WallStSmart

American States Water Company (AWR)vsSpire Inc (SR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Spire Inc generates 290% more annual revenue ($2.57B vs $658.07M). AWR leads profitability with a 19.8% profit margin vs 11.1%. SR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.46. SR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

AWR

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.17

SR

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.5Value: 6.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.57
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AWRFair Value (-3.5%)

Margin of Safety

-3.5%

Fair Value

$68.55

Current Price

$75.29

$6.74 premium

UndervaluedFair: $68.55Overvalued
SRUndervalued (+25.3%)

Margin of Safety

+25.3%

Fair Value

$117.83

Current Price

$90.42

$27.41 discount

UndervaluedFair: $117.83Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AWR2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.8%

SR2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
23.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.4%

Areas to Watch

AWR4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.862/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-1.2%2/10

Earnings declined 1.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-35.98M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

SR4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.464/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.563/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-121.80M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.572/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AWR

The strongest argument for AWR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.8% and operating margin at 28.8%. Revenue growth of 14.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SR

The strongest argument for SR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 13.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AWR

The primary concerns for AWR are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : SR

The primary concerns for SR are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AWR profiles as a mature stock while SR is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

AWR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.65 — expect wider price swings.

AWR is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — sustainability is the question.

AWR generates stronger free cash flow (-36M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SR scores higher overall (63/100 vs 56/100) and 13.9% 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.

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.

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Spire Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Spire Inc. engages in the purchase, retail distribution, and sale of natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and other end-users of natural gas in the United States. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

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