Centene Corp (CNC)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.96
+1.78%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $27.15B
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$55.53
+0.40%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $85.86B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 569% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $26.65B). USB leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
USB
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.6% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while USB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
CNC is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (71/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 29.3% 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.
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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