WallStSmart

The AES Corporation (AES)vsAlgonquin Power & Utilities Corp (AQN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The AES Corporation generates 412% more annual revenue ($13.05B vs $2.55B). AES leads profitability with a 14.3% profit margin vs 5.9%. AES trades at a lower P/E of 5.5x. AES earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

AES

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.0Value: 6.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.48

AQN

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.34
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AESSignificantly Overvalued (-37.3%)

Margin of Safety

-37.3%

Fair Value

$11.97

Current Price

$14.79

$2.82 premium

UndervaluedFair: $11.97Overvalued
AQNUndervalued (+69.9%)

Margin of Safety

+69.9%

Fair Value

$21.96

Current Price

$5.31

$16.65 discount

UndervaluedFair: $21.96Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AES5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
5.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
951.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 951.0% YoY

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
19.9%8/10

19.9% revenue growth

AQN1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

AES4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-597.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
6.501/10

Elevated debt levels

AQN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.1%4/10

3.1% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
3.6%3/10

ROE of 3.6% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
5.9%3/10

5.9% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.443/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AES

The strongest argument for AES centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 19.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : AQN

The strongest argument for AQN centers on Price/Book.

Bear Case : AES

The primary concerns for AES are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 6.50 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : AQN

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AES profiles as a growth stock while AQN is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

AES carries more volatility with a beta of 0.95 — expect wider price swings.

AES is growing revenue faster at 19.9% — sustainability is the question.

AQN generates stronger free cash flow (124M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AES scores higher overall (73/100 vs 48/100) and 19.9% revenue growth. AQN offers better value entry with a 69.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

The AES Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA

The AES Corporation is a Fortune 500 company that generates and distributes electrical power. AES is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA

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

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