WallStSmart

Alliant Energy Corp (LNT)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 583% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $4.42B). LNT leads profitability with a 18.6% profit margin vs 14.5%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. LNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

LNT

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.5Value: 3.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.77

SO

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.65
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LNTSignificantly Overvalued (-37.8%)

Margin of Safety

-37.8%

Fair Value

$49.53

Current Price

$72.87

$23.34 premium

UndervaluedFair: $49.53Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-47.7%)

Margin of Safety

-47.7%

Fair Value

$62.70

Current Price

$92.60

$29.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $62.70Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LNT2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.0%

SO3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$102.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%

Areas to Watch

LNT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.603/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.532/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

SO4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.532/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-0.8%2/10

Earnings declined 0.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.72B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LNT

The strongest argument for LNT centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.6% and operating margin at 21.0%.

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : LNT

The primary concerns for LNT are EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.60 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SO

The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LNT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.55 — expect wider price swings.

SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

LNT generates stronger free cash flow (-46M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

LNT scores higher overall (58/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 18.6% margins. 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.

Alliant Energy Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Alliant Energy is a public utility holding company headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin providing power in Iowa and Wisconsin.

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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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