WallStSmart

Centene Corp (CNC)vsCharles Schwab Corp (SCHW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Centene Corp generates 619% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $24.80B). SCHW leads profitability with a 38.0% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. SCHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).

CNC

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

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

SCHW

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 8.3
Piotroski: 6/9

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

SCHW6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Profit MarginProfitability
38.0%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
49.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 49.2%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$160.29B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.8%8/10

15.8% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
38.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 38.6% 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

SCHW1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-921.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : SCHW

The strongest argument for SCHW centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 38.0% and operating margin at 49.2%. Revenue growth of 15.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CNC

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

Bear Case : SCHW

The primary concerns for SCHW are Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while SCHW is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

SCHW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.80 — expect wider price swings.

SCHW is growing revenue faster at 15.8% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

SCHW scores higher overall (75/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 38.0% margins and 15.8% 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.

Charles Schwab Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

The Charles Schwab Corporation is an American multinational financial services company. It offers banking, commercial banking, an electronic trading platform, and wealth management advisory services to both retail and institutional clients.

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