Southern Company (SO)vsUNITIL Corporation (UTL)
SO
Southern Company
$87.17
-0.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $100.28B
UTL
UNITIL Corporation
$53.09
-0.08%
UTILITIES · Cap: $979.49M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 4959% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $596.50M). SO leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 9.5%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.07. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
SO
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
UTL
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-40.5%
Fair Value
$62.06
Current Price
$87.17
$25.11 premium
Margin of Safety
-12.2%
Fair Value
$45.44
Current Price
$53.09
$7.65 premium
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 29.6%
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.
Bull Case : UTL
The strongest argument for UTL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 14.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : UTL
The primary concerns for UTL are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.32 — expect wider price swings.
UTL is growing revenue faster at 14.0% — sustainability is the question.
UTL generates stronger free cash flow (12M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 15.4% 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.
UNITIL Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Unitil Corporation, a utility holding company, is engaged in the distribution of electricity and natural gas. The company is headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire.
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