WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsStarbucks Corporation (SBUX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 364% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $38.47B). SBUX leads profitability with a 3.9% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. CNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

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

SBUX

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.07
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.

SBUXUndervalued (+26.6%)

Margin of Safety

+26.6%

Fair Value

$135.09

Current Price

$106.44

$28.65 discount

UndervaluedFair: $135.09Overvalued

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

SBUX2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$119.63B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
32.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 32.6% YoY

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

SBUX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.784/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.9%3/10

3.9% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : SBUX

The strongest argument for SBUX centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : CNC

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

Bear Case : SBUX

The primary concerns for SBUX are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 80.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

SBUX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.01 — expect wider price swings.

SBUX is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

CNC scores higher overall (57/100 vs 49/100). SBUX offers better value entry with a 26.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.

Starbucks Corporation

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Starbucks Corporation is an American multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves headquartered in Seattle, Washington. As the world's largest coffeehouse chain, Starbucks is seen to be the main representation of the United States' second wave of coffee culture.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?