Southern Company (SO)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
SO
Southern Company
$95.69
-0.75%
UTILITIES · Cap: $109.53B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$162.38
-2.31%
UTILITIES · Cap: $55.13B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 55% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $19.45B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 11.5%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.48. VST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
VST
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-54.7%
Fair Value
$62.79
Current Price
$95.69
$32.90 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for VST.
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%
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Revenue surging 43.4% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Moderate valuation
Trading at 17.6x book value
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 52.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 43.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.48 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO profiles as a value stock while VST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 43.4% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (316M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VST scores higher overall (68/100 vs 56/100) and 43.4% 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.
Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
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