Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp (AQN)vsSouthern Company (SO)
AQN
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp
$6.01
+1.18%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.57B
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
-0.17%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 1091% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $2.53B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 6.7%. AQN trades at a lower P/E of 22.9x. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
AQN
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+70.3%
Fair Value
$22.27
Current Price
$6.01
$16.26 discount
Margin of Safety
-47.7%
Fair Value
$62.70
Current Price
$92.60
$29.90 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 22.6%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
ROE of 3.6% — below average capital efficiency
6.7% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Earnings declined 10.7%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AQN
The strongest argument for AQN centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 14.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : AQN
The primary concerns for AQN are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity.
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
AQN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.90 — expect wider price swings.
AQN is growing revenue faster at 14.4% — sustainability is the question.
AQN generates stronger free cash flow (-85M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (56/100 vs 52/100). AQN offers better value entry with a 70.3% margin of safety. 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.
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. The company is headquartered in Oakville, Canada.
Visit Website →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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