Centene Corp (CNC)vsWalmart Inc. (WMT)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.96
+1.78%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $27.15B
WMT
Walmart Inc.
$130.43
+0.37%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.04T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Walmart Inc. generates 300% more annual revenue ($713.16B vs $178.33B). WMT leads profitability with a 3.1% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. CNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
WMT
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
-90.0%
Fair Value
$68.54
Current Price
$130.43
$61.89 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
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 -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Trading at 10.4x 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, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.02 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.
Bear Case : WMT
The primary concerns for WMT are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 47.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while WMT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
WMT is growing revenue faster at 5.6% — sustainability is the question.
WMT generates stronger free cash flow (6.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNC scores higher overall (57/100 vs 43/100). Both earn "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.
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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other HEALTHCARE PLANS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?