California Water Service Group (CWT)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$43.03
-0.02%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.54B
SYF
Synchrony Financial
$75.15
+1.86%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $25.48B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Synchrony Financial generates 879% more annual revenue ($9.89B vs $1.01B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 11.8%. CWT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.93. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
CWT
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
SYF
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+30.3%
Fair Value
$63.31
Current Price
$43.03
$20.28 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for SYF.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 7.2% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 69.3%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book.
Bull Case : SYF
The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.0%.
Bear Case : CWT
The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : SYF
The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CWT profiles as a value stock while SYF is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.36 — expect wider price swings.
SYF is growing revenue faster at 6.1% — sustainability is the question.
SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SYF scores higher overall (77/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. CWT offers better value entry with a 30.3% margin of safety. 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.
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 →Synchrony Financial
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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