Centene Corp (CNC)vsVerizon Communications Inc (VZ)
CNC
Centene Corp
$32.73
-0.76%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $16.10B
VZ
Verizon Communications Inc
$50.37
-1.06%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $214.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 27% more annual revenue ($176.15B vs $138.19B). VZ leads profitability with a 12.4% profit margin vs -3.8%. CNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.74. CNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
CNC
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
VZ
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
-82.4%
Fair Value
$27.61
Current Price
$50.37
$22.76 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 23.2% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 21.8% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 21.0%
Generating 4.4B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of -28.7% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Operating margin of -1.9%
2.0% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 53.3%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNC
The strongest argument for CNC centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 23.2% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.74 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : VZ
The strongest argument for VZ centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.23 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : VZ
The primary concerns for VZ are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a growth stock while VZ is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.46 — expect wider price swings.
CNC is growing revenue faster at 23.2% — sustainability is the question.
VZ generates stronger free cash flow (4.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNC scores higher overall (65/100 vs 62/100) and 23.2% 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.
Verizon Communications Inc
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · TELECOM SERVICES · USA
Verizon Communications Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications conglomerate and a corporate component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company is headquartered at 1095 Avenue of the Americas in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, but is incorporated in Delaware.
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