California Water Service Group (CWT)vsSpire Inc (SR)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$42.24
-6.92%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.72B
SR
Spire Inc
$89.73
-1.25%
UTILITIES · Cap: $5.30B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Spire Inc generates 157% more annual revenue ($2.57B vs $1.00B). CWT leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 11.1%. CWT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.12. SR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
CWT
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
SR
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+29.8%
Fair Value
$62.85
Current Price
$42.24
$20.61 discount
Margin of Safety
+25.3%
Fair Value
$117.83
Current Price
$89.73
$28.10 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 23.4%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 1.0%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book.
Bull Case : SR
The strongest argument for SR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 13.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CWT
The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
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
CWT profiles as a declining stock while SR is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.62 — expect wider price swings.
SR is growing revenue faster at 13.9% — sustainability is the question.
CWT generates stronger free cash flow (-104M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SR scores higher overall (63/100 vs 47/100) and 13.9% revenue growth. CWT offers better value entry with a 29.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
California Water Service Group
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
California Water Service Group provides public water and related services in California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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