Centene Corp (CNC)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.33
+4.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $26.34B
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$242.69
+1.25%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $96.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 2061% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $8.25B). HWM leads profitability with a 18.3% profit margin vs -3.6%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
HWM
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 26.3%
Earnings expanding 20.3% YoY
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Trading at 18.2x book value
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 : HWM
The strongest argument for HWM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 26.3%. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : HWM
The primary concerns for HWM are Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 64.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while HWM is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
HWM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
HWM is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HWM scores higher overall (69/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 18.3% margins and 14.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
Howmet Aerospace Inc
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Howmet Aerospace Inc. is an American aerospace company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company manufactures components for jet engines, fasteners and titanium structures for aerospace applications, and forged aluminum wheels for heavy trucks.
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