WallStSmart

H2O America (HTO)vsXcel Energy Inc (XEL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Xcel Energy Inc generates 1697% more annual revenue ($14.67B vs $816.28M). XEL leads profitability with a 13.8% profit margin vs 12.9%. XEL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.24. XEL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

HTO

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.5Value: 6.0Quality: 5.0

XEL

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 1/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HTOUndervalued (+32.7%)

Margin of Safety

+32.7%

Fair Value

$77.24

Current Price

$57.67

$19.57 discount

UndervaluedFair: $77.24Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for XEL.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HTO2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.5%

XEL2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

HTO4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Return on EquityProfitability
6.5%3/10

ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency

PEG RatioValuation
2.622/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-239.11M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

XEL4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.244/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.443/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-8.46B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HTO

The strongest argument for HTO centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bull Case : XEL

The strongest argument for XEL centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HTO

The primary concerns for HTO are EPS Growth, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : XEL

The primary concerns for XEL are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

XEL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.44 — expect wider price swings.

XEL is growing revenue faster at 14.1% — sustainability is the question.

HTO generates stronger free cash flow (-239M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

XEL scores higher overall (62/100 vs 57/100) and 14.1% revenue growth. HTO offers better value entry with a 32.7% margin of safety. Both earn "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.

H2O America

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

H2O America, provides water utility and other related services in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.

Xcel Energy Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Xcel Energy Inc. is a utility holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving more than 3.7 million electric customers and 2.1 million natural gas customers in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico as of 2019. It consists of four operating subsidiaries: Northern States Power-Minnesota, Northern States Power-Wisconsin, Public Service Company of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service Co.

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