WallStSmart

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (CPK)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 2938% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $993.50M). SO leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 15.1%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.07. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

CPK

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.97

SO

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.65
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CPKSignificantly Overvalued (-23.5%)

Margin of Safety

-23.5%

Fair Value

$105.57

Current Price

$129.82

$24.25 premium

UndervaluedFair: $105.57Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-40.5%)

Margin of Safety

-40.5%

Fair Value

$62.06

Current Price

$87.17

$25.11 premium

UndervaluedFair: $62.06Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CPK2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
26.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.2%

SO4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$100.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
29.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
30.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

CPK4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.204/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.7%4/10

4.7% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
2.9%4/10

2.9% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.013/10

Elevated debt levels

SO4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.074/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.953/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CPK

The strongest argument for CPK centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.1% and operating margin at 26.2%.

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.

Bear Case : CPK

The primary concerns for CPK are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : SO

The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CPK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.68 — expect wider price swings.

CPK is growing revenue faster at 4.7% — sustainability is the question.

CPK generates stronger free cash flow (-29M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

SO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a power supply company. The company is headquartered in Dover, Delaware.

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Southern Company

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.

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