American States Water Company (AWR)vsCalifornia Water Service Group (CWT)
AWR
American States Water Company
$84.44
-1.22%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.31B
CWT
California Water Service Group
$47.15
-1.40%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
California Water Service Group generates 51% more annual revenue ($1.05B vs $697.48M). AWR leads profitability with a 20.5% profit margin vs 12.6%. CWT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.22. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AWR
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
CWT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-8.8%
Fair Value
$65.19
Current Price
$84.44
$19.25 premium
Margin of Safety
+21.0%
Fair Value
$55.89
Current Price
$47.15
$8.74 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 35.8%
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 25.8% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
16.5% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 31.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AWR
The strongest argument for AWR centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.5% and operating margin at 35.8%. Revenue growth of 11.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 16.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CWT
The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWR profiles as a mature stock while CWT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
AWR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.55 — expect wider price swings.
CWT is growing revenue faster at 16.5% — sustainability is the question.
AWR generates stronger free cash flow (-4M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWR scores higher overall (68/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 20.5% margins and 11.2% revenue growth. CWT offers better value entry with a 21.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.
American States Water Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
American States Water Company provides water and electricity services to residential, commercial, industrial and other customers in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Dimas, California.
Visit Website →California Water Service Group
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
California Water Service Group provides public water and related services in California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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