Southern Company (SO)vsSouthwest Gas Holdings Inc (SWX)
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
-0.17%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
SWX
Southwest Gas Holdings Inc
$88.72
+1.78%
UTILITIES · Cap: $6.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 1596% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $1.78B). SWX leads profitability with a 26.1% profit margin vs 14.5%. SWX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.18. SWX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
SWX
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-47.7%
Fair Value
$62.70
Current Price
$92.60
$29.90 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for SWX.
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%
Strong operational efficiency at 37.9%
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.9% YoY
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Revenue declined 21.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : SWX
The strongest argument for SWX centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.1% and operating margin at 37.9%.
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 : SWX
The primary concerns for SWX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO profiles as a value stock while SWX is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
SWX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.58 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
SWX generates stronger free cash flow (-47M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SWX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 26.1% 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.
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.
Southwest Gas Holdings Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. purchases, distributes and transports natural gas in Arizona, Nevada and California. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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