WallStSmart

Carnival Corporation (CCL)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 12% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $26.98B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 11.5%. CCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. CCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

CCL

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 8.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.89

SO

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CCLUndervalued (+30.7%)

Margin of Safety

+30.7%

Fair Value

$47.73

Current Price

$26.38

$21.35 discount

UndervaluedFair: $47.73Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-26.1%)

Margin of Safety

-26.1%

Fair Value

$73.33

Current Price

$91.80

$18.47 premium

UndervaluedFair: $73.33Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CCL4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
27.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
35.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 35.8% YoY

SO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$103.49B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%

Areas to Watch

CCL2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.892/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.281/10

Elevated debt levels

SO3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.662/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-0.8%2/10

Earnings declined 0.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.72B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CCL

The strongest argument for CCL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Price/Book. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : CCL

The primary concerns for CCL are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.28 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SO

The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CCL carries more volatility with a beta of 2.33 — expect wider price swings.

SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

CCL generates stronger free cash flow (697M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor TRAVEL SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CCL scores higher overall (70/100 vs 56/100). 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.

Carnival Corporation

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA

Carnival Corporation & plc is a British-American cruise operator, currently the world's largest travel leisure company, with a combined fleet of over 100 vessels across 10 cruise line brands.

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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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