Centene Corp (CNC)vsAT&T Inc (T)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.33
+4.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $26.34B
T
AT&T Inc
$25.57
-1.27%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $181.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 41% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $126.53B). T leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs -3.6%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. T earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
T
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
+20.5%
Fair Value
$32.17
Current Price
$25.57
$6.60 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 22.7%
Generating 2.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
2.9% revenue growth
Earnings declined 11.3%
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 : T
The strongest argument for T centers on P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.9% and operating margin at 22.7%.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : T
The primary concerns for T are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while T is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.
CNC is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
T scores higher overall (64/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 16.9% 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.
AT&T Inc
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · TELECOM SERVICES · USA
AT&T Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company, Delaware-registered but headquartered at Whitacre Tower in Downtown Dallas, Texas. It is the world largest telecommunications company, and the second largest provider of mobile telephone services.
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