California Water Service Group (CWT)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$42.24
-6.92%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.72B
VST
Vistra Energy Corp
$157.84
+2.63%
UTILITIES · Cap: $53.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Energy Corp generates 1674% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $1.00B). CWT leads profitability with a 12.8% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. VST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
CWT
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
VST
Buy53
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
-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
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 1.0%
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 : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book.
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 : CWT
The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
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
CWT profiles as a declining 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.
VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (-82M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VST scores higher overall (53/100 vs 47/100) and 13.6% 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 →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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