Centene Corp (CNC)vsUnilever PLC ADR (UL)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.33
+4.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $26.34B
UL
Unilever PLC ADR
$59.76
+1.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $128.81B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 253% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $50.50B). UL leads profitability with a 18.8% 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
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
UL
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 20.1%
Generating 5.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 3.2%
Earnings declined 3.4%
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 : UL
The strongest argument for UL centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.8% and operating margin at 20.1%.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : UL
The primary concerns for UL are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while UL is a declining 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.
UL generates stronger free cash flow (5.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNC scores higher overall (57/100 vs 46/100). 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.
Unilever PLC ADR
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA
Unilever PLC is a fast moving consumer goods company in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, America and Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
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