WallStSmart

American States Water Company (AWR)vsUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 68238% more annual revenue ($449.71B vs $658.07M). AWR leads profitability with a 19.8% profit margin vs 2.7%. UNH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

AWR

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

UNH

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 4/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AWRFair Value (-3.5%)

Margin of Safety

-3.5%

Fair Value

$68.58

Current Price

$75.84

$7.26 premium

UndervaluedFair: $68.58Overvalued
UNHUndervalued (+43.1%)

Margin of Safety

+43.1%

Fair Value

$639.67

Current Price

$367.28

$272.39 discount

UndervaluedFair: $639.67Overvalued

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%

UNH2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$336.72B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Free Cash FlowQuality
$8.15B8/10

Generating 8.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.712/10

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

UNH4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.0%4/10

2.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.7%4/10

0.7% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
2.7%3/10

2.7% margin — thin

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 : UNH

The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AWR

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

Bear Case : UNH

The primary concerns for UNH are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AWR profiles as a mature stock while UNH 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.

UNH generates stronger free cash flow (8.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AWR scores higher overall (56/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 19.8% margins and 14.8% revenue growth. UNH offers better value entry with a 43.1% margin of safety. 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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UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services. In 2020, it was the second-largest healthcare company (behind CVS Health) by revenue with $257.1 billion, and the largest insurance company by net premiums. UnitedHealthcare revenues comprise 80% of the Group's overall revenue.

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