WallStSmart

Cardinal Health Inc (CAH)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cardinal Health Inc generates 728% more annual revenue ($244.67B vs $29.55B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 0.7%. CAH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.33. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).

CAH

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.5Value: 8.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.30

SO

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CAHUndervalued (+14.8%)

Margin of Safety

+14.8%

Fair Value

$263.37

Current Price

$211.31

$52.06 discount

UndervaluedFair: $263.37Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-254.9%)

Margin of Safety

-254.9%

Fair Value

$26.66

Current Price

$94.61

$67.95 premium

UndervaluedFair: $26.66Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAH2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.3010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.8%8/10

18.8% revenue growth

SO2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$105.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

CAH4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.7%3/10

0.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.2%3/10

Operating margin of 1.2%

SO3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.672/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-22.1%2/10

Earnings declined 22.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.86B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CAH

The strongest argument for CAH centers on Altman Z-Score, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 18.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.33 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 : CAH

The primary concerns for CAH are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 0.7% 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

CAH profiles as a growth stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CAH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.62 — expect wider price swings.

CAH is growing revenue faster at 18.8% — sustainability is the question.

CAH generates stronger free cash flow (555M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SO scores higher overall (54/100 vs 53/100) and 10.1% revenue growth. 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.

Cardinal Health Inc

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

Cardinal Health, Inc. is an American multinational health care services company.

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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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