IDEXX Laboratories Inc (IDXX)vsSouthern Company (SO)
IDXX
IDEXX Laboratories Inc
$562.16
-0.46%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $44.24B
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
-0.17%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 579% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $4.45B). IDXX leads profitability with a 24.6% profit margin vs 14.5%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. IDXX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
IDXX
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-53.1%
Fair Value
$423.77
Current Price
$562.16
$138.39 premium
Margin of Safety
-47.7%
Fair Value
$62.70
Current Price
$92.60
$29.90 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 70 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 31.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 28.6x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : IDXX
The strongest argument for IDXX centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.6% and operating margin at 31.8%. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : IDXX
The primary concerns for IDXX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 41.3x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
IDXX profiles as a mature stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
IDXX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.54 — expect wider price swings.
IDXX is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.
IDXX generates stronger free cash flow (234M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
IDXX scores higher overall (63/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 24.6% margins and 14.3% 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.
IDEXX Laboratories Inc
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is an American multinational corporation engaged in the development, manufacture, and distribution of products and services for the companion animal veterinary, livestock and poultry, water testing, and dairy markets.
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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