WallStSmart

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp (AQN)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 1114% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $2.43B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 7.4%. AQN trades at a lower P/E of 22.8x. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).

AQN

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.32

SO

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 3.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AQNUndervalued (+71.3%)

Margin of Safety

+71.3%

Fair Value

$22.99

Current Price

$6.16

$16.83 discount

UndervaluedFair: $22.99Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-35.0%)

Margin of Safety

-35.0%

Fair Value

$71.61

Current Price

$96.70

$25.09 premium

UndervaluedFair: $71.61Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AQN1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

SO1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$109.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

AQN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.7%4/10

1.7% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
2.6%3/10

ROE of 2.6% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.4%3/10

7.4% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.393/10

Elevated debt levels

SO3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.662/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-22.1%2/10

Earnings declined 22.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.86B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AQN

The strongest argument for AQN centers on Price/Book.

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AQN

The primary concerns for AQN are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : SO

The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AQN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.89 — expect wider price swings.

SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.

AQN generates stronger free cash flow (-45M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

SO scores higher overall (54/100 vs 46/100) and 10.1% revenue growth. AQN offers better value entry with a 71.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. The company is headquartered in Oakville, Canada.

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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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