American States Water Company (AWR)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
AWR
American States Water Company
$86.48
-1.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.50B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$148.38
+0.90%
UTILITIES · Cap: $49.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 2655% more annual revenue ($19.21B vs $697.48M). AWR leads profitability with a 20.5% profit margin vs 11.6%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AWR
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
VST
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-9.1%
Fair Value
$65.05
Current Price
$86.48
$21.43 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for VST.
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
Earnings expanding 25.8% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 16.6x book value
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 5.5%
Earnings declined 6.2%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AWR
The strongest argument for AWR centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.5% and operating margin at 35.8%. Revenue growth of 11.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 3.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWR profiles as a mature stock while VST is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
AWR is growing revenue faster at 11.2% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (133M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWR scores higher overall (66/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 20.5% margins and 11.2% revenue growth. 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.
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 →Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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