Centene Corp (CNC)vsLowe's Companies Inc (LOW)
CNC
Centene Corp
$62.33
-0.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $32.19B
LOW
Lowe's Companies Inc
$210.74
+2.27%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $123.46B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 102% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $88.43B). LOW leads profitability with a 7.5% 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
LOW
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
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
-58.5%
Fair Value
$140.20
Current Price
$210.74
$70.54 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 2.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of -30.1% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Grey zone — moderate risk
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
7.5% margin — thin
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 1.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : LOW
The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. Revenue growth of 10.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.44 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 : LOW
The primary concerns for LOW are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while LOW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
LOW is growing revenue faster at 10.3% — 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 50/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Lowe's Companies Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA
Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.
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