NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) vs The Southern Company (SO)
A side-by-side comparison of NextEra Energy, Inc. and The Southern Company across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
NEE
NextEra Energy, Inc.
$82.31UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
SO
The Southern Company
$87.17UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — NEE vs SO
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yNEE +252.0% (+13.4%/yr)SO +156.2% (+9.9%/yr)NEE compounded faster over this window
NEE SO
NEE vs SO: by the numbers
- •NEE is the larger company ($171.70B vs $100.28B market cap).
- •NEE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.46 vs 21.06 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •NEE converts more revenue to profit (32.04% vs 15.43% net margin).
- •NEE grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.51% vs 6.68% CAGR).
- •SO pays the higher dividend yield (3.40% vs 2.95%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | NEE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 18.46 | 21.06 |
| Forward P/E | 20.42 | 18.99 |
| P/S ratio | 5.92 | 3.32 |
| P/B ratio | 3.01 | 2.53 |
| EV / EBITDA | 17.65 | 13.07 |
Profitability
| Metric | NEE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 62.80% | 29.81% |
| Operating margin | 29.49% | 24.19% |
| Net margin | 32.04% | 15.43% |
| ROE | 16.28% | 11.77% |
| ROIC | 3.98% | 4.15% |
Dividends
| Metric | NEE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.95% | 3.40% |
| Payout ratio | 54.62% | 72.46% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | NEE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 11.51% | 6.68% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 17.31% | 5.96% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 70.34% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 2.11% | 9.54% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, NEE or SO?
- NEE has the lower trailing P/E: NEE trades at 18.46 and SO at 21.06. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, NEE or SO?
- Over the past five years, NEE grew revenue faster — NEE at a 11.51% CAGR versus SO at 6.68%.
- Does NEE or SO pay a bigger dividend?
- NEE yields 2.95% and SO yields 3.40% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is NEE or SO more profitable?
- NEE runs the higher net margin — NEE at 32.04% versus SO at 15.43%.
- How have NEE and SO total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, NEE delivered 13.41% and SO delivered 10.10% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
NextEra Energy P/E ratioSouthern P/E ratioNextEra Energy dividend yieldSouthern dividend yieldNextEra Energy ROESouthern ROENextEra Energy operating marginSouthern operating marginNextEra Energy revenue growthSouthern revenue growthNextEra Energy free cash flowSouthern free cash flow
NextEra Energy & Southern appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 11, 2026.