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FTS vs SO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Fortis Inc. (FTS) vs. The Southern Company (SO) Stock Comparison
1) Key Takeaways
- Both are regulated utilities, but FTS is a diversified North American operator spanning Canada and the U.S., while SO is a U.S. Southeast pure-play anchored in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
- SO carries a far stronger near-term growth catalyst, with roughly 17 gigawatts of contracted large-load (data center) demand versus a smaller but growing data center pipeline at FTS.
- FTS emphasizes dividend durability, having raised its payout for 52 consecutive years and guiding to 4–6% annual growth, while SO has raised its dividend for 25 straight years.
- Market scale differs materially: SO is roughly three times the market capitalization of FTS.
- SO trades at a higher forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple than the utility sector average, reflecting its premium growth profile.
2) Introduction
Regulated electric and gas utilities have re-entered the spotlight as rising electricity demand from data centers and reshored manufacturing reshapes a sector once viewed as purely defensive. This stock comparison examines Fortis Inc. and The Southern Company, two established utility operators with contrasting geographic footprints and growth profiles. Income-oriented investors weighing dividend reliability, while growth-conscious traders assessing exposure to surging power demand, may find this comparison relevant. By evaluating business models, recent performance, and market positioning, readers can better understand the trade-offs between a diversified North American utility and a Southeast-focused operator riding an accelerating load-growth cycle.
3) FTS Overview and Recent Performance
FTS (Fortis Inc.) is a diversified regulated electric and gas utility headquartered in St. John's, Canada, serving roughly five Canadian provinces and ten U.S. states through subsidiaries including ITC, UNS Energy, and FortisBC. The company reported 2025 revenue of about $12 billion and, in recent quarters, has reaffirmed a $28.8 billion five-year capital plan expected to grow its rate base — the value of invested capital on which regulators allow a return — at a roughly 7% compound annual rate through 2030.
Recent market activity has shown defensive rotation into FTS, with the shares drawing support when higher bond yields pressured growth stocks. Fundamentals remain steady: first-half 2026 results were broadly in line with expectations, with a notable driver being transmission investment tied to data center load at ITC's Big Cedar Industrial Center. Management has also emphasized customer affordability alongside its load-growth opportunities, and a new multi-year capital outlook is expected alongside its upcoming quarterly report.
4) SO Overview and Recent Performance
SO (The Southern Company) is an Atlanta-based energy provider serving about 9 million customers through vertically integrated electric utilities in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, plus natural gas distribution in four states. Its portfolio includes roughly 46 gigawatts of regulated generation capacity and the recently completed Vogtle nuclear reactors, a rare source of new carbon-free baseload power in the U.S.
Recent quarters have been defined by accelerating demand. SO reported double-digit growth in adjusted earnings per share (EPS) in both the first and second quarters of 2026, driven by customer growth and a sharp rise in data center usage. The company has highlighted contracted large-load commitments exceeding 17 gigawatts and a prospective pipeline above 75 gigawatts, supported by a $26.5 billion loan agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy. Despite this momentum, the shares have traded below their 52-week high in recent months, reflecting valuation concerns and financing costs associated with a large buildout program.
5) Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates hundreds of AI Trading Bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own strategy, timeframe, risk profile, performance record, and watchlist. Rather than presenting every bot, Tickeron curates only the most suitable performers for current market conditions in its Trending AI Robots section. These bots span diverse trading styles — from swing and day trading to longer-term trend following — and are monitored against real-time statistics such as win rates, drawdowns, and trade frequency. For traders evaluating utilities like FTS and SO, the page offers a way to see which automated strategies are currently favored. Explore the Trending AI Robots list to review the bots best aligned with today's market environment.
6) Head-to-Head Comparison
The sharpest contrast between these two names is growth orientation versus diversification. SO is structurally levered to one of the strongest electricity demand cycles in its history, with data center and industrial load translating directly into rate-base expansion and an 8% long-term EPS growth target — well above the typical 4–6% utility range. That growth, however, demands heavy capital spending, equity issuance, and debt, adding financing and execution risk.
FTS offers a more balanced profile. Its Canadian and U.S. utilities, including a substantial independent transmission business, provide geographic and regulatory diversification that can cushion localized rate decisions or weather patterns. Its growth is more measured, and it carries meaningful foreign-exchange exposure from its U.S. operations.
On valuation, SO trades at a premium forward P/E relative to the sector, reflecting its growth premium, while FTS screens more modestly on a trailing basis. Dividend yields are comparable in the low-to-mid 3% range. Sentiment has favored SO on the demand story but favored FTS during bouts of defensive rotation.
7) Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, catalyst depth, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor SO in the current environment. The company's contracted load pipeline and rising earnings trajectory provide a clearer, more durable fundamental tailwind, even after adjusting for its premium valuation and financing needs. FTS remains a compelling candidate for stability and dividend dependability, but its catalysts are comparatively incremental. The AI verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting the balance between SO's growth momentum and FTS's lower-volatility, diversified positioning.
8) 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 FTS is a Buy and SO is a Buy.
FTS in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026
The 10-day moving average for FTS crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 20 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 60%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on FTS as a result. In 36 of 88 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 41%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for FTS just turned positive on October 07, 2026. Looking at past instances where FTS's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 51 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 47%.
FTS moved above its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.71% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FTS advanced for three days, in 126 of 330 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 38%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 9 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for FTS moved below the 200-day moving average on October 02, 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 FTS 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 35%.
FTS 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 FTS entered a downward trend on October 12, 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 Seasonality Score of 22 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. FTS’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 53 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 52, placing this stock slightly worse than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 57 (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 (1.208) is normal, around the industry mean (2.074). P/E Ratio (16.462) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.519). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.505) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.033) settles around the average of (0.052) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.076) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 67 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than 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 77 (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).
FTS | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 28 | 40 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 57 Fair valued | 68 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 53 | 13 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 77 | 62 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 49 | 52 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 67 | 58 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 22 | 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.
FTS's Valuation (57) in the null industry is in the same range as SO (68) in the Electric Utilities industry. This means that FTS’s stock grew similarly to SO’s over the last 12 months.
SO's Profit vs Risk Rating (13) in the Electric Utilities industry is somewhat better than the same rating for FTS (53) in the null industry. This means that SO’s stock grew somewhat faster than FTS’s over the last 12 months.
SO's SMR Rating (62) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as FTS (77) in the null industry. This means that SO’s stock grew similarly to FTS’s over the last 12 months.
FTS's Price Growth Rating (49) in the null industry is in the same range as SO (52) in the Electric Utilities industry. This means that FTS’s stock grew similarly to SO’s over the last 12 months.
SO's P/E Growth Rating (58) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as FTS (67) in the null industry. This means that SO’s stock grew similarly to FTS’s over the last 12 months.
| FTS | SO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 41% | 1 day ago 36% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 30% | 1 day ago 34% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 41% | 1 day ago 57% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 47% | 1 day ago 56% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 40% | 1 day ago 52% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 38% | 1 day ago 50% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 38% | 9 days ago 50% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 22 days ago 35% | 25 days ago 40% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 51% | 1 day ago 37% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 30% | 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).
FTS’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while SO’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- FTS’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 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.
FTS’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SO’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- FTS’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 6 bearish.
- SO’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
FTS (@Electric Utilities) experienced а +2.34% 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
FTS is expected to report earnings on Nov 03, 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.
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FTS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FTS has been closely correlated with ED. These tickers have moved in lockstep 78% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if FTS jumps, then ED 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.