Southern Company (SO)vsSterling Construction Company Inc (STRL)
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
+0.61%
UTILITIES · Cap: $106.32B
STRL
Sterling Construction Company Inc
$882.43
-11.20%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $26.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 946% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $2.88B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 12.0%. STRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. STRL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
STRL
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-48.3%
Fair Value
$62.79
Current Price
$92.60
$29.81 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for STRL.
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 25.8%
Revenue surging 91.6% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 141.4% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 24.4x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : STRL
The strongest argument for STRL centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 91.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.47 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : STRL
The primary concerns for STRL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 76.9x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO profiles as a value stock while STRL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
STRL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.82 — expect wider price swings.
STRL is growing revenue faster at 91.6% — sustainability is the question.
STRL generates stronger free cash flow (146M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
STRL scores higher overall (69/100 vs 56/100) and 91.6% 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.
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.
Sterling Construction Company Inc
INDUSTRIALS · ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION · USA
Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a construction company, engages in residential construction, specialty services, and heavy civil activities primarily in the southern United States, the Rocky Mountain states, California, and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.
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