CVS Health Corp (CVS)vsSouthern Company (SO)
CVS
CVS Health Corp
$86.86
+7.65%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $105.21B
SO
Southern Company
$93.51
-2.49%
UTILITIES · Cap: $108.21B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CVS Health Corp generates 1225% more annual revenue ($399.83B vs $30.18B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% 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+
SO
Buy56
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
-30.8%
Fair Value
$73.33
Current Price
$93.51
$20.18 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
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
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
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 : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
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.
Monitor HEALTHCARE PLANS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CVS scores higher overall (65/100 vs 56/100). 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 →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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