Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)
ATO
Atmos Energy Corporation
$189.98
+2.30%
UTILITIES · Cap: $30.72B
VST
Vistra Energy Corp
$157.84
+2.63%
UTILITIES · Cap: $53.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Energy Corp generates 264% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $4.87B). ATO leads profitability with a 25.7% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. ATO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
ATO
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ATO.
Margin of Safety
-54.4%
Fair Value
$100.34
Current Price
$157.84
$57.50 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 38.9%
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 20.4x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ATO
The strongest argument for ATO centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.7% and operating margin at 38.9%. Revenue growth of 14.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.36 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ATO
The primary concerns for ATO are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 72.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ATO profiles as a mature stock while VST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.50 — expect wider price swings.
ATO is growing revenue faster at 14.2% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (-82M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ATO scores higher overall (64/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 25.7% margins and 14.2% revenue growth. 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.
Atmos Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is one of the United States' largest natural-gas-only distributors.
Vistra Energy Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS Stocks
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