Centene Corp (CNC)vsVerizon Communications Inc (VZ)
CNC
Centene Corp
$55.96
+1.78%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $27.15B
VZ
Verizon Communications Inc
$47.22
+0.28%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $196.65B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 28% more annual revenue ($178.33B vs $139.15B). VZ leads profitability with a 12.5% profit margin vs -3.6%. VZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.89. VZ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
CNC
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
VZ
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
-4.4%
Fair Value
$45.11
Current Price
$47.22
$2.11 premium
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.2%
Generating 3.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
2.9% revenue growth
4.3% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : VZ
The strongest argument for VZ centers on P/E Ratio, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.89 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : VZ
The primary concerns for VZ are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a turnaround stock while VZ is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
CNC is growing revenue faster at 5.1% — sustainability is the question.
VZ generates stronger free cash flow (3.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VZ scores higher overall (68/100 vs 57/100). 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.
Compare with Other HEALTHCARE PLANS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?