Southern Company (SO)vsSpire Inc (SR)
SO
Southern Company
$87.17
-0.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $100.28B
SR
Spire Inc
$80.20
-1.56%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.82B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 1031% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $2.67B). SR leads profitability with a 20.6% profit margin vs 15.4%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.07. SR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
SO
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
SR
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-40.5%
Fair Value
$62.06
Current Price
$87.17
$25.11 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for SR.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 1138.0% YoY
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
19.2% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.
Bull Case : SR
The strongest argument for SR centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.6% and operating margin at 7.1%. Revenue growth of 19.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SR
The primary concerns for SR are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.03 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO profiles as a value stock while SR is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
SR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.56 — expect wider price swings.
SR is growing revenue faster at 19.2% — sustainability is the question.
SR generates stronger free cash flow (-91M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SR scores higher overall (68/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 20.6% margins and 19.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.
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.
Spire Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Spire Inc. engages in the purchase, retail distribution, and sale of natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and other end-users of natural gas in the United States. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
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