SO vs MAR Comparison

Southern is one of the largest utilities in the US. The company serves 9 million customers with vertically integrated electric utilities in three states and natural gas distribution utilities in four states. It owns 44 gigawatts of rate-regulated generating capacity, primarily for serving customers in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Subsidiary Southern Power owns 13 gigawatts of natural gas generation and renewable energy across the US and sells the electricity primarily under long-term contracts.

Marriott operates 1.8 million rooms across roughly 30 brands. At the end of 2024, luxury represented roughly 10% of total rooms, premium was 43%, select service was 45%, midscale was 1%, and other was 1%. Marriott, Courtyard, and Sheraton are the largest brands, while Autograph, Tribute, Moxy, Aloft, and Element are newer lifestyle brands. Managed and franchised represented 98% of total rooms as of Dec. 31, 2024. North America makes up 62% of total rooms. Managed, franchise, and incentive fees represent the vast majority of revenue and profitability for the company.