Centene Corp (CNC)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)
CNC
Centene Corp
$58.27
-0.73%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $27.83B
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$154.36
-1.21%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $87.54B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 1609% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $10.44B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.07. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
ICE
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.3%
Earnings expanding 79.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNC
The strongest argument for CNC centers on Price/Book, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.07 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : ICE
The strongest argument for ICE centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.7% and operating margin at 57.3%. Revenue growth of 20.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while ICE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
ICE is growing revenue faster at 20.4% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ICE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 37.7% margins and 20.4% 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.
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is an American Fortune 500 company formed in 2000 that operates global exchanges, clearing houses and provides mortgage technology, data and listing services. The company owns exchanges for financial and commodity markets, and operates regulated exchanges and marketplaces.
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