The Coca-Cola Company (KO)vsSouthern Company (SO)
KO
The Coca-Cola Company
$75.25
+0.78%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $321.39B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Coca-Cola Company generates 62% more annual revenue ($47.94B vs $29.55B). KO leads profitability with a 27.3% profit margin vs 14.7%. KO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.33. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
KO
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-97.1%
Fair Value
$38.18
Current Price
$75.25
$37.07 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 24.7%
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 10.1x book value
2.4% revenue growth
3.6% earnings growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : KO
The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.3% and operating margin at 24.7%.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : KO
The primary concerns for KO are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.41 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.
KO generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
KO scores higher overall (57/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 27.3% 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.
The Coca-Cola Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA
The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.
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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