Cardinal Health Inc (CAH)vsSouthern Company (SO)
CAH
Cardinal Health Inc
$201.77
+1.22%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $52.43B
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
+1.22%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cardinal Health Inc generates 731% more annual revenue ($250.74B vs $30.18B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 0.6%. CAH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.39. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
CAH
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-31.2%
Fair Value
$170.63
Current Price
$201.77
$31.14 premium
Margin of Safety
-47.7%
Fair Value
$62.70
Current Price
$92.60
$29.90 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
0.6% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.4%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CAH
The strongest argument for CAH centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.39 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : CAH
The primary concerns for CAH are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 0.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.53 — expect wider price swings.
CAH is growing revenue faster at 11.0% — sustainability is the question.
CAH generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (56/100 vs 47/100). 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.
Cardinal Health Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Cardinal Health, Inc. is an American multinational health care services company.
Visit Website →Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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