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.
SO
The Southern Company
$86.72UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 10:45 AM EDT
SRE
Sempra
$82.34UtilitiesDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 10:45 AM EDT
Total return — SO vs SRE
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10ySO +152.1% (+9.7%/yr)SRE +118.1% (+8.1%/yr)SO compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | SO | SRE |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 20.95 | 23.87 |
| Forward P/E | 18.89 | 16.10 |
| P/S ratio | 3.31 | 3.96 |
| P/B ratio | 2.52 | 1.65 |
| EV / EBITDA | 13.03 | 14.67 |
Profitability
| Metric | SO | SRE |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 29.81% | 29.15% |
| Operating margin | 24.19% | 26.86% |
| Net margin | 15.43% | 16.77% |
| ROE | 11.77% | 6.97% |
| ROIC | 4.15% | 2.99% |
Dividends
| Metric | SO | SRE |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.44% | 3.13% |
| Payout ratio | 72.46% | 75.51% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | SO | SRE |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Southern P/E ratioSempra P/E ratioSouthern dividend yieldSempra dividend yieldSouthern ROESempra ROESouthern operating marginSempra operating marginSouthern revenue growthSempra revenue growthSouthern free cash flowSempra free cash flow
Southern & Sempra 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 13, 2026.