Avista Corporation (AVA)vsSouthern Company (SO)
AVA
Avista Corporation
$42.42
+1.95%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.51B
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
-0.17%
UTILITIES · Cap: $102.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 1474% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $1.92B). SO leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 10.7%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. AVA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
AVA
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-29.6%
Fair Value
$32.19
Current Price
$42.42
$10.23 premium
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 23.7%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : AVA
The strongest argument for AVA centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : AVA
The primary concerns for AVA are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
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
AVA profiles as a declining stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.36 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
AVA generates stronger free cash flow (29M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AVA scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100). 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.
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 →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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