NorthWestern Corporation (NWE)vsSouthern Company (SO)
NWE
NorthWestern Corporation
$72.09
+2.59%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.23B
SO
Southern Company
$92.69
-0.23%
UTILITIES · Cap: $107.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 1684% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $1.69B). SO leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 10.1%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.41. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
NWE
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.0%
Fair Value
$56.09
Current Price
$72.09
$16.00 premium
Margin of Safety
-50.6%
Fair Value
$61.82
Current Price
$92.69
$30.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 5.8% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NWE
The strongest argument for NWE centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull 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%.
Bear Case : NWE
The primary concerns for NWE are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NWE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.36 — expect wider price swings.
NWE is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.
NWE generates stronger free cash flow (43M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins. 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.
NorthWestern Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
NorthWestern Corporation, doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The company is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Visit Website →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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