WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 568% more annual revenue ($176.15B vs $26.35B). USB leads profitability with a 28.7% profit margin vs -3.8%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

CNC

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 2.5Value: 6.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.71

USB

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.

USBUndervalued (+75.8%)

Margin of Safety

+75.8%

Fair Value

$214.00

Current Price

$51.89

$162.11 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.00Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNC4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Price/BookValuation
0.8x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.748/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.2%8/10

Revenue surging 23.2% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.8% YoY

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%

Market CapQuality
$81.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.7%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

CNC3 concerns · Avg: 1.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
-28.7%2/10

ROE of -28.7% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
-3.8%1/10

Currently unprofitable

Operating MarginProfitability
-1.9%1/10

Operating margin of -1.9%

USB2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.804/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 0.74 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.7% and operating margin at 39.3%.

Bear Case : CNC

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

Bear Case : USB

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNC profiles as a growth stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.

CNC is growing revenue faster at 23.2% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 28.7% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

U.S. Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.

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