Centene Corp (CNC)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
CNC
Centene Corp
$62.33
-0.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $32.19B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$272.05
+2.00%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $231.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 1581% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $10.61B). PANW leads profitability with a 8.0% 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
PANW
Hold47
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
+40.6%
Fair Value
$471.49
Current Price
$272.05
$199.44 discount
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
Revenue surging 31.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
ROE of -30.1% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
ROE of 3.0% — below average capital efficiency
8.0% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 31.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 247.4x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while PANW is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 31.1% — 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 47/100). PANW offers better value entry with a 40.6% margin of safety. 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.
Palo Alto Networks Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides cybersecurity platform solutions globally. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
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