CMS Energy Corporation (CMS)vsSouthern Company (SO)
CMS
CMS Energy Corporation
$72.61
-1.83%
UTILITIES · Cap: $22.85B
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 242% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $8.82B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 12.6%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.66. CMS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
CMS
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-53.5%
Fair Value
$48.56
Current Price
$72.61
$24.05 premium
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
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
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CMS
The strongest argument for CMS centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : CMS
The primary concerns for CMS are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CMS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.37 — expect wider price swings.
CMS is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.
CMS generates stronger free cash flow (-334M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CMS scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100) and 11.6% 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.
CMS Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), based in Jackson, Michigan, is an energy company that is focused principally on utility operations in Michigan.
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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