FirstEnergy Corporation (FE)vsSouthern Company (SO)
FE
FirstEnergy Corporation
$49.52
+0.73%
UTILITIES · Cap: $28.41B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 98% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $14.90B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 6.9%. FE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.48. FE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
FE
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-94.5%
Fair Value
$24.64
Current Price
$49.52
$24.88 premium
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%
Revenue surging 20.7% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.5% earnings growth
6.9% margin — thin
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FE
The strongest argument for FE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 20.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.48 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FE
The primary concerns for FE are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FE profiles as a growth stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.60 — expect wider price swings.
FE is growing revenue faster at 20.7% — sustainability is the question.
FE generates stronger free cash flow (-30M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FE scores higher overall (65/100 vs 54/100) and 20.7% revenue growth. 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.
FirstEnergy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
FirstEnergy Corp is an electric utility headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the distribution, transmission, and generation of electricity, as well as energy management and other energy-related services.
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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