Centene Corp (CNC)vsAltria Group (MO)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.33
+4.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $26.34B
MO
Altria Group
$70.17
-3.60%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $124.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 775% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $20.38B). MO leads profitability with a 39.5% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. MO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
MO
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
-37.4%
Fair Value
$47.98
Current Price
$70.17
$22.19 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 62.3%
Earnings expanding 106.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNC
The strongest argument for CNC centers on Price/Book, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.02 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MO
The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.5% and operating margin at 62.3%.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : MO
The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while MO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.
MO is growing revenue faster at 5.3% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 39.5% 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.
Altria Group
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.
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