American States Water Company (AWR)vsSouthern Company (SO)
AWR
American States Water Company
$78.37
+1.75%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.05B
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
+1.22%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 4342% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $679.25M). AWR leads profitability with a 19.7% profit margin vs 14.5%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AWR
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-11.2%
Fair Value
$63.79
Current Price
$78.37
$14.58 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
Strong operational efficiency at 30.9%
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : AWR
The strongest argument for AWR centers on Operating Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.7% and operating margin at 30.9%. 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 : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
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
AWR profiles as a mature stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AWR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.
AWR is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.
AWR generates stronger free cash flow (23M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWR scores higher overall (62/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 19.7% 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.
American States Water Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
American States Water Company provides water and electricity services to residential, commercial, industrial and other customers in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Dimas, California.
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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