Southern Company (SO)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
UNP
Union Pacific Corporation
$241.33
+0.69%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $142.22B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 21% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $24.51B). UNP leads profitability with a 29.1% profit margin vs 14.7%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.67. UNP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
UNP
Buy60
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
-13.1%
Fair Value
$211.98
Current Price
$241.33
$29.35 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 40.9%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.2B 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
Revenue declined 0.6%
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 : UNP
The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.1% and operating margin at 40.9%.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : UNP
The primary concerns for UNP are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO profiles as a value stock while UNP is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
UNP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.95 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.
UNP generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
UNP scores higher overall (60/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 29.1% margins. 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.
Union Pacific Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.
Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?