IQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV)vsSouthern Company (SO)
IQV
IQVIA Holdings Inc
$165.64
-0.27%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $28.11B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.85%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 81% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $16.31B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 8.3%. IQV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.97. IQV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
IQV
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+49.1%
Fair Value
$348.46
Current Price
$165.64
$182.82 discount
Margin of Safety
-254.9%
Fair Value
$26.66
Current Price
$94.61
$67.95 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 23.6% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : IQV
The strongest argument for IQV centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 10.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.97 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : IQV
The primary concerns for IQV are Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
IQV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
IQV is growing revenue faster at 10.3% — sustainability is the question.
IQV generates stronger free cash flow (561M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
IQV scores higher overall (72/100 vs 54/100) and 10.3% 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.
IQVIA Holdings Inc
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
IQVIA, formerly Quintiles and IMS Health, Inc., is an American multinational company serving the combined industries of health information technology and clinical research. It is a provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services, focused primarily on Phase I-IV clinical trials and associated laboratory and analytical services, including consulting services.
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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