Advertisement
ED vs SO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Consolidated Edison (ED) vs. The Southern Company (SO) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both ED and SO are large-cap regulated utilities with comparable dividend yields and "Hold" consensus ratings, but their growth drivers diverge sharply.
- Consolidated Edison offers a defensive, New York-centric electrification story with a 52-year dividend-growth streak; The Southern Company is levered to accelerating Southeastern electricity demand, including data centers.
- Southern has shown stronger near-term earnings momentum, with data center usage rising roughly 55% and large-load contracts exceeding 17 gigawatts (GW).
- Consolidated Edison's recent relative performance has been softer, weighed by an equity offering and an earnings miss, though a recent analyst upgrade highlighted its election-season defensiveness.
- Southern carries a larger market capitalization and more diversified generation base, while Consolidated Edison's rate base is concentrated in one metro region.
Introduction
Utilities are often treated as a single, homogenous corner of the market, but a stock comparison between ED and SO reveals two very different investment profiles. Consolidated Edison (ED) is a transmission-and-distribution utility anchored to New York City, while The Southern Company (SO) is a vertically integrated electric and gas operator across the Southeast. For income-oriented investors evaluating relative performance and market positioning, and for traders watching sector rotation between defensive names and electrification plays, understanding these contrasts is essential to assessing which stock is better suited to the current environment.
ED Overview and Recent Performance
Consolidated Edison delivers electricity, natural gas, and steam to roughly 3.7 million electric customers in New York City and Westchester County, with additional operations through Orange & Rockland Utilities and Con Edison Transmission. Its earnings are driven primarily by regulated rate base growth rather than energy sales volumes, making it a classic defensive utility tied to New York's clean-energy and grid-modernization agenda.
In recent weeks, ED has traded in the low-to-mid $100s, near the middle of its 52-week range, with a forward dividend yield around 3.2%. First-quarter 2026 revenue rose 6.2% year over year to roughly $5.1 billion, but adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.17 came in below the $2.32 consensus estimate. The company also filed a $2 billion at-the-market equity offering program to fund grid investment, which introduced a near-term dilution overhang. Positively, management reaffirmed full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.00 to $6.20, and regulators approved the 90-mile, $3.3 billion Propel NY transmission project. A recent upgrade to Overweight cited the stock as "defensive diversification" away from the broader artificial-intelligence trade.
SO Overview and Recent Performance
The Southern Company is one of the largest U.S. utilities, serving about 9 million customers through vertically integrated electric utilities in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, plus natural-gas distribution in four states. It owns roughly 46 GW of rate-regulated generating capacity, giving it a broader, more diversified footprint than Consolidated Edison and more direct exposure to power generation.
Recent market activity has favored SO. The stock trades in the high $80s to low $90s, near the lower-to-middle of its 52-week range, with a forward dividend yield of approximately 3.4%. Second-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.13 jumped 22.8% year over year and beat estimates, supported by customer growth, utility investment, and lower taxes. Data center usage climbed roughly 55%, and the company reported more than 17 GW of contracted large-load demand across 31 projects, with a prospective pipeline above 75 GW. Management now expects full-year adjusted EPS near the top of its $4.50-to-$4.60 range. Analysts, however, have trimmed some price targets in recent weeks, keeping the consensus at Hold.
Trending AI Robots
For traders looking to move beyond static, qualitative comparisons, Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page offers a curated view of AI-driven trading strategies. Tickeron operates hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of tickers, but only the best-performing and most suitable for current market conditions earn a place in this section — with a select group of around 21 featured bots drawn from a larger universe of several hundred. These bots span different trading styles, timeframes, and performance profiles, with published metrics such as win rates, profit factors, and realized returns. Each robot follows its own strategy and set of tickers, so the rankings shift as market conditions evolve. Explore the Trending AI Robots page to see which strategies are currently leading.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The sharpest contrast is structural. ED is a transmission-and-distribution pure play whose growth depends on New York rate cases and grid spending, insulating it from fuel-price swings but concentrating its regulatory risk in a single jurisdiction. SO operates both generation and distribution across multiple states, exposing it to construction and fuel-cost risk but also to powerful demand growth from data centers and manufacturing.
