WallStSmart

Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock (MDLN)vsAltria Group (MO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock generates 43% more annual revenue ($29.14B vs $20.38B). MO leads profitability with a 39.5% profit margin vs 3.3%. MO trades at a lower P/E of 14.4x. MO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

MDLN

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 5.0Value: 6.3Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 4/9

MO

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.5Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.86
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MDLNUndervalued (+69.5%)

Margin of Safety

+69.5%

Fair Value

$147.84

Current Price

$39.52

$108.32 discount

UndervaluedFair: $147.84Overvalued
MOSignificantly Overvalued (-37.3%)

Margin of Safety

-37.3%

Fair Value

$48.02

Current Price

$68.12

$20.10 premium

UndervaluedFair: $48.02Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MDLN2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
1258.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 1258.0% YoY

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

MO6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
39.5%10/10

Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
62.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 62.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
106.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 106.3% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
-7.3410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$115.29B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
14.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

MDLN4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
36.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
6.0%3/10

ROE of 6.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.3%3/10

3.3% margin — thin

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-113.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

MO2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.864/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MDLN

The strongest argument for MDLN centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MO

The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.5% and operating margin at 62.3%.

Bear Case : MDLN

The primary concerns for MDLN are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 3.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : MO

The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MDLN profiles as a value stock while MO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

MDLN is growing revenue faster at 10.7% — sustainability is the question.

MO generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 39.5% margins. MDLN offers better value entry with a 69.5% margin of safety. Both earn "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.

Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA

Medline Inc. manufactures med-surg products serving the hospital, surgery centers, physician offices, post-acute facilities, and nursing home sites of care in the United States and Internationally. The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois.

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Altria Group

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA

Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.

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