Southern Company (SO)vsThe York Water Company (YORW)
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
+1.22%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
YORW
The York Water Company
$30.28
+2.30%
UTILITIES · Cap: $490.50M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 38045% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $79.11M). YORW leads profitability with a 26.8% profit margin vs 14.5%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. YORW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
YORW
Buy61
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
+0.0%
Fair Value
$32.22
Current Price
$30.28
$1.94 discount
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 32.3%
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 32.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : YORW
The strongest argument for YORW centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.8% and operating margin at 32.3%.
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 : YORW
The primary concerns for YORW are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO profiles as a value stock while YORW is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
YORW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.62 — expect wider price swings.
YORW is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.
YORW generates stronger free cash flow (-4M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
YORW scores higher overall (61/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 26.8% 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.
The York Water Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
The York Water Company seizes, purifies and distributes drinking water. The company is headquartered in York, Pennsylvania.
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