Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock (MDLN)vsSouthern Company (SO)
MDLN
Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock
$42.67
+1.52%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.68B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 4% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $28.43B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 4.1%. SO trades at a lower P/E of 24.1x. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).
MDLN
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+32.7%
Fair Value
$66.92
Current Price
$42.67
$24.25 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
No standout strengths identified
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency
4.1% margin — thin
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MDLN
Revenue growth of 14.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MDLN
The primary concerns for MDLN are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MDLN is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — sustainability is the question.
MDLN generates stronger free cash flow (-113M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (54/100 vs 52/100) and 10.1% revenue growth. MDLN offers better value entry with a 32.7% 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.
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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