Extra Space Storage Inc (EXR)vsSouthern Company (SO)
EXR
Extra Space Storage Inc
$129.99
+0.15%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $28.76B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 758% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $3.45B). EXR leads profitability with a 28.3% profit margin vs 14.7%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.67. EXR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
EXR
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+3.2%
Fair Value
$147.25
Current Price
$129.99
$17.26 discount
Margin of Safety
-254.9%
Fair Value
$26.66
Current Price
$94.61
$67.95 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 44.5%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.6% revenue growth
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : EXR
The strongest argument for EXR centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.3% and operating margin at 44.5%.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : EXR
The primary concerns for EXR are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
EXR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.
EXR generates stronger free cash flow (362M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor REIT - INDUSTRIAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
EXR scores higher overall (57/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 28.3% margins. 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.
Extra Space Storage Inc
REAL ESTATE · REIT - INDUSTRIAL · USA
Extra Space Storage is a real estate investment trust headquartered in Cottonwood Heights, Utah that invests in self storage units.
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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