Centene Corp (CNC)vsEli Lilly and Company (LLY)
CNC
Centene Corp
$56.36
+0.71%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $27.83B
LLY
Eli Lilly and Company
$966.99
+1.95%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $905.79B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 147% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $72.25B). LLY leads profitability with a 35.0% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.07. LLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
LLY
Strong Buy78
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 108 in profit
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 49.4%
Revenue surging 55.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 169.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 27.7x book value
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 : LLY
The strongest argument for LLY centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.0% and operating margin at 49.4%. Revenue growth of 55.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : LLY
The primary concerns for LLY are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 1.60 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while LLY is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
LLY is growing revenue faster at 55.5% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LLY scores higher overall (78/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 35.0% margins and 55.5% 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.
Eli Lilly and Company
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Eli Lilly and Company is an American pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with offices in 18 countries. Its products are sold in approximately 125 countries.
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