The AES Corporation (AES)vsTransAlta Corp (TAC)
AES
The AES Corporation
$14.67
-0.41%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.47B
TAC
TransAlta Corp
$12.68
-2.16%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The AES Corporation generates 465% more annual revenue ($12.49B vs $2.21B). AES leads profitability with a 10.8% profit margin vs -7.7%. AES appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. AES earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
AES
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
TAC
Avoid33
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-44.1%
Fair Value
$11.41
Current Price
$14.67
$3.26 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for TAC.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Earnings expanding 951.0% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 11.3x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -12.1% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : TAC
TAC has a balanced fundamental profile.
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 : TAC
The primary concerns for TAC are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 3.17 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AES profiles as a value stock while TAC is a turnaround 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.
TAC generates stronger free cash flow (93M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AES scores higher overall (71/100 vs 33/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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.
Visit Website →TransAlta Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
TransAlta Corporation owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electric power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
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