Centene Corp (CNC)vsLithia Motors Inc (LAD)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.96
+1.78%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $27.15B
LAD
Lithia Motors Inc
$293.99
+0.99%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $6.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 373% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $37.73B). LAD leads profitability with a 1.9% profit margin vs -3.6%. LAD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. CNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
LAD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
+53.9%
Fair Value
$694.31
Current Price
$293.99
$400.32 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
1.0% revenue growth
1.9% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.6%
Weak financial health signals
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 : LAD
The strongest argument for LAD centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.64 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : LAD
The primary concerns for LAD are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while LAD is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
LAD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — 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
CNC scores higher overall (57/100 vs 55/100). LAD offers better value entry with a 53.9% 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.
Lithia Motors Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA
Lithia Motors, Inc. is an automobile retailer in the United States. The company is headquartered in Medford, Oregon.
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