Charles Schwab Corp (SCHW)vsSouthern Company (SO)
SCHW
Charles Schwab Corp
$95.68
-0.72%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $169.34B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 24% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $23.92B). SCHW leads profitability with a 37.0% profit margin vs 14.7%. SCHW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.12. SCHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).
SCHW
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B+
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+56.0%
Fair Value
$217.62
Current Price
$95.68
$121.94 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
Keeps 37 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 49.7%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
18.9% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 41.1% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SCHW
The strongest argument for SCHW centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.0% and operating margin at 49.7%. Revenue growth of 18.9% 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 : SCHW
The primary concerns for SCHW are Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SCHW profiles as a growth stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SCHW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.
SCHW is growing revenue faster at 18.9% — sustainability is the question.
SCHW generates stronger free cash flow (-921M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SCHW scores higher overall (75/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 37.0% margins and 18.9% 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.
Charles Schwab Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
The Charles Schwab Corporation is an American multinational financial services company. It offers banking, commercial banking, an electronic trading platform, and wealth management advisory services to both retail and institutional clients.
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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