Otter Tail Corporation (OTTR)vsSouthern Company (SO)
OTTR
Otter Tail Corporation
$88.03
+0.22%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $3.69B
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 2197% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $1.31B). OTTR leads profitability with a 21.3% profit margin vs 14.5%. OTTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.81. OTTR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
OTTR
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-60.8%
Fair Value
$53.45
Current Price
$88.03
$34.58 premium
Margin of Safety
-26.1%
Fair Value
$73.33
Current Price
$91.80
$18.47 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 24.7%
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
2.9% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : OTTR
The strongest argument for OTTR centers on Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.3% and operating margin at 24.7%.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
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 0.47 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
OTTR generates stronger free cash flow (-115M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor CONGLOMERATES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
OTTR scores higher overall (67/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 21.3% 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.
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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