PPG Industries Inc (PPG)vsSouthern Company (SO)
PPG
PPG Industries Inc
$109.61
+0.62%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $24.28B
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 87% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $16.12B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 9.8%. PPG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. PPG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
PPG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+16.0%
Fair Value
$155.95
Current Price
$109.61
$46.34 discount
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 21 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
4.2% earnings growth
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : PPG
The strongest argument for PPG centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : PPG
The primary concerns for PPG are EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PPG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
PPG generates stronger free cash flow (-163M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor SPECIALTY CHEMICALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
PPG scores higher overall (60/100 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.
PPG Industries Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
PPG Industries, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 company and global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PPG operates in more than 70 countries around the globe.
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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