Southern Company (SO)vsVerizon Communications Inc (VZ)
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
VZ
Verizon Communications Inc
$47.22
+0.28%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $196.65B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Verizon Communications Inc generates 361% more annual revenue ($139.15B vs $30.18B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 12.5%. VZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.89. VZ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
VZ
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-26.1%
Fair Value
$73.33
Current Price
$91.80
$18.47 premium
Margin of Safety
-4.4%
Fair Value
$45.11
Current Price
$47.22
$2.11 premium
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
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.2%
Generating 3.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
2.9% revenue growth
4.3% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : VZ
The strongest argument for VZ centers on P/E Ratio, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.89 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : VZ
The primary concerns for VZ are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SO 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.
VZ generates stronger free cash flow (3.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
VZ scores higher overall (68/100 vs 56/100). 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.
Verizon Communications Inc
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · TELECOM SERVICES · USA
Verizon Communications Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications conglomerate and a corporate component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company is headquartered at 1095 Avenue of the Americas in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, but is incorporated in Delaware.
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