Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)vsSouthern Company (SO)
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$371.04
-0.46%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $2.85T
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Microsoft Corporation generates 934% more annual revenue ($305.45B vs $29.55B). MSFT leads profitability with a 39.0% profit margin vs 14.7%. MSFT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. MSFT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
MSFT
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+50.1%
Fair Value
$747.40
Current Price
$371.04
$376.36 discount
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 34 in profit
Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 47.1%
Earnings expanding 59.8% YoY
16.7% revenue growth
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MSFT
The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.0% and operating margin at 47.1%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MSFT
No major red flags identified for MSFT, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MSFT profiles as a growth stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MSFT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.
MSFT is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.
MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (5.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MSFT scores higher overall (74/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 39.0% margins and 16.7% revenue growth. 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.
Microsoft Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; it was the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.
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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