WallStSmart

The AES Corporation (AES)vsAvista Corporation (AVA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The AES Corporation generates 523% more annual revenue ($12.23B vs $1.96B). AVA leads profitability with a 9.8% profit margin vs 7.4%. AES appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. AVA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

AES

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.44

AVA

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.83
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AESSignificantly Overvalued (-84.5%)

Margin of Safety

-84.5%

Fair Value

$8.91

Current Price

$14.06

$5.15 premium

UndervaluedFair: $8.91Overvalued
AVASignificantly Overvalued (-55.4%)

Margin of Safety

-55.4%

Fair Value

$26.85

Current Price

$39.36

$12.51 premium

UndervaluedFair: $26.85Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AES2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
16.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
20.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.8%

Areas to Watch

AES4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.7%4/10

4.7% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
1.9%3/10

ROE of 1.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.4%3/10

7.4% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AES

The strongest argument for AES centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : AVA

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

Bear Case : AES

The primary concerns for AES are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 7.98 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : AVA

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AES carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — expect wider price swings.

AES is growing revenue faster at 4.7% — sustainability is the question.

AES generates stronger free cash flow (-47M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

AVA scores higher overall (56/100 vs 55/100). 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.

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.

Visit Website →

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?