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PNW vs SO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (PNW) vs. The Southern Company (SO) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- PNW is a pure-play Arizona electric utility benefiting from rapid population and electricity demand growth, while SO is a larger, more diversified Southeast utility and gas-distribution operator.
- Both companies are expanding heavily into data-center and large-load demand, but SO has signed a substantially larger contracted pipeline.
- PNW faces near-term pressure from higher interest and depreciation costs, while SO has posted more consistent year-over-year earnings growth.
- SO recently raised its dividend for a 25th consecutive year, reinforcing a longer track record of shareholder returns.
- Relative performance and market positioning favor SO on stability and catalysts, though PNW offers a faster-growing single-region growth story.
Introduction
Utilities are increasingly viewed as both defensive income investments and direct beneficiaries of the electricity-intensive buildout of data centers, semiconductor fabrication, and advanced manufacturing. This stock comparison examines two regulated power providers: Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (PNW), the Arizona-focused parent of Arizona Public Service, and The Southern Company (SO), a diversified Southeast utility holding company. Income-oriented investors, dividend-growth seekers, and traders tracking relative performance in the utilities sector may find this comparison useful, because the two companies illustrate contrasting approaches to capitalizing on accelerating power demand.
PNW Overview and Recent Performance
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (PNW) is a Phoenix-based energy holding company with roughly $31 billion in consolidated assets and about 6,200 megawatts of generating capacity. Through Arizona Public Service, it serves approximately 1.5 million Arizona homes and businesses. Its market positioning is anchored to one of the nation's fastest-growing states, where customer counts and weather-normalized electricity sales have continued to rise in recent quarters, supported by data centers and semiconductor activity.
Recent market activity has reflected a mix of strong demand and rising costs. The company reported a return to profitability in early 2026 and reaffirmed full-year earnings guidance of $4.55 to $4.75 per share, alongside a multi-year capital program of about $7.95 billion from 2026 through 2028. However, higher interest expense and increased depreciation tied to new plants and transmission investment have weighed on near-term earnings growth, and regulatory outcomes in Arizona remain a key swing factor for sentiment.
SO Overview and Recent Performance
The Southern Company (SO) is one of the largest U.S. utilities, serving roughly 9 million customers through vertically integrated electric utilities in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi and natural-gas distribution businesses across four states. It owns about 46 gigawatts of rate-regulated generating capacity, plus a substantial wholesale generation segment through Southern Power.
Recent performance has been defined by accelerating large-load demand. SO has reported strong weather-normalized electricity sales growth, with data-center usage rising sharply, and has built a contracted large-load pipeline measured in the double-digit gigawatts. The company also announced low-cost financing agreements with the U.S. Department of Energy and raised its annualized dividend for a 25th consecutive year. While higher financing costs and depreciation have moderated margins, earnings growth has remained steadier than at PNW, and management has guided toward the upper end of its 2026 adjusted earnings range.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast is diversification versus concentration. SO spans electric and gas utilities across several states, spreading regulatory and weather risk across multiple jurisdictions. PNW is effectively a single-state electric utility, which concentrates its growth opportunity in Arizona's booming economy but also concentrates its regulatory and weather exposure.
Growth drivers differ in scale. Both companies cite data-center demand as a catalyst, but SO's contracted large-load pipeline and capital plan are significantly larger in absolute terms, giving it a broader base of visible load growth. PNW offers a high-growth regional narrative with strong customer and sales momentum, though its near-term earnings have been squeezed by financing and depreciation costs ahead of rate relief.
On shareholder returns, SO holds a longer record of consecutive dividend increases and a larger balance sheet, while PNW leans more on capital appreciation tied to its growth profile. Risk factors also diverge: PNW faces ongoing Arizona rate-case and cost-recovery uncertainty, whereas SO must manage the scale and execution risk of an unusually large generation buildout.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings stability, diversification, and the breadth of demand catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely favor The Southern Company (SO) in the current environment. Its steadier earnings trajectory, larger contracted large-load pipeline, longer dividend-growth record, and multi-jurisdiction diversification suggest more consistent positioning and lower single-state concentration risk. PNW remains a compelling faster-growth story, but its near-term cost pressures and regulatory dependency make its momentum comparatively less reliable at present. This assessment is probabilistic and reflects current observable data rather than a fixed recommendation.
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 PNW is a Hold and SO is a Buy.
PNW in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026
The 10-day moving average for PNW crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 19 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 58%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 02, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on PNW 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 PNW just turned positive on October 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where PNW's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
PNW moved above its 50-day moving average on October 06, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.60% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PNW advanced for three days, in 182 of 338 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 103 of 293 cases where PNW Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 35%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for PNW moved out of overbought territory on October 28, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 18 of the 44 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 41%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 20 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for PNW 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 PNW 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 45%.
PNW 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.
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 51, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. PNW’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 34 (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 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 SMR rating for this company is 73 (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.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 87 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly 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 (1.831) is normal, around the industry mean (2.063). P/E Ratio (19.977) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.917). PNW's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.508) is slightly higher than the industry average of (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.034) settles around the average of (0.053) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.106) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
SO in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026
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. In 24 of 40 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within 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 06, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on SO as a result. In 50 of 91 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
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 38 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
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 8 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 57%.
Following a +2.39% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SO advanced for three days, in 165 of 328 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 143 of 336 cases where SO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 43%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for SO moved out of overbought territory on October 26, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 45 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 15 of the 45 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 33%.
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
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 42%.
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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 12 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 51, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 46 (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 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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 51 (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 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 70 (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 (2.724) is normal, around the industry mean (2.063). P/E Ratio (22.472) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.917). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.946) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.032) settles around the average of (0.053) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.207) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
PNW | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 87 Overvalued | 70 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 11 | 12 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 73 | 62 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 31 | 46 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 34 | 51 | |
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.
SO's Valuation (70) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as PNW (87). This means that SO’s stock grew similarly to PNW’s over the last 12 months.
PNW's Profit vs Risk Rating (11) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as SO (12). This means that PNW’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 PNW (73). This means that SO’s stock grew similarly to PNW’s over the last 12 months.
PNW's Price Growth Rating (31) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as SO (46). This means that PNW’s stock grew similarly to SO’s over the last 12 months.
PNW's P/E Growth Rating (34) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as SO (51). This means that PNW’s stock grew similarly to SO’s over the last 12 months.
| PNW | SO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 41% | 3 days ago 33% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 47% | 3 days ago 42% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 57% | 3 days ago 55% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 50% | 3 days ago 58% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 51% | 3 days ago 52% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 47% | 3 days ago 50% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 11 days ago 54% | 3 days ago 50% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 45% | 7 days ago 42% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 43% | 3 days ago 33% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 35% | 3 days ago 43% |
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).
PNW’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while SO’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- PNW’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.
PNW’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SO’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- PNW’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 5 bearish.
- SO’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
PNW (@Electric Utilities) experienced а +0.38% price change this week, while SO (@Electric Utilities) price change was +0.88% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electric Utilities industry was +0.47%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +4.37%, and the average quarterly price growth was -10.08%.
Reported Earning Dates
PNW is expected to report earnings on Nov 03, 2026.
SO is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electric Utilities (+0.47% 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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PNW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PNW has been closely correlated with LNT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 84% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if PNW jumps, then LNT 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 87% 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.
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