WallStSmart

Southwest Gas Holdings Inc (SWX)vsVistra Corp. (VST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Vistra Corp. generates 1004% more annual revenue ($19.21B vs $1.74B). SWX leads profitability with a 31.4% profit margin vs 11.6%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. SWX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

SWX

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.89

VST

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.60

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

SWX4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
31.4%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.9% YoY

VST2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3810/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Return on EquityProfitability
40.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit

Areas to Watch

SWX4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.864/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.6%2/10

Revenue declined 9.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-174.31M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.892/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

VST4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
16.6x4/10

Trading at 16.6x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-5.5%2/10

Revenue declined 5.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-6.2%2/10

Earnings declined 6.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : SWX

The strongest argument for SWX centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.4% and operating margin at 24.2%.

Bull Case : VST

The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : SWX

The primary concerns for SWX are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : VST

The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 3.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

VST is growing revenue faster at -5.5% — sustainability is the question.

VST generates stronger free cash flow (133M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

SWX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 31.4% margins. 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.

Southwest Gas Holdings Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. purchases, distributes and transports natural gas in Arizona, Nevada and California. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Vistra Corp.

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

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