California Water Service Group (CWT)vsSouthern Company (SO)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$50.30
+1.86%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.10B
SO
Southern Company
$93.31
+0.33%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.80B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 2762% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $1.05B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 12.6%. CWT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.22. CWT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CWT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+21.7%
Fair Value
$56.40
Current Price
$50.30
$6.10 discount
Margin of Safety
-54.2%
Fair Value
$63.08
Current Price
$93.31
$30.23 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
16.5% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 31.4% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 16.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : CWT
The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CWT profiles as a growth stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CWT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.51 — expect wider price swings.
CWT is growing revenue faster at 16.5% — sustainability is the question.
CWT generates stronger free cash flow (-80M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CWT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 56/100) and 16.5% revenue growth. 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.
California Water Service Group
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
California Water Service Group provides public water and related services in California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
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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