Adobe Systems Incorporated (ADBE)vsSouthern Company (SO)
ADBE
Adobe Systems Incorporated
$237.25
-0.68%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $98.06B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 21% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $24.45B). ADBE leads profitability with a 29.5% profit margin vs 14.7%. ADBE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.71. ADBE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
ADBE
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+43.7%
Fair Value
$421.20
Current Price
$237.25
$183.95 discount
Margin of Safety
-254.9%
Fair Value
$26.66
Current Price
$94.61
$67.95 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 59 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Trading at 8.5x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ADBE
The strongest argument for ADBE centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.5% and operating margin at 37.8%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ADBE
The primary concerns for ADBE are Price/Book.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ADBE profiles as a mature stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ADBE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.53 — expect wider price swings.
ADBE is growing revenue faster at 12.0% — sustainability is the question.
ADBE generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ADBE scores higher overall (74/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 29.5% margins and 12.0% revenue growth. 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.
Adobe Systems Incorporated
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA
Adobe Inc. is an American multinational computer software company. Incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in San Jose, California, it has historically specialized in software for the creation and publication of a wide range of content, including graphics, photography, illustration, animation, multimedia, motion pictures and print. The company has expanded into digital marketing management software. Adobe has millions of users worldwide. Flagship products include: Photoshop image editing software, Adobe Illustrator vector-based illustration software, Adobe Acrobat Reader and the Portable Document Format (PDF), plus a host of tools primarily for audio-visual content creation, editing and publishing.
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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