WallStSmart

Acuity Brands Inc (AYI)vsPlug Power Inc (PLUG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Acuity Brands Inc generates 519% more annual revenue ($4.61B vs $744.09M). AYI leads profitability with a 10.2% profit margin vs -220.6%. PLUG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.84. AYI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

AYI

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 3.55

PLUG

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 2.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -5.49
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AYISignificantly Overvalued (-77.6%)

Margin of Safety

-77.6%

Fair Value

$181.33

Current Price

$299.54

$118.21 premium

UndervaluedFair: $181.33Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for PLUG.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AYI3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.5510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.289/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

EPS GrowthGrowth
46.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 46.2% YoY

PLUG1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.848/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

AYI2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.6%4/10

1.6% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PLUG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.5%4/10

2.5% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.413/10

Elevated debt levels

Return on EquityProfitability
-224.1%2/10

ROE of -224.1% — below average capital efficiency

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AYI

The strongest argument for AYI centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.30 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : PLUG

The strongest argument for PLUG centers on PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.84 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AYI

The primary concerns for AYI are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : PLUG

The primary concerns for PLUG are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AYI profiles as a value stock while PLUG is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

PLUG carries more volatility with a beta of 2.22 — expect wider price swings.

PLUG is growing revenue faster at 2.5% — sustainability is the question.

AYI generates stronger free cash flow (274M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AYI scores higher overall (64/100 vs 34/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Acuity Brands Inc

INDUSTRIALS · ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS · USA

Acuity Brands, Inc. provides lighting and building management solutions and services for commercial, institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications in North America and internationally. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Plug Power Inc

INDUSTRIALS · ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS · USA

Plug Power Inc. provides turnkey hydrogen fuel cell solutions for the stationary power and electric mobility markets in North America and Europe. The company is headquartered in Latham, New York.

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