Centene Corp (CNC)vsUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
CNC
Centene Corp
$34.40
-3.29%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $16.92B
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$275.59
-1.73%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $261.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 154% more annual revenue ($447.57B vs $176.15B). UNH leads profitability with a 2.7% profit margin vs -3.8%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.77. CNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
CNC
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
UNH
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
-211.7%
Fair Value
$89.96
Current Price
$275.59
$185.63 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 23.2% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 21.8% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 34.0%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
ROE of -28.7% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Operating margin of -1.9%
2.7% margin — thin
Earnings declined 99.9%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNC
The strongest argument for CNC centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 23.2% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.77 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : UNH
The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.02 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : UNH
The primary concerns for UNH are Profit Margin, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a growth stock while UNH is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.46 — expect wider price swings.
CNC is growing revenue faster at 23.2% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (224M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNC scores higher overall (65/100 vs 57/100) and 23.2% revenue growth. 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.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services. In 2020, it was the second-largest healthcare company (behind CVS Health) by revenue with $257.1 billion, and the largest insurance company by net premiums. UnitedHealthcare revenues comprise 80% of the Group's overall revenue.
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