WallStSmart

FirstEnergy Corporation (FE)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 97% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $15.34B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 6.9%. FE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.67. FE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

FE

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.59

SO

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.65
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FESignificantly Overvalued (-63.5%)

Margin of Safety

-63.5%

Fair Value

$29.31

Current Price

$46.42

$17.11 premium

UndervaluedFair: $29.31Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-47.7%)

Margin of Safety

-47.7%

Fair Value

$62.70

Current Price

$92.60

$29.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $62.70Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FE2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
20.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.5%

SO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$102.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%

Areas to Watch

FE4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.674/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
25.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Profit MarginProfitability
6.9%3/10

6.9% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

SO4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.532/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-0.8%2/10

Earnings declined 0.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.72B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FE

The strongest argument for FE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : FE

The primary concerns for FE are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.22 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

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

FE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.46 — expect wider price swings.

FE is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.

FE generates stronger free cash flow (-1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

FE scores higher overall (65/100 vs 56/100) and 11.6% 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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