Centene Corp (CNC)vsWalmart Inc. Common Stock (WMT)
CNC
Centene Corp
$32.73
-0.76%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $16.10B
WMT
Walmart Inc. Common Stock
$123.06
+0.83%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $973.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Walmart Inc. Common Stock generates 305% more annual revenue ($713.16B vs $176.15B). WMT leads profitability with a 3.1% profit margin vs -3.8%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. CNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
CNC
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
WMT
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
-563.0%
Fair Value
$18.56
Current Price
$123.06
$104.50 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
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Generating 6.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of -28.7% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Operating margin of -1.9%
Trading at 9.8x book value
3.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.6%
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 0.74 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : WMT
The strongest argument for WMT centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : WMT
The primary concerns for WMT are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 44.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a growth stock while WMT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
WMT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.66 — expect wider price swings.
CNC is growing revenue faster at 23.2% — sustainability is the question.
WMT generates stronger free cash flow (6.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNC scores higher overall (65/100 vs 43/100) and 23.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Walmart Inc. Common Stock
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Walmart Inc. is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores from the United States, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. It also owns and operates Sam's Club retail warehouses.
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