CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP)vsSouthern Company (SO)
CNP
CenterPoint Energy Inc
$41.72
-1.23%
UTILITIES · Cap: $27.63B
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 221% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $9.41B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 11.4%. CNP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
CNP
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-52.5%
Fair Value
$26.92
Current Price
$41.72
$14.80 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
Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
1.9% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNP
The strongest argument for CNP centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : CNP
The primary concerns for CNP are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.48 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
CNP generates stronger free cash flow (-916M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CNP scores higher overall (56/100 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.
CenterPoint Energy Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 electric and natural gas utility serving several markets in the American states of Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.
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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