NorthWestern Corporation (NWE)vsSouthern Company (SO)
NWE
NorthWestern Corporation
$69.96
+1.24%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.37B
SO
Southern Company
$95.78
+0.90%
UTILITIES · Cap: $106.32B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 1738% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $1.64B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 10.2%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.67. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
NWE
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-25.9%
Fair Value
$54.37
Current Price
$69.96
$15.59 premium
Margin of Safety
-48.3%
Fair Value
$62.79
Current Price
$95.78
$32.99 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 23.0%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 5.8% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NWE
The strongest argument for NWE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
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 Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. 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.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — 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 (56/100 vs 55/100). 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.
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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