Southern Company (SO)vsVisa Inc. Class A (V)
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
V
Visa Inc. Class A
$304.91
+0.38%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $585.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Visa Inc. Class A generates 40% more annual revenue ($41.39B vs $29.55B). V leads profitability with a 50.2% profit margin vs 14.7%. V appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.65. V earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
V
Strong Buy68
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
+17.4%
Fair Value
$369.26
Current Price
$304.91
$64.35 discount
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
Every $100 of equity generates 54 in profit
Keeps 50 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 68.3%
Generating 6.4B 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
Moderate valuation
Trading at 15.2x book value
Grey zone — moderate 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 : V
The strongest argument for V centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 50.2% and operating margin at 68.3%. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : V
The primary concerns for V are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO profiles as a value stock while V is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
V carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — expect wider price swings.
V is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.
V generates stronger free cash flow (6.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
V scores higher overall (68/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 50.2% margins and 14.6% revenue growth. 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.
Visa Inc. Class A
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Visa Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in Foster City, California, United States. It facilitates electronic funds transfers throughout the world, most commonly through Visa-branded credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards. Visa is one of the world's most valuable companies.
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