WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsAT&T Inc (TBB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

TBB leads profitability with a 0.0% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

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

TBB

Avoid

25

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.5Value: 6.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.87

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

TBB3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
4.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Market CapQuality
$132.56B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.68B8/10

Generating 2.7B in free cash flow

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

TBB4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

0.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

Operating margin of 0.0%

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 : TBB

The strongest argument for TBB centers on P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : CNC

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

Bear Case : TBB

The primary concerns for TBB are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.57 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while TBB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CNC is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor HEALTHCARE PLANS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CNC scores higher overall (57/100 vs 25/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.

AT&T Inc

· · USA

AT&T Inc. provides digital entertainment communications and services. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

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