Southern Company (SO)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
+0.61%
UTILITIES · Cap: $106.32B
WDC
Western Digital Corporation
$575.50
+4.79%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $225.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 156% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $11.78B). WDC leads profitability with a 55.3% profit margin vs 14.5%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. WDC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (A-).
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
WDC
Exceptional Buy80
out of 100
Grade: A-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-48.3%
Fair Value
$62.79
Current Price
$92.60
$29.81 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for WDC.
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%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 67 in profit
Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 37.0%
Revenue surging 45.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 482.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 27.5x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : WDC
The strongest argument for WDC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.3% and operating margin at 37.0%. Revenue growth of 45.5% 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 : WDC
The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO profiles as a value stock while WDC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.20 — expect wider price swings.
WDC is growing revenue faster at 45.5% — sustainability is the question.
WDC generates stronger free cash flow (978M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WDC scores higher overall (80/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 55.3% margins and 45.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
Western Digital Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA
Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.
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