WallStSmart

Artesian Resources Corporation (ARTNA)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 26178% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $114.83M). ARTNA leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 14.5%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. ARTNA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

ARTNA

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.67

SO

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.65
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ARTNAUndervalued (+7.1%)

Margin of Safety

+7.1%

Fair Value

$35.62

Current Price

$32.96

$2.66 discount

UndervaluedFair: $35.62Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-47.7%)

Margin of Safety

-47.7%

Fair Value

$62.70

Current Price

$92.60

$29.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $62.70Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARTNA4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
30.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.0%

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

SO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$102.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%

Areas to Watch

ARTNA4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$331.00M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-4.50M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

SO4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.532/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-0.8%2/10

Earnings declined 0.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.72B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARTNA

The strongest argument for ARTNA centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 30.0%.

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : ARTNA

The primary concerns for ARTNA are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : SO

The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARTNA profiles as a mature stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

SO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.36 — expect wider price swings.

SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

ARTNA generates stronger free cash flow (-5M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ARTNA scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 20.3% 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.

Artesian Resources Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

Artesian Resources Corporation provides water, wastewater, and other services in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware.

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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