Southern Company (SO)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
+1.22%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$365.36
-2.95%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 700% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $3.77B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 11.9%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.60. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
WAT
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-47.7%
Fair Value
$62.70
Current Price
$92.60
$29.90 premium
Margin of Safety
-84.6%
Fair Value
$178.29
Current Price
$365.36
$187.07 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 25.8%
Revenue surging 91.4% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.5x book value
ROE of 2.9% — below average capital efficiency
Operating margin of 2.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 45.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO profiles as a value stock while WAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.4% — sustainability is the question.
WAT generates stronger free cash flow (-42M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (56/100 vs 50/100). 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.
Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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