The Southern Company (SO) vs Sempra (SRE)

A side-by-side comparison of The Southern Company and Sempra across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnSO vs SRE

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
SO +152.1% (+9.7%/yr)SRE +118.1% (+8.1%/yr)SO compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$252$218
SO SRE

SO vs SRE: by the numbers

  • SO is the larger company ($99.75B vs $53.82B market cap).
  • SO trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.95 vs 23.87 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • SRE converts more revenue to profit (16.77% vs 15.43% net margin).
  • SO grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.68% vs 2.45% CAGR).
  • SO pays the higher dividend yield (3.44% vs 3.13%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricSOSRE
P/E ratio20.9523.87
Forward P/E18.8916.10
P/S ratio3.313.96
P/B ratio2.521.65
EV / EBITDA13.0314.67

Profitability

MetricSOSRE
Gross margin29.81%29.15%
Operating margin24.19%26.86%
Net margin15.43%16.77%
ROE11.77%6.97%
ROIC4.15%2.99%

Dividends

MetricSOSRE
Dividend yield3.44%3.13%
Payout ratio72.46%75.51%

Growth (annualized)

MetricSOSRE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.68%2.45%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.96%-15.72%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.56%8.03%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, SO or SRE?
SO has the lower trailing P/E: SO trades at 20.95 and SRE at 23.87. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, SO or SRE?
Over the past five years, SO grew revenue faster — SO at a 6.68% CAGR versus SRE at 2.45%.
Does SO or SRE pay a bigger dividend?
SO yields 3.44% and SRE yields 3.13% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is SO or SRE more profitable?
SRE runs the higher net margin — SO at 15.43% versus SRE at 16.77%.
How have SO and SRE total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, SO delivered 9.95% and SRE delivered 8.28% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 13, 2026.