Centene Corp (CNC)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.33
+4.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $26.34B
MS
Morgan Stanley
$193.35
+2.17%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $298.53B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 144% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $73.17B). MS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
MS
Strong Buy73
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
Strong operational efficiency at 40.6%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
16.3% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 31.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : MS
The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 40.6%. Revenue growth of 16.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : MS
The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while MS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.
MS is growing revenue faster at 16.3% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 16.3% 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.
Morgan Stanley
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
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