Centene Corp (CNC)vsDollar General Corporation (DG)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.33
+4.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $26.34B
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$116.37
-0.55%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $25.20B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 317% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $42.72B). DG leads profitability with a 3.5% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
DG
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
+31.6%
Fair Value
$215.04
Current Price
$116.37
$98.67 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
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 : DG
The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : DG
The primary concerns for DG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while DG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.
DG is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DG scores higher overall (65/100 vs 57/100). 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.
Dollar General Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Dollar General Corporation is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
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