WallStSmart

Otter Tail Corporation (OTTR)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 2166% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $1.30B). OTTR leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs 14.7%. OTTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.72. OTTR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

OTTR

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.67

SO

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

OTTRSignificantly Overvalued (-92.9%)

Margin of Safety

-92.9%

Fair Value

$44.54

Current Price

$86.55

$42.01 premium

UndervaluedFair: $44.54Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-254.9%)

Margin of Safety

-254.9%

Fair Value

$26.66

Current Price

$94.61

$67.95 premium

UndervaluedFair: $26.66Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

OTTR4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
21.2%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.2%

SO2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$105.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

OTTR4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.724/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.6%4/10

1.6% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.674/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

SO3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.672/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-22.1%2/10

Earnings declined 22.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.86B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : OTTR

The strongest argument for OTTR centers on Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 22.2%.

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : OTTR

The primary concerns for OTTR are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : SO

The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

OTTR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.52 — expect wider price swings.

SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.

OTTR generates stronger free cash flow (22M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CONGLOMERATES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

OTTR scores higher overall (63/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 21.2% margins. Both earn "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.

Otter Tail Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Otter Tail Corporation is engaged in electrical service, manufacturing and plastic piping businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

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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