Southern Company (SO)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
VST
Vistra Energy Corp
$151.51
-0.79%
UTILITIES · Cap: $51.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 67% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $17.74B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
VST
Buy53
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
-980.6%
Fair Value
$14.82
Current Price
$151.51
$136.69 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 19.5x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (-82M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (54/100 vs 53/100) and 10.1% revenue growth. 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.
Vistra Energy Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
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