BJs Wholesale Club Holdings Inc (BJ)vsSouthern Company (SO)
BJ
BJs Wholesale Club Holdings Inc
$92.97
-1.44%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $12.05B
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 41% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $21.46B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 2.7%. BJ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.41. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
BJ
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+26.1%
Fair Value
$134.73
Current Price
$92.97
$41.76 discount
Margin of Safety
-26.1%
Fair Value
$73.33
Current Price
$91.80
$18.47 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in 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
3.5% earnings growth
2.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.2%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BJ
The strongest argument for BJ centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : BJ
The primary concerns for BJ are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.36 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
BJ generates stronger free cash flow (193M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (56/100 vs 52/100). BJ offers better value entry with a 26.1% margin of safety. 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.
BJs Wholesale Club Holdings Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc., operates warehouse clubs on the East Coast of the United States. The company is headquartered in Westborough, 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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