Southern Company (SO)vsWilliams Companies Inc (WMB)
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
WMB
Williams Companies Inc
$71.96
-1.36%
ENERGY · Cap: $89.22B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 149% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $12.11B). WMB leads profitability with a 23.1% profit margin vs 14.5%. WMB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.48. WMB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
WMB
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-25.0%
Fair Value
$73.42
Current Price
$91.80
$18.38 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for WMB.
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%
Strong operational efficiency at 33.6%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 25.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : WMB
The strongest argument for WMB centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.1% and operating margin at 33.6%.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : WMB
The primary concerns for WMB are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO profiles as a value stock while WMB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WMB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.63 — expect wider price swings.
WMB is growing revenue faster at 9.0% — sustainability is the question.
WMB generates stronger free cash flow (244M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WMB scores higher overall (65/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 23.1% margins. 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.
Williams Companies Inc
ENERGY · OIL & GAS MIDSTREAM · USA
The Williams Companies, Inc., is an American energy company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Its core business is natural gas processing and transportation, with additional petroleum and electricity generation assets.
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