CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP)vsSouthern Company (SO)
CNP
CenterPoint Energy Inc
$40.68
+0.02%
UTILITIES · Cap: $27.69B
SO
Southern Company
$92.69
-0.23%
UTILITIES · Cap: $107.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 214% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $9.62B). SO leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 11.6%. CNP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.99. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
CNP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
SO
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CNP.
Margin of Safety
-50.6%
Fair Value
$61.82
Current Price
$92.69
$30.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 24.5%
Earnings expanding 23.3% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNP
The strongest argument for CNP centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 10.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.
Bear Case : CNP
The primary concerns for CNP are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.14 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.45 — expect wider price swings.
CNP is growing revenue faster at 10.7% — sustainability is the question.
CNP generates stronger free cash flow (-487M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CNP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 66/100) and 10.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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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