American Tower Corp (AMT)vsSouthern Company (SO)
AMT
American Tower Corp
$181.61
-0.60%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $85.12B
SO
Southern Company
$96.71
+0.01%
UTILITIES · Cap: $109.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 173% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $10.82B). AMT leads profitability with a 26.8% profit margin vs 14.7%. AMT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.97. AMT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
AMT
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+17.6%
Fair Value
$218.89
Current Price
$181.61
$37.28 discount
Margin of Safety
-34.8%
Fair Value
$71.72
Current Price
$96.71
$24.99 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 45.3%
Earnings expanding 76.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 24.0x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AMT
The strongest argument for AMT centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.8% and operating margin at 45.3%.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AMT
The primary concerns for AMT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AMT profiles as a mature stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AMT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.
AMT generates stronger free cash flow (951M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AMT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 26.8% margins. 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.
American Tower Corp
REAL ESTATE · REIT - SPECIALTY · USA
American Tower Corporation (also referred to as American Tower or ATC) is an American real estate investment trust and an owner and operator of wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure in several countries worldwide and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
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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