Southern (SO) vs Vistra (VST)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Southern (SO) has outperformed Vistra (VST) over the past year, losing 11.4% versus a loss of 16.5%. Over five years, VST leads with a +747.2% price change compared with +35.3% for SO. Southern is the larger company by market cap ($98.29 billion vs $55.96 billion), about 1.8 times the size.
On valuation, Vistra trades at a lower forward P/E (16.0x vs 17.4x for Southern). Southern offers the higher dividend yield (3.49% vs 0.55%). Southern converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.7% versus 5.3%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | SO | VST |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $85.44 | $166.72 |
| Market cap | $98.29B | $55.96B |
| 1-day change | 0.00% | +3.88% |
| YTD return | -2.02% | +3.34% |
| 1-year return | -11.39% | -16.48% |
| 5-year return | +35.34% | +747.15% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 20.59 | 28.11 |
| Forward P/E | 17.35 | 16.01 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.15 | $5.93 |
| Dividend yield | 3.49% | 0.55% |
| Annual dividend | $2.98 | $0.91 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $29.55B | $17.74B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.59% | +2.98% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $4.34B | $944.00M |
| Operating margin | 24.65% | 10.75% |
| Net margin | 14.69% | 5.32% |
| 52-week high | $100.84 | $217.10 |
| 52-week low | $81.69 | $132.66 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -15.27% | -23.21% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +14.85% | +26.11% |
| Average volume | 5.67M | 4.96M |
| Shares outstanding | 1.15B | 335.64M |
| Employees | 29,502 | 6,390 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Electric Utilities: Central | Electric Utilities: Central |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Vistra trades at a higher earnings multiple (28.1x vs 20.6x trailing P/E).
- Southern offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.49% vs 0.55%).
- Southern is more profitable, keeping 14.7 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 5.3 cents for Vistra.
- Southern grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+10.59% vs +2.98%).
About Southern
SO stock →The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the sale of electricity. The company offers electric service to retail customers and wholesale customers; and energy-related products and services to natural gas choice markets.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 29,502 employees
About Vistra
VST stock →Vistra Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company in the United States. The company operates through five segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, and Asset Closure.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 6,390 employees
SO vs VST FAQ
Which is bigger, Southern or Vistra?
Southern (SO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $98.29B compared with $55.96B for Vistra (VST).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, SO or VST?
SO returned -11.39% over the past 12 months, compared with -16.48% for VST (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, SO or VST?
SO has the lower trailing P/E at 20.6, versus 28.1 for VST. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Southern or Vistra?
Southern has the higher yield at 3.49%, compared with 0.55% for Vistra.
Are Southern and Vistra in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electric Utilities: Central industry within the Utilities sector.