The AES Corporation (AES)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
AES
The AES Corporation
$14.67
-0.41%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.47B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$153.68
+3.78%
UTILITIES · Cap: $53.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 56% more annual revenue ($19.45B vs $12.49B). VST leads profitability with a 11.5% profit margin vs 10.8%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. AES earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
AES
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
VST
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-44.1%
Fair Value
$11.41
Current Price
$14.67
$3.26 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for VST.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Earnings expanding 951.0% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Revenue surging 43.4% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Moderate valuation
Trading at 19.8x book value
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 52.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AES
The strongest argument for AES centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 43.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AES
The primary concerns for AES are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 7.01 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AES profiles as a value stock while VST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 43.4% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (156M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AES scores higher overall (71/100 vs 68/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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 →Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED Stocks
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