Centene Corp (CNC)vsPepsiCo Inc (PEP)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.33
+4.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $26.34B
PEP
PepsiCo Inc
$155.96
+0.59%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $215.17B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 87% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $95.45B). PEP leads profitability with a 9.2% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. PEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
PEP
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
-0.1%
Fair Value
$154.81
Current Price
$155.96
$1.15 premium
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
Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit
Earnings expanding 27.8% YoY
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 10.0x book value
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : PEP
The strongest argument for PEP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : PEP
The primary concerns for PEP are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while PEP is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.
PEP is growing revenue faster at 8.5% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PEP scores higher overall (63/100 vs 57/100). 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.
PepsiCo Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA
PepsiCo, Inc. is an American based multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in Harrison, New York, in the hamlet of Purchase. PepsiCo's business encompasses all aspects of the food and beverage market. It oversees the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of its products.
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