3M Company (MMM)vsSouthern Company (SO)
MMM
3M Company
$148.05
+0.94%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $77.25B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 18% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $24.95B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 13.0%. MMM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).
MMM
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-323.6%
Fair Value
$40.80
Current Price
$148.05
$107.25 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
Every $100 of equity generates 76 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Trading at 16.7x book value
2.0% revenue growth
Earnings declined 19.9%
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
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, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MMM
The primary concerns for MMM are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. 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 1.13 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.
MMM generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor CONGLOMERATES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MMM scores higher overall (54/100 vs 54/100). 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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