H2O America (HTO)vsSouthern Company (SO)
HTO
H2O America
$57.43
+1.56%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.42B
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
+1.22%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 3597% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $816.28M). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 12.9%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. HTO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
HTO
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+14.5%
Fair Value
$60.78
Current Price
$57.43
$3.35 discount
Margin of Safety
-47.7%
Fair Value
$62.70
Current Price
$92.60
$29.90 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 21.5%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
0.0% earnings growth
ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HTO
The strongest argument for HTO centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : HTO
The primary concerns for HTO are EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.
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
SO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.36 — expect wider price swings.
HTO is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — sustainability is the question.
HTO generates stronger free cash flow (-49M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
HTO scores higher overall (57/100 vs 56/100). 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.
H2O America
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
H2O America, provides water utility and other related services in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
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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