Southern Company (SO)vsSuburban Propane Partners LP (SPH)
SO
Southern Company
$95.69
-0.75%
UTILITIES · Cap: $109.53B
SPH
Suburban Propane Partners LP
$17.10
-0.88%
UTILITIES · Cap: $1.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 2066% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $1.39B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 9.6%. SPH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.21. SPH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
SPH
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-54.7%
Fair Value
$62.79
Current Price
$95.69
$32.90 premium
Margin of Safety
+34.8%
Fair Value
$30.77
Current Price
$17.10
$13.67 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.6%
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Revenue declined 6.2%
Earnings declined 1.9%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : SPH
The strongest argument for SPH centers on P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. PEG of 1.21 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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.
Bear Case : SPH
The primary concerns for SPH are Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SPH 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.
SPH generates stronger free cash flow (92M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SPH scores higher overall (58/100 vs 56/100). 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.
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.
Suburban Propane Partners LP
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Suburban Propane Partners, LP, is engaged in the marketing and retail distribution of propane, fuel oil, and refined fuels. The company is headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey.
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