WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsVisa Inc. Class A (V)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 314% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $43.03B). V leads profitability with a 51.7% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. V earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

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

V

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 10.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.84

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

V6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$610.99B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
60.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 60 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
51.7%10/10

Keeps 52 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
67.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 67.3%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.1%8/10

17.1% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
35.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 35.5% YoY

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

V4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.714/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
28.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
15.9x4/10

Trading at 15.9x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.844/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

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 : V

The strongest argument for V centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 51.7% and operating margin at 67.3%. Revenue growth of 17.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CNC

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

Bear Case : V

The primary concerns for V are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while V is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.

V is growing revenue faster at 17.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

V scores higher overall (72/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 51.7% margins and 17.1% 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.

Visa Inc. Class A

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Visa Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in Foster City, California, United States. It facilitates electronic funds transfers throughout the world, most commonly through Visa-branded credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards. Visa is one of the world's most valuable companies.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?