WallStSmart

Alliant Energy Corp (LNT)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 578% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $4.36B). LNT leads profitability with a 18.6% profit margin vs 14.7%. LNT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.34. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).

LNT

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.79

SO

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LNTSignificantly Overvalued (-219.6%)

Margin of Safety

-219.6%

Fair Value

$21.35

Current Price

$69.77

$48.42 premium

UndervaluedFair: $21.35Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-254.9%)

Margin of Safety

-254.9%

Fair Value

$26.66

Current Price

$94.61

$67.95 premium

UndervaluedFair: $26.66Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LNT1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

SO2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$105.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

LNT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.344/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.633/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-5.8%2/10

Earnings declined 5.8%

SO3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.672/10

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 : LNT

The strongest argument for LNT centers on Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.6% and operating margin at 16.7%.

Bull Case : SO

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

Bear Case : LNT

The primary concerns for LNT are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SO

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LNT profiles as a mature stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

LNT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.61 — expect wider price swings.

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

SO generates stronger free cash flow (-1.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LNT scores higher overall (54/100 vs 54/100), 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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