WallStSmart

American States Water Company (AWR)vsCalifornia Water Service Group (CWT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

California Water Service Group generates 52% more annual revenue ($1.00B vs $658.07M). AWR leads profitability with a 19.8% profit margin vs 12.8%. CWT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.00. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

AWR

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.17

CWT

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 2.8
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AWRSignificantly Overvalued (-209.6%)

Margin of Safety

-209.6%

Fair Value

$22.92

Current Price

$73.40

$50.48 premium

UndervaluedFair: $22.92Overvalued
CWTSignificantly Overvalued (-202.0%)

Margin of Safety

-202.0%

Fair Value

$14.62

Current Price

$43.94

$29.32 premium

UndervaluedFair: $14.62Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AWR2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.8%

CWT1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

AWR4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.612/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-120.0%2/10

Earnings declined 120.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-35.98M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

CWT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.004/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
7.7%3/10

ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-100.0%2/10

Revenue declined 100.0%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AWR

The strongest argument for AWR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.8% and operating margin at 28.8%. Revenue growth of 14.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : CWT

The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book.

Bear Case : AWR

The primary concerns for AWR are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : CWT

The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AWR profiles as a mature stock while CWT is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

AWR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.68 — expect wider price swings.

AWR is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — sustainability is the question.

AWR generates stronger free cash flow (-36M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AWR scores higher overall (56/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 19.8% margins and 14.8% revenue growth. 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.

American States Water Company

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

American States Water Company provides water and electricity services to residential, commercial, industrial and other customers in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Dimas, California.

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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.

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