WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsLumentum Holdings Inc (LITE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 7067% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $2.49B). LITE leads profitability with a 17.7% profit margin vs -3.6%. LITE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.63. LITE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 3.5Value: 7.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.83

LITE

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 5.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.58
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNCUndervalued (+85.0%)

Margin of Safety

+85.0%

Fair Value

$268.78

Current Price

$62.33

$206.45 discount

UndervaluedFair: $268.78Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for LITE.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNC2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.40B8/10

Generating 3.4B in free cash flow

LITE5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
90.1%10/10

Revenue surging 90.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
71.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 71.1% YoY

Market CapQuality
$74.47B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.638/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
21.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.8%

Areas to Watch

CNC2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
-30.1%2/10

ROE of -30.1% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
-3.6%1/10

Currently unprofitable

LITE4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.113/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
169.4x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
79.7x2/10

Trading at 79.7x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.582/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : LITE

The strongest argument for LITE centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.7% and operating margin at 21.8%. Revenue growth of 90.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CNC

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

Bear Case : LITE

The primary concerns for LITE are Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 169.4x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while LITE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

LITE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.48 — expect wider price swings.

LITE is growing revenue faster at 90.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

LITE scores higher overall (74/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 17.7% margins and 90.1% revenue growth. CNC offers better value entry with a 85.0% margin of safety. 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.

Lumentum Holdings Inc

TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA

Lumentum Holdings Inc. manufactures and sells optical and photonic products in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.

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