WallStSmart

American States Water Company (AWR)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 12229% more annual revenue ($81.14B vs $658.07M). WFC leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 19.8%. WFC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

AWR

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

WFC

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.43
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WFC.

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%

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$247.29B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
26.7%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
29.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$9.14B8/10

Generating 9.1B 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

WFC1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.432/10

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 : WFC

The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 29.4%. PEG of 1.44 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 : WFC

The primary concerns for WFC are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WFC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.

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

WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

WFC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins. 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.

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Wells Fargo & Company

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.

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