Centene Corp (CNC)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.96
+1.78%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $27.15B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$429.82
+1.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $107.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 1360% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $12.22B). VRTX leads profitability with a 35.5% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
+57.2%
Fair Value
$992.87
Current Price
$429.82
$563.05 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 38.1%
Earnings expanding 61.4% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
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 : VRTX
The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.5% and operating margin at 38.1%.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : VRTX
The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
VRTX is growing revenue faster at 7.8% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 35.5% 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.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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