The Coca-Cola Company (KO)vsMedline Inc. Class A Common Stock (MDLN)
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$78.42
-0.01%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $337.40B
MDLN
Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock
$39.52
-5.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $35.40B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 69% more annual revenue ($49.28B vs $29.14B). KO leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 3.3%. KO trades at a lower P/E of 24.7x. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
KO
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
MDLN
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.2%
Fair Value
$64.19
Current Price
$78.42
$14.23 premium
Margin of Safety
+69.5%
Fair Value
$147.84
Current Price
$39.52
$108.32 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 1258.0% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Trading at 10.0x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 6.0% — below average capital efficiency
3.3% margin — thin
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KO
The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 35.1%. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MDLN
The strongest argument for MDLN centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : KO
The primary concerns for KO are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MDLN
The primary concerns for MDLN are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 3.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KO profiles as a mature stock while MDLN is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
KO is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
KO scores higher overall (65/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 27.8% margins and 12.1% revenue growth. MDLN offers better value entry with a 69.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.
The Coca-Cola Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA
The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.
Visit Website →Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Medline Inc. manufactures med-surg products serving the hospital, surgery centers, physician offices, post-acute facilities, and nursing home sites of care in the United States and Internationally. The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois.
Visit Website →Compare with Other BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC Stocks
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