WallStSmart

Alliant Energy Corp (LNT)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 581% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $4.43B). LNT leads profitability with a 18.4% profit margin vs 15.4%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.07. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

LNT

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.5Value: 4.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.77

SO

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.65
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LNTSignificantly Overvalued (-36.8%)

Margin of Safety

-36.8%

Fair Value

$49.88

Current Price

$67.26

$17.38 premium

UndervaluedFair: $49.88Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-40.5%)

Margin of Safety

-40.5%

Fair Value

$62.06

Current Price

$87.17

$25.11 premium

UndervaluedFair: $62.06Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LNT1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

SO4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$100.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
29.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
30.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

LNT4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.284/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.0%4/10

1.0% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.613/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

SO4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.074/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.953/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LNT

The strongest argument for LNT centers on Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.4% and operating margin at 19.1%.

Bull Case : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.

Bear Case : LNT

The primary concerns for LNT are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.61 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SO

The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LNT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.54 — expect wider price swings.

LNT is growing revenue faster at 1.0% — sustainability is the question.

SO generates stronger free cash flow (-293M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

SO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.

Alliant Energy Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Alliant Energy is a public utility holding company headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin providing power in Iowa and Wisconsin.

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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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