Northwestern Energy [NWE] vs Southern Company [SO] Detailed Stock Comparison
Northwestern Energy
NASDAQ
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Southern Company
NYSE
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TLDR: Quick Comparison Summary
Based on 20 vital metrics comparison: Northwestern Energy wins in 9 metrics, Southern Company wins in 11 metrics, with 0 ties. Southern Company appears stronger overall.
View Metrics Details
Vital Metrics Comparison
| Metric | Northwestern Energy | Southern Company | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (TTM) | 15.57 | 23.84 | Northwestern Energy |
| Price-to-Book Ratio | 1.22 | 2.98 | Northwestern Energy |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio | 110.89 | 189.66 | Northwestern Energy |
| PEG Ratio | 15.78 | 21.36 | Northwestern Energy |
| EV/EBITDA | 11.44 | 13.05 | Northwestern Energy |
| Profit Margin (TTM) | 14.76% | 15.10% | Southern Company |
| Operating Margin (TTM) | 17.72% | 28.08% | Southern Company |
| EBITDA Margin (TTM) | 17.72% | 28.08% | Southern Company |
| Return on Equity | 7.93% | 11.23% | Southern Company |
| Return on Assets (TTM) | 2.73% | 3.39% | Southern Company |
| Free Cash Flow (TTM) | $-142.50M | $833.00M | Southern Company |
| Dividend Yield | 6.13% | 2.44% | Northwestern Energy |
| 1-Year Return | 2.15% | 3.16% | Southern Company |
| Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) | 2.30 | 3.58 | Northwestern Energy |
| Enterprise Value | $6.70B | $174.39B | Southern Company |
| EV/Revenue Ratio | 4.38 | 6.15 | Northwestern Energy |
| Gross Profit Margin (TTM) | 59.85% | 50.05% | Northwestern Energy |
| Revenue per Share (TTM) | $25 | $26 | Southern Company |
| Earnings per Share (Diluted) | $3.67 | $3.87 | Southern Company |
| Beta (Stock Volatility) | 0.42 | 0.39 | Southern Company |
Performance
News Sentiment
Key Stats
Valuation
Financials
Short Interest
Dividends
Northwestern Energy vs Southern Company Stock Performance Analysis
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Performance Comparison
Short-term Returns
| Stock | 1D | 1W | 1M | 3M | 6M | YTD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Energy | 0.07% | -1.40% | 2.64% | 8.36% | 4.79% | 7.83% |
| Southern Company | 0.15% | 0.53% | -1.80% | 2.11% | 4.05% | 12.43% |
Long-term Returns
| Stock | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | 10Y | 15Y | 20Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Energy | 2.15% | 6.49% | 17.35% | 12.48% | 104.73% | 88.27% |
| Southern Company | 3.16% | 19.44% | 74.72% | 112.46% | 148.97% | 155.17% |
News Based Sentiment: Northwestern Energy vs Southern Company
Northwestern Energy
News based Sentiment: MIXED
The month presented a mix of positive developments – consistent dividends, analyst confidence, and institutional investment – alongside the uncertainty of a proposed acquisition and related legal scrutiny. While the core business appears stable, the merger introduces a significant variable that impacts the investment outlook.
Southern Company
News based Sentiment: MIXED
September saw Southern Company making significant capital investments to meet growing energy demand, particularly from data centers, and completing the Vogtle plant. However, analyst sentiment remains mixed, and the stock experienced a slight price decline, creating a balanced investment picture.
