WallStSmart

Southern Company (The) Series 2 (SOJE)vsValero Energy Corporation (VLO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

VLO leads profitability with a 3.6% profit margin vs 0.0%. VLO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

SOJE

Avoid

25

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.5Value: 5.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.65

VLO

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 4.17

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

SOJE1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$65.72B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

VLO4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
317.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 317.9% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.1710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$76.69B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.23B8/10

Generating 1.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

SOJE4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

0.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

Operating margin of 0.0%

VLO2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

3.6% margin — thin

PEG RatioValuation
4.082/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : SOJE

The strongest argument for SOJE centers on Market Cap.

Bull Case : VLO

The strongest argument for VLO centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.

Bear Case : SOJE

The primary concerns for SOJE are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : VLO

The primary concerns for VLO are Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

VLO is growing revenue faster at 6.6% — sustainability is the question.

VLO generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor NONE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

VLO scores higher overall (59/100 vs 25/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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 (The) Series 2

NONE · NONE · USA

Southern Company Series 2 is a leading player in the utility sector, focused on delivering reliable and sustainable energy solutions throughout the Southeastern United States. As a subsidiary of Southern Company, it enjoys a robust financial foundation and a diverse energy portfolio that includes natural gas, nuclear, and renewable sources. The company's commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship not only positions it advantageously for the ongoing energy transition but also makes it an attractive investment for institutional investors. Furthermore, its strong regulatory compliance and dedication to enhancing energy infrastructure empower Southern Company Series 2 to adeptly handle the dynamic challenges of the energy market.

Valero Energy Corporation

ENERGY · OIL & GAS REFINING & MARKETING · USA

Valero Energy Corporation is a Fortune 500 international manufacturer and marketer of transportation fuels, other petrochemical products, and power. It is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, United States.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?