American Water Works (AWK)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)
AWK
American Water Works
$131.97
-0.53%
UTILITIES · Cap: $25.77B
VST
Vistra Energy Corp
$153.79
-4.55%
UTILITIES · Cap: $53.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Energy Corp generates 245% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $5.14B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. AWK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AWK
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-12.2%
Fair Value
$110.27
Current Price
$131.97
$21.70 premium
Margin of Safety
-54.4%
Fair Value
$100.34
Current Price
$153.79
$53.45 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 32.2%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.0% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 19.8x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AWK
The strongest argument for AWK centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 32.2%.
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 : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. 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
AWK profiles as a mature 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
AWK scores higher overall (62/100 vs 53/100), 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.
American Water Works
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
American Water is an American public utility company operating in the United States and Canada.
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
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?