Southern Company (SO)vsThe York Water Company (YORW)
SO
Southern Company
$86.71
+0.61%
UTILITIES · Cap: $100.28B
YORW
The York Water Company
$33.04
+0.15%
UTILITIES · Cap: $552.58M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 36076% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $83.42M). YORW leads profitability with a 28.5% profit margin vs 15.4%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.07. YORW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
SO
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
YORW
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-38.4%
Fair Value
$62.12
Current Price
$86.71
$24.59 premium
Margin of Safety
+4.5%
Fair Value
$33.74
Current Price
$33.04
$0.70 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 29.6%
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 42.3%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 22.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 37.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.
Bull Case : YORW
The strongest argument for YORW centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.5% and operating margin at 42.3%. Revenue growth of 22.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 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 growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
YORW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.61 — expect wider price swings.
YORW is growing revenue faster at 22.5% — sustainability is the question.
YORW generates stronger free cash flow (1M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
YORW scores higher overall (68/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 28.5% margins and 22.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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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