Southern Company (SO)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
SYF
Synchrony Financial
$67.63
+0.54%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $24.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 203% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $9.76B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 14.7%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.67. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
SYF
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-254.9%
Fair Value
$26.66
Current Price
$94.61
$67.95 premium
Margin of Safety
+59.2%
Fair Value
$178.92
Current Price
$67.63
$111.29 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.5%
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 2.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SYF
The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.5%.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : SYF
The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.
SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SYF scores higher overall (71/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. 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.
Synchrony Financial
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.
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