CVS Health Corp (CVS)vsAltria Group (MO)
CVS
CVS Health Corp
$86.86
+7.65%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $105.21B
MO
Altria Group
$70.17
-3.60%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $124.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CVS Health Corp generates 1862% more annual revenue ($399.83B vs $20.38B). MO leads profitability with a 39.5% profit margin vs 0.4%. CVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.24. CVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CVS
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
MO
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+77.4%
Fair Value
$340.13
Current Price
$86.86
$253.27 discount
Margin of Safety
-37.4%
Fair Value
$47.98
Current Price
$70.17
$22.19 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 76.6% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 2.6B in free cash flow
Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 62.3%
Earnings expanding 106.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
ROE of 2.3% — below average capital efficiency
0.4% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.6%
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CVS
The strongest argument for CVS centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.24 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : CVS
The primary concerns for CVS are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 59.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MO
The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CVS profiles as a value stock while MO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.51 — expect wider price swings.
CVS is growing revenue faster at 8.4% — sustainability is the question.
CVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CVS scores higher overall (65/100 vs 61/100). 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.
CVS Health Corp
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
CVS Health (previously CVS Corporation and CVS Caremark Corporation) is an American healthcare company that owns CVS Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain; CVS Caremark, a pharmacy benefits manager; Aetna, a health insurance provider, among many other brands. The company's headquarters is in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other HEALTHCARE PLANS Stocks
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