WallStSmart

Avista Corporation (AVA)vsUNITIL Corporation (UTL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Avista Corporation generates 266% more annual revenue ($1.96B vs $536.00M). AVA leads profitability with a 9.8% profit margin vs 9.4%. AVA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.58. UTL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

AVA

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 5.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.83

UTL

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.5Value: 5.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.68
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AVAUndervalued (+2.2%)

Margin of Safety

+2.2%

Fair Value

$42.65

Current Price

$40.58

$2.07 discount

UndervaluedFair: $42.65Overvalued
UTLUndervalued (+4.8%)

Margin of Safety

+4.8%

Fair Value

$53.53

Current Price

$49.28

$4.25 discount

UndervaluedFair: $53.53Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AVA3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
17.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
20.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.8%

UTL4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
17.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
21.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
26.7%8/10

Revenue surging 26.7% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

AVA4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
2.8%4/10

2.8% earnings growth

Return on EquityProfitability
7.3%3/10

ROE of 7.3% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.213/10

Elevated debt levels

UTL4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$932.58M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.543/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.372/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AVA

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

Bull Case : UTL

The strongest argument for UTL centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 26.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AVA

The primary concerns for AVA are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : UTL

The primary concerns for UTL are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.54 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AVA profiles as a value stock while UTL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

UTL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.44 — expect wider price swings.

UTL is growing revenue faster at 26.7% — sustainability is the question.

UTL generates stronger free cash flow (18M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

UTL scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100) and 26.7% revenue growth. Both earn "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.

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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UNITIL Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Unitil Corporation, a utility holding company, is engaged in the distribution of electricity and natural gas. The company is headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire.

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