Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (CPK)vsSouthern Company (SO)
CPK
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
$123.78
+2.05%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.97B
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
+1.22%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 2965% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $984.40M). CPK leads profitability with a 15.1% profit margin vs 14.5%. CPK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.24. CPK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
CPK
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-24.3%
Fair Value
$104.88
Current Price
$123.78
$18.90 premium
Margin of Safety
-47.7%
Fair Value
$62.70
Current Price
$92.60
$29.90 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%
18.2% revenue growth
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CPK
The strongest argument for CPK centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.1% and operating margin at 28.1%. Revenue growth of 18.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : CPK
The primary concerns for CPK are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
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
CPK profiles as a growth stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CPK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.70 — expect wider price swings.
CPK is growing revenue faster at 18.2% — sustainability is the question.
CPK generates stronger free cash flow (-24M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CPK scores higher overall (65/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 15.1% margins and 18.2% revenue growth. 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.
Visit Website →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.
Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?