Avista Corporation (AVA)vsTransAlta Corp (TAC)
AVA
Avista Corporation
$42.42
+1.95%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.51B
TAC
TransAlta Corp
$12.68
-2.16%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
TransAlta Corp generates 15% more annual revenue ($2.21B vs $1.92B). AVA leads profitability with a 10.7% profit margin vs -7.7%. AVA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.69. AVA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
AVA
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
TAC
Avoid33
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-29.6%
Fair Value
$32.19
Current Price
$42.42
$10.23 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for TAC.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 23.7%
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : AVA
The strongest argument for AVA centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : TAC
TAC has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : AVA
The primary concerns for AVA are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
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
AVA profiles as a declining stock while TAC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
TAC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.49 — expect wider price swings.
AVA is growing revenue faster at -7.6% — sustainability is the question.
TAC generates stronger free cash flow (93M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AVA scores higher overall (60/100 vs 33/100). Both earn "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.
Avista Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Avista Corporation is a natural gas and electric utility company. The company is headquartered in Spokane, Washington.
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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