Public Storage (PSA)vsSouthern Company (SO)
PSA
Public Storage
$311.04
+0.55%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $54.30B
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 519% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $4.87B). PSA leads profitability with a 39.1% profit margin vs 14.5%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.66. PSA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
PSA
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+6.8%
Fair Value
$315.45
Current Price
$311.04
$4.41 discount
Margin of Safety
-26.1%
Fair Value
$73.33
Current Price
$91.80
$18.47 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 46.0%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit
Earnings expanding 32.8% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.1x book value
3.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : PSA
The strongest argument for PSA centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.1% and operating margin at 46.0%.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : PSA
The primary concerns for PSA are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PSA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
PSA generates stronger free cash flow (625M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor REIT - INDUSTRIAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
PSA scores higher overall (62/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 39.1% margins. 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.
Public Storage
REAL ESTATE · REIT - INDUSTRIAL · USA
Public Storage is an American international self storage company headquartered in Glendale, California, that is run as a real estate investment trust (REIT).
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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