American States Water Company (AWR)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)
AWR
American States Water Company
$75.29
-3.31%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.05B
VST
Vistra Energy Corp
$157.84
+2.63%
UTILITIES · Cap: $53.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Energy Corp generates 2595% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $658.07M). AWR leads profitability with a 19.8% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
AWR
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-3.5%
Fair Value
$68.55
Current Price
$75.29
$6.74 premium
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 1.2%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : 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 : 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 : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
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
AWR 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.
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
AWR scores higher overall (56/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 19.8% margins and 14.8% 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.
Visit Website →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 WATER Stocks
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