Southern Company (SO)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$55.53
+0.40%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $85.86B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 13% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $26.65B). USB leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs 14.5%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.92. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
USB
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-25.0%
Fair Value
$73.42
Current Price
$91.80
$18.38 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for USB.
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%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.6% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (71/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 29.3% 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.
U.S. Bancorp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.
Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?