Centene Corp (CNC)vsIDEXX Laboratories Inc (IDXX)
CNC
Centene Corp
$62.33
-0.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $32.19B
IDXX
IDEXX Laboratories Inc
$562.16
-0.46%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $44.24B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 3911% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $4.45B). IDXX leads profitability with a 24.6% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. IDXX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
IDXX
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+85.0%
Fair Value
$268.78
Current Price
$62.33
$206.45 discount
Margin of Safety
-53.1%
Fair Value
$423.77
Current Price
$562.16
$138.39 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 70 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 31.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
ROE of -30.1% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 28.6x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNC
The strongest argument for CNC centers on Price/Book, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : IDXX
The strongest argument for IDXX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.6% and operating margin at 31.8%. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : IDXX
The primary concerns for IDXX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 41.3x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while IDXX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
IDXX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.54 — expect wider price swings.
IDXX is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
IDXX scores higher overall (63/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 24.6% margins and 14.3% revenue growth. CNC offers better value entry with a 85.0% margin of safety. 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.
IDEXX Laboratories Inc
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is an American multinational corporation engaged in the development, manufacture, and distribution of products and services for the companion animal veterinary, livestock and poultry, water testing, and dairy markets.
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