Vistra Corp. (VST)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
VST
Vistra Corp.
$148.38
+0.90%
UTILITIES · Cap: $49.36B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$41.07
-1.75%
UTILITIES · Cap: $11.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 648% more annual revenue ($19.21B vs $2.57B). WTRG leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs 11.6%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
VST
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
WTRG
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for VST.
Margin of Safety
+45.1%
Fair Value
$68.22
Current Price
$41.07
$27.15 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.4%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Trading at 16.6x book value
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 5.5%
Earnings declined 6.2%
3.1% revenue growth
ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 35.4%.
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.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
VST profiles as a declining stock while WTRG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 3.1% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (133M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (56/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins. 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.
Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Essential Utilities Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS Stocks
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