Centene Corp (CNC)vsPhilip Morris International Inc (PM)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.33
+4.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $26.34B
PM
Philip Morris International Inc
$170.53
+0.63%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $263.69B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 330% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $41.49B). PM leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. CNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
PM
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
-46.5%
Fair Value
$115.64
Current Price
$170.53
$54.89 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
Strong operational efficiency at 36.0%
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 9.3%
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 : PM
The strongest argument for PM centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 36.0%.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : PM
The primary concerns for PM are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while PM is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.
PM is growing revenue faster at 9.1% — 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 54/100). 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.
Philip Morris International Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) is a Swiss-American multinational cigarette and tobacco manufacturing company, with products sold in over 180 countries. The most recognized and best selling product of the company is Marlboro.
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