Moodys Corporation (MCO)vsSouthern Company (SO)
MCO
Moodys Corporation
$428.05
-0.10%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $76.27B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 283% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $7.72B). MCO leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 14.7%. MCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.93. MCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
MCO
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+33.1%
Fair Value
$639.76
Current Price
$428.05
$211.71 discount
Margin of Safety
-254.9%
Fair Value
$26.66
Current Price
$94.61
$67.95 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 62 in profit
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 42.1%
Earnings expanding 57.6% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 18.7x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MCO
The strongest argument for MCO centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 42.1%. Revenue growth of 13.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MCO
The primary concerns for MCO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCO profiles as a mature stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MCO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.44 — expect wider price swings.
MCO is growing revenue faster at 13.0% — sustainability is the question.
MCO generates stronger free cash flow (777M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MCO scores higher overall (71/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 31.9% margins and 13.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
Moodys Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
Moody's Corporation, often referred to as Moody's, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody's Investors Service (MIS), an American credit rating agency, and Moody's Analytics (MA), an American provider of financial analysis software and services.
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.
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