WallStSmart

California Water Service Group (CWT)vsUNITIL Corporation (UTL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

California Water Service Group generates 87% more annual revenue ($1.00B vs $536.00M). CWT leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 9.4%. CWT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.12. UTL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

CWT

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.0Value: 6.0Quality: 2.8
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.74

UTL

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.5Value: 5.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.68
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CWTUndervalued (+29.8%)

Margin of Safety

+29.8%

Fair Value

$62.85

Current Price

$42.24

$20.61 discount

UndervaluedFair: $62.85Overvalued
UTLUndervalued (+12.6%)

Margin of Safety

+12.6%

Fair Value

$58.31

Current Price

$52.46

$5.85 discount

UndervaluedFair: $58.31Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CWT1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

UTL4 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
17.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
26.7%8/10

Revenue surging 26.7% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

CWT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.124/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
7.7%3/10

ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-1.0%2/10

Revenue declined 1.0%

UTL4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$953.08M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.543/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.372/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CWT

The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book.

Bull Case : UTL

The strongest argument for UTL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 26.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CWT

The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : UTL

The primary concerns for UTL are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.54 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CWT profiles as a declining stock while UTL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

CWT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.61 — expect wider price swings.

UTL is growing revenue faster at 26.7% — sustainability is the question.

UTL generates stronger free cash flow (-36M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

UTL scores higher overall (60/100 vs 47/100) and 26.7% 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.

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UNITIL Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Unitil Corporation, a utility holding company, is engaged in the distribution of electricity and natural gas. The company is headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire.

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