Southern Company (SO)vsSuburban Propane Partners LP (SPH)
SO
Southern Company
$83.47
+1.34%
UTILITIES · Cap: $96.02B
SPH
Suburban Propane Partners LP
$16.61
+0.85%
UTILITIES · Cap: $1.12B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 2064% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $1.39B). SO leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 9.4%. SPH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.21. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
SO
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
SPH
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-32.5%
Fair Value
$62.16
Current Price
$83.47
$21.31 premium
Margin of Safety
+33.2%
Fair Value
$30.00
Current Price
$16.61
$13.39 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 29.6%
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
0.5% revenue growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Operating margin of 0.8%
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : SPH
The strongest argument for SPH centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.21 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SPH
The primary concerns for SPH are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.86 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SPH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.37 — expect wider price swings.
SPH is growing revenue faster at 0.5% — sustainability is the question.
SPH generates stronger free cash flow (74M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins. SPH offers better value entry with a 33.2% margin of safety. 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.
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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