3M Company (MMM)vsSouthern Company (SO)
MMM
3M Company
$143.29
-0.32%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.98B
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 21% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $25.02B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 11.1%. MMM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
MMM
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-31.5%
Fair Value
$131.48
Current Price
$143.29
$11.81 premium
Margin of Safety
-26.1%
Fair Value
$73.33
Current Price
$91.80
$18.47 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 72 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
1.3% revenue growth
Trading at 22.9x book value
Earnings declined 39.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MMM
The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : MMM
The primary concerns for MMM are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MMM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
MMM generates stronger free cash flow (349M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor CONGLOMERATES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MMM scores higher overall (56/100 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.
3M Company
INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA
The 3M Company is an American multinational conglomerate corporation operating in the fields of industry, worker safety, US health care, and consumer goods. The company produces over 60,000 products under several brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical and electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films. It is based in Maplewood, a suburb of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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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