD
The Home Depot Inc
$310.78
+2.08%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $336.21B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 7% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $166.59B). HD leads profitability with a 8.4% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. CNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
HD
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+85.0%
Fair Value
$268.78
Current Price
$62.33
$206.45 discount
Margin of Safety
-57.4%
Fair Value
$212.44
Current Price
$310.78
$98.34 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Generating 5.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of -30.1% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.8% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 22.3x book value
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 : HD
The strongest argument for HD centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : HD
The primary concerns for HD are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.18 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while HD 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.
HD generates stronger free cash flow (5.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNC scores higher overall (57/100 vs 51/100). 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.
The Home Depot Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
The Home Depot, Inc., commonly known as Home Depot, is the largest home improvement retailer in the United States, supplying tools, construction products, and services. The company is headquartered in incorporated Cobb County, Georgia, with an Atlanta mailing address.
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