WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 1703% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $9.89B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 3.5Value: 5.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.71

SYF

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.03

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNC2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.40B8/10

Generating 3.4B in free cash flow

SYF6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
36.4%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%

Return on EquityProfitability
21.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

CNC2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
-26.0%2/10

ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
-3.6%1/10

Currently unprofitable

SYF2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.032/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : SYF

The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.0%.

Bear Case : CNC

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

Bear Case : SYF

The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while SYF is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.36 — expect wider price swings.

SYF is growing revenue faster at 6.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

SYF scores higher overall (77/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. 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.

Synchrony Financial

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.

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