WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsMoodys Corporation (MCO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 2165% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $7.87B). MCO leads profitability with a 31.7% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.07. MCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

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

MCO

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.5Value: 4.3Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.99

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

MCO4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
71.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 71 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
31.7%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.7%

Market CapQuality
$76.56B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

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

MCO3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.064/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
31.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
25.0x2/10

Trading at 25.0x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : MCO

The strongest argument for MCO centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.7% and operating margin at 45.7%.

Bear Case : CNC

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

Bear Case : MCO

The primary concerns for MCO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MCO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.

MCO is growing revenue faster at 8.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

MCO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 31.7% margins. 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.

Moodys Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Moody's Corporation, often referred to as Moody's, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody's Investors Service (MIS), an American credit rating agency, and Moody's Analytics (MA), an American provider of financial analysis software and services.

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