WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsGoldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 190% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $61.53B). GS leads profitability with a 29.4% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. GS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

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

GS

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9

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

GS6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$268.05B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
38.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.4%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.2% YoY

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

GS1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-32.43B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : GS

The strongest argument for GS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.4% and operating margin at 38.6%. Revenue growth of 14.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CNC

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

Bear Case : GS

The primary concerns for GS are Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while GS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

GS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — expect wider price swings.

GS is growing revenue faster at 14.5% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

GS scores higher overall (75/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 29.4% margins and 14.5% revenue growth. 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.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered in New York City. It offers services in investment management, securities, asset management, prime brokerage, and securities underwriting. It also provides investment banking to institutional investors.

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