On momentum, Southern has the clearer catalyst path: rising large-load contracts and stronger-than-expected earnings contrast with Consolidated Edison's EPS shortfall and dilutive equity raise. On stability, however, Consolidated Edison's longer dividend-growth streak (52 consecutive years versus Southern's 25) and its insulation from November election risk give it a defensive edge. Valuation is broadly similar — both trade at a forward price-to-earnings ratio near 20 — but analysts see modestly more upside in SO, with an average price target about 6% above its recent price versus a slightly negative implied return for ED.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward SO in the current setup. The company's combination of positive earnings momentum, a concrete demand catalyst in data-center load growth, and a more diversified regulatory base gives it a stronger trend profile than ED, whose near-term narrative is constrained by an equity raise and mixed quarterly results. That said, the preference is probabilistic rather than absolute: if market conditions favor defensive, low-volatility positioning, Consolidated Edison's dividend reliability and election-season insulation could make it the more stable holding. The relative ranking may shift as rate-case outcomes and demand trends develop.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ED is a Buy and SO is a Buy.
ED in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026
ED moved above its 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 22 of 41 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 06, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ED as a result. In 37 of 82 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 45%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ED just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where ED's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 21 of 48 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 44%.
The 10-day moving average for ED crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
Following a +2.43% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ED advanced for three days, in 169 of 324 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 11 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for ED moved below the 200-day moving average on October 01, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ED declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 43%.
ED broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for ED entered a downward trend on October 08, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 11 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 52, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ED’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 51 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.608) is normal, around the industry mean (2.074). P/E Ratio (18.331) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.519). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.034) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.032) settles around the average of (0.052) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.171) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
SO in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026
The 10-day moving average for SO crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 06, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on SO as a result. In 52 of 92 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SO just turned positive on October 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where SO's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 22 of 39 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
SO moved above its 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.69% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SO advanced for three days, in 164 of 330 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 11 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for SO moved below the 200-day moving average on September 22, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SO declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 40%.
SO broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for SO entered a downward trend on October 08, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 13 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 52, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SO’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 68 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.628) is normal, around the industry mean (2.074). P/E Ratio (21.676) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.519). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.946) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.034) settles around the average of (0.052) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.207) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
ED | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 39 | 40 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 51 Fair valued | 68 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 11 | 13 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 75 | 62 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 52 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 42 | 58 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ED's Valuation (51) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as SO (68). This means that ED’s stock grew similarly to SO’s over the last 12 months.
ED's Profit vs Risk Rating (11) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as SO (13). This means that ED’s stock grew similarly to SO’s over the last 12 months.
SO's SMR Rating (62) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as ED (75). This means that SO’s stock grew similarly to ED’s over the last 12 months.
ED's Price Growth Rating (45) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as SO (52). This means that ED’s stock grew similarly to SO’s over the last 12 months.
ED's P/E Growth Rating (42) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as SO (58). This means that ED’s stock grew similarly to SO’s over the last 12 months.
| ED | SO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 46% | 1 day ago 36% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 39% | 1 day ago 34% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 45% | 1 day ago 57% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 44% | 1 day ago 56% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 52% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 48% | 1 day ago 50% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 52% | 9 days ago 50% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 18 days ago 43% | 25 days ago 40% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 37% | 1 day ago 37% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 31% | 1 day ago 32% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ED’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while SO’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- ED’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- SO’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ED’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SO’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ED’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- SO’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
ED (@Electric Utilities) experienced а +2.03% price change this week, while SO (@Electric Utilities) price change was +1.13% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electric Utilities industry was +1.30%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.40%, and the average quarterly price growth was -9.42%.
Reported Earning Dates
ED is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
SO is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electric Utilities (+1.30% weekly)Electric utilities companies generate, transmit and distribute electricity to businesses/offices and residences. Companies may be owned by the government or investors or public shareholders, or a combination thereof. The industry also includes firms that buy and sell electricity. Companies in this industry typically require significant investments in infrastructure. Many firms in this industry pay substantial and regular dividends to shareholders. However, changes in interest rates (and their impact on debt burdens), natural disasters and changing commodity prices could be factors affecting energy utilities’ profit margins. NextEra Energy, Inc., Duke Energy Corporation, Dominion Energy Inc. and Southern Company are among U.S. electric utilities companies with the largest market capitalizations.
Advertisement
ED and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ED has been closely correlated with DUK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 83% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ED jumps, then DUK could also see price increases.
SO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SO has been closely correlated with DUK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 86% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SO jumps, then DUK could also see price increases.