WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsBanco Santander SA ADR (SAN)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 276% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $47.37B). SAN leads profitability with a 34.1% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. SAN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

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

SAN

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.41
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 SAN.

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

SAN6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Profit MarginProfitability
34.1%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
43.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 43.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
67.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 67.4% YoY

Market CapQuality
$188.69B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
12.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

SAN4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

PEG RatioValuation
3.662/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.412/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
4.091/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : SAN

The strongest argument for SAN centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.1% and operating margin at 43.3%.

Bear Case : CNC

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

Bear Case : SAN

The primary concerns for SAN are Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.09 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while SAN is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

CNC is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.

Monitor HEALTHCARE PLANS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

SAN scores higher overall (65/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 34.1% margins. CNC offers better value entry with a 85.0% margin of safety. 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.

Banco Santander SA ADR

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Banco Santander, SA, offers various commercial and retail banking products and services to individuals, small and medium-sized companies and large companies worldwide. The company is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

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