Centene Corp (CNC)vs3M Company (MMM)
CNC
Centene Corp
$62.33
-0.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $32.19B
MMM
3M Company
$153.76
+0.65%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $82.53B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 613% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $25.02B). MMM leads profitability with a 11.1% 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
MMM
Buy56
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
-51.4%
Fair Value
$114.14
Current Price
$153.76
$39.62 premium
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 85 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.3%
Areas to Watch
ROE of -30.1% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
1.3% revenue growth
Trading at 24.6x 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 : MMM
The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : MMM
The primary concerns for MMM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 3.85 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while MMM is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MMM 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.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNC scores higher overall (57/100 vs 56/100). 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.
3M Company
INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA
The 3M Company is an American multinational conglomerate corporation operating in the fields of industry, worker safety, US health care, and consumer goods. The company produces over 60,000 products under several brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical and electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films. It is based in Maplewood, a suburb of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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