Performance & Financial Health Analysis: Northwestern Energy vs Southern Company
| Metric | NWE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Market Information | ||
| Market Cap | $3.51B | $101.50B |
| Market Cap Category | Mid cap | Large cap |
| 10 Day Avg. Volume | 336,710 | 3,549,940 |
| 90 Day Avg. Volume | 466,620 | 4,318,320 |
| Last Close | $57.14 | $92.27 |
| 52 Week Range | $50.43 - $59.89 | $80.46 - $96.44 |
| % from 52W High | -4.59% | -4.32% |
| All-Time High | $80.52 (Feb 17, 2020) | $96.44 (Jul 22, 2025) |
| % from All-Time High | -29.04% | -4.32% |
| Growth Metrics | ||
| Quarterly Revenue Growth | 0.07% | 0.08% |
| Quarterly Earnings Growth | -0.33% | -0.27% |
| Financial Health | ||
| Profit Margin (TTM) | 0.15% | 0.15% |
| Operating Margin (TTM) | 0.18% | 0.28% |
| Return on Equity (TTM) | 0.08% | 0.11% |
| Debt to Equity (MRQ) | 110.89 | 189.66 |
| Cash & Liquidity | ||
| Book Value per Share (MRQ) | $46.91 | $30.92 |
| Cash per Share (MRQ) | $0.05 | $1.15 |
| Operating Cash Flow (TTM) | $394.40M | $9.22B |
| Levered Free Cash Flow (TTM) | $-186,404,992 | $-1,096,749,952 |
| Dividends | ||
| Last 12-Month Dividend Yield | 6.13% | 2.44% |
| Last 12-Month Dividend | $3.28 | $2.16 |
Valuation & Enterprise Metrics Analysis: Northwestern Energy vs Southern Company
| Metric | NWE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Price Ratios | ||
| P/E Ratio (TTM) | 15.57 | 23.84 |
| Forward P/E | 15.78 | 21.36 |
| PEG Ratio | 15.78 | 21.36 |
| Price to Sales (TTM) | 2.30 | 3.58 |
| Price to Book (MRQ) | 1.22 | 2.98 |
| Market Capitalization | ||
| Market Capitalization | $3.51B | $101.50B |
| Enterprise Value | $6.70B | $174.39B |
| Enterprise Value Metrics | ||
| Enterprise to Revenue | 4.38 | 6.15 |
| Enterprise to EBITDA | 11.44 | 13.05 |
| Risk & Other Metrics | ||
| Beta | 0.42 | 0.39 |
| Book Value per Share (MRQ) | $46.91 | $30.92 |
Financial Statements Comparison: Northwestern Energy vs Southern Company
Financial Metrics
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Revenue
EBITDA
Operating Margin
Free Cash Flow
Long Term Debt
Profit Margin
Current Ratio
Operating Cash Flow
Income Statement (MRQ)
| Metric (MRQ) | NWE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue/Sales | $342.71M | $6.97B |
| Cost of Goods Sold | $137.61M | $3.48B |
| Gross Profit | $205.11M | $3.49B |
| Research & Development | N/A | N/A |
| Operating Income (EBIT) | $60.79M | $1.76B |
| EBITDA | $123.24M | $3.39B |
| Pre-Tax Income | $24.61M | $1.14B |
| Income Tax | $3.38M | $289.00M |
| Net Income (Profit) | $21.23M | $853.00M |
Balance Sheet & Liquidity Metrics (MRQ)
| Metric (MRQ) | NWE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Cash & Equivalents | $56.03M | $2.33B |
| Total Current Assets | $472.83M | $11.82B |
| Total Current Liabilities | $397.64M | $13.77B |
| Long-Term Debt | $3.13B | $64.24B |
| Total Shareholders Equity | $2.90B | $37.22B |
| Retained Earnings | $913.65M | $14.29B |
| Property, Plant & Equipment | N/A | $3.01B |
Cash Flow Statement Comparison (MRQ)
| Metric (MRQ) | NWE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Cash Flow | $128.45M | $1.94B |
| Capital Expenditures | $-92.12M | $-2.44B |
| Free Cash Flow | $61.27M | $-1.19B |
| Debt Repayment | $-362.00M | $-876.00M |
| Common Stock Repurchase | N/A | N/A |
Short Interest & Institutional Ownership Analysis
| Metric | NWE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Shares Short | 913,683 | 34.80M |
| Short Ratio | 1.70 | 6.85 |
| Short % of Float | 0.02% | 0.03% |
| Average Daily Volume (10 Day) | 336,710 | 3,549,940 |
| Average Daily Volume (90 Day) | 466,620 | 4,318,320 |
| Shares Outstanding | 61.32M | 1.10B |
| Float Shares | 61.01M | 1.10B |
| % Held by Insiders | 0.01% | 0.00% |
| % Held by Institutions | 1.02% | 0.72% |
Dividend Analysis & Yield Comparison: Northwestern Energy vs Southern Company
| Metric | NWE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Last 12-Month Dividend | $3.28 | $2.16 |
| Last 12-Month Dividend Yield | 6.13% | 2.44% |
| 3-Year Avg Annual Dividend | $2.80 | $2.34 |
| 3-Year Avg Dividend Yield | 1.21% | 0.93% |
| 3-Year Total Dividends | $8.40 | $7.02 |
| Ex-Dividend Date | Sep 15, 2025 | Feb 18, 2025 |