WallStSmart

The AES Corporation (AES)vsAvista Corporation (AVA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The AES Corporation generates 551% more annual revenue ($12.49B vs $1.92B). AES leads profitability with a 10.8% profit margin vs 10.7%. AES appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. AES earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

AES

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.0Value: 6.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.48

AVA

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 4.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.77
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AESSignificantly Overvalued (-44.1%)

Margin of Safety

-44.1%

Fair Value

$11.41

Current Price

$14.67

$3.26 premium

UndervaluedFair: $11.41Overvalued
AVASignificantly Overvalued (-29.6%)

Margin of Safety

-29.6%

Fair Value

$32.19

Current Price

$42.42

$10.23 premium

UndervaluedFair: $32.19Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AES4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
951.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 951.0% YoY

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

AVA3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
16.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
23.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.7%

Areas to Watch

AES4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-565.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
7.011/10

Elevated debt levels

AVA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.4%3/10

ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AES

The strongest argument for AES centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : AVA

The strongest argument for AVA centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : AES

The primary concerns for AES are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 7.01 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : AVA

The primary concerns for AVA are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AES profiles as a value stock while AVA is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

AES carries more volatility with a beta of 0.95 — expect wider price swings.

AES is growing revenue faster at 8.7% — sustainability is the question.

AVA generates stronger free cash flow (29M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AES scores higher overall (71/100 vs 60/100). 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.

The AES Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA

The AES Corporation is a Fortune 500 company that generates and distributes electrical power. AES is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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Avista Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Avista Corporation is a natural gas and electric utility company. The company is headquartered in Spokane, Washington.

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