Centene Corp (CNC)vsGilead Sciences Inc (GILD)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.33
+4.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $26.34B
GILD
Gilead Sciences Inc
$136.30
+2.11%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $163.40B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 506% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $29.44B). GILD leads profitability with a 28.9% profit margin vs -3.6%. GILD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.37. GILD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
GILD
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
+43.5%
Fair Value
$236.08
Current Price
$136.30
$99.78 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 37.4%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 23.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
4.7% revenue growth
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 : GILD
The strongest argument for GILD centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.9% and operating margin at 37.4%. PEG of 0.37 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 : GILD
The primary concerns for GILD are Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while GILD is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.
CNC is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
GILD scores higher overall (72/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 28.9% margins. 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.
Gilead Sciences Inc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Foster City, California, that focuses on researching and developing antiviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and influenza, including Harvoni and Sovaldi.
Compare with Other HEALTHCARE PLANS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?