WallStSmart

Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 45% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $20.80B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 10.0%. CL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. CL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

CL

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.5Value: 5.3Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 3/9

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

CLUndervalued (+16.8%)

Margin of Safety

+16.8%

Fair Value

$104.97

Current Price

$87.55

$17.42 discount

UndervaluedFair: $104.97Overvalued
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

CL3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
36.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

Market CapQuality
$69.90B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
20.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.9%

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

CL4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
33.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Price/BookValuation
1250.7x2/10

Trading at 1250.7x book value

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 : CL

The strongest argument for CL centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin.

Bull Case : SO

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

Bear Case : CL

The primary concerns for CL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 147.93 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

SO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.36 — expect wider price swings.

CL is growing revenue faster at 8.4% — sustainability is the question.

CL generates stronger free cash flow (609M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CL scores higher overall (58/100 vs 56/100). 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.

Colgate-Palmolive Company

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA

Colgate-Palmolive Company is an American multinational consumer products company headquartered on Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It specializes in the production, distribution and provision of household, health care, personal care and veterinary products.

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?