WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsFlex Ltd (FLEX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 565% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $26.83B). FLEX leads profitability with a 3.2% profit margin vs -3.6%. FLEX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.94. CNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 3.5Value: 5.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.71

FLEX

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.14
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.

FLEXUndervalued (+2.8%)

Margin of Safety

+2.8%

Fair Value

$66.68

Current Price

$134.73

$68.05 discount

UndervaluedFair: $66.68Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNC2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.40B8/10

Generating 3.4B in free cash flow

FLEX1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.948/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

CNC2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
-26.0%2/10

ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
-3.6%1/10

Currently unprofitable

FLEX4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
9.7x4/10

Trading at 9.7x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
3.2%3/10

3.2% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.093/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
41.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : FLEX

The strongest argument for FLEX centers on PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.94 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CNC

The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : FLEX

The primary concerns for FLEX are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 41.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.2% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while FLEX is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

FLEX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.

FLEX is growing revenue faster at 7.7% — sustainability is the question.

CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CNC scores higher overall (57/100 vs 52/100). Both earn "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.

Flex Ltd

TECHNOLOGY · ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS · USA

Flex Ltd. provides design, engineering, manufacturing and supply chain services and solutions to OEMs in Asia, the Americas and Europe. The company is headquartered in Singapore.

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