WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsThe TJX Companies Inc (TJX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 190% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $61.58B). TJX leads profitability with a 9.4% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. CNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

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

TJX

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 2.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.03
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
TJXSignificantly Overvalued (-19.7%)

Margin of Safety

-19.7%

Fair Value

$138.91

Current Price

$158.62

$19.71 premium

UndervaluedFair: $138.91Overvalued

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

TJX4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
55.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 56 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.0310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$184.85B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
29.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 29.3% YoY

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

TJX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
17.2x4/10

Trading at 17.2x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.363/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
3.602/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : TJX

The strongest argument for TJX centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.

Bear Case : CNC

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

Bear Case : TJX

The primary concerns for TJX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

TJX is growing revenue faster at 9.2% — 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 56/100). 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.

The TJX Companies Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

The TJX Companies, Inc. (abbreviated TJX) is an American multinational off-price department store corporation, headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts.

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