WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 1520% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $11.01B). STX leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs -3.6%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.71. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 3.5Value: 7.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.83

STX

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 5.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.62
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNCUndervalued (+85.0%)

Margin of Safety

+85.0%

Fair Value

$268.78

Current Price

$62.33

$206.45 discount

UndervaluedFair: $268.78Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for STX.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNC2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.40B8/10

Generating 3.4B in free cash flow

STX6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$230.51B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
217.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 217 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
35.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
44.1%10/10

Revenue surging 44.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
108.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 108.3% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
21.6%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

CNC2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
-30.1%2/10

ROE of -30.1% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
-3.6%1/10

Currently unprofitable

STX4 concerns · Avg: 1.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
97.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
189.8x2/10

Trading at 189.8x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.622/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
3.821/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : STX

The strongest argument for STX centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 35.7%. Revenue growth of 44.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CNC

The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : STX

The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 97.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while STX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

STX carries more volatility with a beta of 2.08 — expect wider price swings.

STX is growing revenue faster at 44.1% — sustainability is the question.

CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

STX scores higher overall (77/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins and 44.1% revenue growth. CNC offers better value entry with a 85.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

Seagate Technology PLC

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Seagate Technology Holdings plc, an Irish public limited company (commonly referred to as Seagate) is an American data storage company.

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