FirstEnergy Corporation (FE)vsSouthern Company (SO)
FE
FirstEnergy Corporation
$46.40
+0.28%
UTILITIES · Cap: $26.72B
SO
Southern Company
$91.56
-1.22%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.69B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 93% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $15.64B). SO leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 6.9%. FE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.45. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
FE
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-57.5%
Fair Value
$30.43
Current Price
$46.40
$15.97 premium
Margin of Safety
-49.1%
Fair Value
$62.28
Current Price
$91.56
$29.28 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
6.9% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FE
The strongest argument for FE centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.45 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. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.
Bear Case : FE
The primary concerns for FE are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 2.24 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.42 — expect wider price swings.
FE is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.
SO generates stronger free cash flow (-293M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (68/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins. 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.
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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