WallStSmart

Southern Company (The) Series 2 (SOJE)vsValero Energy Corporation (VLO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

VLO leads profitability with a 2.0% profit margin vs 0.0%. VLO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).

SOJE

Avoid

25

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0

VLO

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.5Value: 4.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SOJE.

VLOUndervalued (+8.2%)

Margin of Safety

+8.2%

Fair Value

$222.10

Current Price

$252.58

$30.48 discount

UndervaluedFair: $222.10Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

SOJE1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$65.72B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

VLO3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
317.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 317.9% YoY

Market CapQuality
$75.15B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.81B8/10

Generating 1.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

SOJE4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

0.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

Operating margin of 0.0%

VLO4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Profit MarginProfitability
2.0%3/10

2.0% margin — thin

PEG RatioValuation
4.082/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-2.1%2/10

Revenue declined 2.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : SOJE

The strongest argument for SOJE centers on Market Cap.

Bull Case : VLO

The strongest argument for VLO centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : SOJE

The primary concerns for SOJE are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : VLO

The primary concerns for VLO are P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 2.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SOJE is growing revenue faster at 0.0% — sustainability is the question.

VLO generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor NONE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

VLO scores higher overall (51/100 vs 25/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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 (The) Series 2

NONE · NONE · USA

Southern Company Series 2 is a prominent entity in the utility sector, specializing in the provision of reliable and sustainable energy solutions primarily across the Southeastern United States. As a subsidiary of the larger Southern Company, it benefits from a solid financial footing and a diversified energy mix that includes natural gas, nuclear, and renewable resources. The company's forward-thinking approach to innovation and dedication to environmental stewardship positions it strategically for the ongoing energy transition, thus appealing to institutional investors. Additionally, its strong regulatory framework and commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure further equip Southern Company Series 2 to navigate the evolving challenges of the energy market effectively.

Valero Energy Corporation

ENERGY · OIL & GAS REFINING & MARKETING · USA

Valero Energy Corporation is a Fortune 500 international manufacturer and marketer of transportation fuels, other petrochemical products, and power. It is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, United States.

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