Centene Corp (CNC)vsWest Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST)
CNC
Centene Corp
$32.73
-0.76%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $16.10B
WST
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
$247.02
+0.71%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $17.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Centene Corp generates 5630% more annual revenue ($176.15B vs $3.07B). WST leads profitability with a 16.1% 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-
WST
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNC.
Margin of Safety
-256.8%
Fair Value
$68.99
Current Price
$247.02
$178.03 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
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%
Areas to Watch
ROE of -28.7% — below average capital efficiency
Currently unprofitable
Operating margin of -1.9%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
2.1% earnings growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : WST
The strongest argument for WST centers on Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at 21.6%.
Bear Case : CNC
The primary concerns for CNC are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : WST
The primary concerns for WST are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNC profiles as a growth stock while WST is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.18 — expect wider price swings.
CNC is growing revenue faster at 23.2% — sustainability is the question.
CNC generates stronger free cash flow (224M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNC scores higher overall (65/100 vs 55/100) 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.
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of injectable pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems. The company is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania.
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