Becton Dickinson and Company (BDX)vsSouthern Company (SO)
BDX
Becton Dickinson and Company
$158.27
+1.51%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $56.49B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 35% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $21.92B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 8.0%. BDX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. BDX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
BDX
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+36.9%
Fair Value
$286.42
Current Price
$158.27
$128.15 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 28.6% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
1.6% revenue growth
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
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 : BDX
The strongest argument for BDX centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.16 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 : BDX
The primary concerns for BDX are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.41 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.
BDX generates stronger free cash flow (549M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
BDX scores higher overall (61/100 vs 54/100). 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.
Becton Dickinson and Company
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Becton, Dickinson and Company, also known as BD, is an American multinational medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems, and reagents. BD also provides consulting and analytics services in certain geographies.
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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