Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL)vsSouthern Company (SO)
EL
Estee Lauder Companies Inc
$86.20
+1.07%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $30.86B
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 103% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $14.83B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs -1.7%. EL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
EL
Hold38
out of 100
Grade: F
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+35.7%
Fair Value
$163.80
Current Price
$86.20
$77.60 discount
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
No standout strengths identified
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
4.6% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -6.0% — below average capital efficiency
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : EL
PEG of 1.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : EL
The primary concerns for EL are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.74 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
EL profiles as a turnaround stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
EL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
EL generates stronger free cash flow (310M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (56/100 vs 38/100). EL offers better value entry with a 35.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Estee Lauder Companies Inc
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, based in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The company owns a diverse portfolio of brands, distributed internationally through both digital commerce and retail channels.
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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