Southern Company (SO)vsSeagate Technology PLC (STX)
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
+0.61%
UTILITIES · Cap: $106.32B
STX
Seagate Technology PLC
$925.99
+0.39%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $230.51B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 174% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $11.01B). STX leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs 14.5%. STX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.71. STX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
STX
Strong Buy77
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 STX.
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%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 217 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.7%
Revenue surging 44.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 108.3% YoY
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
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 189.8x book value
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.
Bull Case : STX
The strongest argument for STX centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 35.7%. Revenue growth of 44.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : STX
The primary concerns for STX are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 97.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.82 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO profiles as a value stock while STX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
STX carries more volatility with a beta of 2.08 — expect wider price swings.
STX is growing revenue faster at 44.1% — sustainability is the question.
STX generates stronger free cash flow (953M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
STX scores higher overall (77/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins and 44.1% 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.
Seagate Technology PLC
TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA
Seagate Technology Holdings plc, an Irish public limited company (commonly referred to as Seagate) is an American data storage company.
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