One difference in the stepping$-$stone method compared to the northwest$-$corner and intuitive methods is:

the stepping$-$stone method guarantees an optimal solution.

the stepping$-$stone method does not consider factory capacities.

the stepping$-$stone method never finds a feasible solution.

the stepping$-$stone method ALWAYS finds a lower$-$cost solution.

the stepping$-$stone method ignores costs.