Cigna Corp (CI)vsCentene Corp (CNC)
CI
Cigna Corp
$280.76
+3.36%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $74.19B
CNC
Centene Corp
$66.42
+1.56%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $31.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cigna Corp generates 57% more annual revenue ($282.38B vs $180.30B). CI leads profitability with a 2.3% profit margin vs -2.8%. CI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.76. CI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CI
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
CNC
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+58.5%
Fair Value
$676.72
Current Price
$280.76
$395.96 discount
Margin of Safety
+84.8%
Fair Value
$265.86
Current Price
$66.42
$199.44 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Generating 4.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
2.3% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.0%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
4.6% revenue growth
Operating margin of 3.8%
ROE of -22.6% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CI
The strongest argument for CI centers on P/E Ratio, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.76 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : CNC
The strongest argument for CNC centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.81 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CI
The primary concerns for CI are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Thin 2.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Revenue Growth, Operating Margin, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CI profiles as a value stock while CNC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.
CI is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (4.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 56/100). CNC offers better value entry with a 84.8% margin of safety. 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.
Cigna Corp
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
Cigna is an American multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Its insurance subsidiaries are major providers of medical, dental, disability, life and accident insurance and related products and services, the majority of which are offered through employers and other groups (e.g. governmental and non-governmental organizations, unions and associations).
Visit Website →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.
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