Southern Company (SO)vsUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$270.55
-0.64%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $250.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 1414% more annual revenue ($447.57B vs $29.55B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 2.7%. UNH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.98. UNH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
UNH
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
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
-202.7%
Fair Value
$89.96
Current Price
$270.55
$180.59 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
2.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 0.3%
Earnings declined 99.9%
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 : UNH
The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.98 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : UNH
The primary concerns for UNH are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.41 — expect wider price swings.
UNH is growing revenue faster at 12.3% — sustainability is the question.
UNH generates stronger free cash flow (160M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
UNH scores higher overall (59/100 vs 54/100) and 12.3% revenue growth. Both earn "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.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services. In 2020, it was the second-largest healthcare company (behind CVS Health) by revenue with $257.1 billion, and the largest insurance company by net premiums. UnitedHealthcare revenues comprise 80% of the Group's overall revenue.
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