American States Water Company (AWR)vsTransAlta Corp (TAC)
AWR
American States Water Company
$76.07
+1.14%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.95B
TAC
TransAlta Corp
$12.48
0.00%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
TransAlta Corp generates 265% more annual revenue ($2.40B vs $658.07M). AWR leads profitability with a 19.8% profit margin vs -5.7%. AWR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.71. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
AWR
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
TAC
Avoid31
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-3.5%
Fair Value
$68.57
Current Price
$76.07
$7.50 premium
Margin of Safety
+38.3%
Fair Value
$21.96
Current Price
$12.48
$9.48 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.8%
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 1.2%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 11.2x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -9.6% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : TAC
TAC has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : TAC
The primary concerns for TAC are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWR profiles as a mature stock while TAC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
AWR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.65 — expect wider price swings.
AWR is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — sustainability is the question.
TAC generates stronger free cash flow (147M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWR scores higher overall (56/100 vs 31/100), backed by strong 19.8% margins and 14.8% revenue growth. TAC offers better value entry with a 38.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.
Visit Website →TransAlta Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
TransAlta Corporation owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electric power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
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