WallStSmart

American States Water Company (AWR)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Union Pacific Corporation generates 3653% more annual revenue ($24.70B vs $658.07M). UNP leads profitability with a 29.2% profit margin vs 19.8%. AWR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.71. UNP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).

AWR

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.17

UNP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 3.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AWRFair Value (-3.5%)

Margin of Safety

-3.5%

Fair Value

$68.58

Current Price

$75.84

$7.26 premium

UndervaluedFair: $68.58Overvalued
UNPSignificantly Overvalued (-76.0%)

Margin of Safety

-76.0%

Fair Value

$150.01

Current Price

$268.23

$118.22 premium

UndervaluedFair: $150.01Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AWR2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.8%

UNP5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
40.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
40.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.4%

Market CapQuality
$156.39B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.2%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.50B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.712/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-1.2%2/10

Earnings declined 1.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-35.98M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

UNP3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.6x4/10

Trading at 8.6x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.2%4/10

3.2% revenue growth

PEG RatioValuation
3.282/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : UNP

The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.2% and operating margin at 40.4%.

Bear Case : AWR

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

Bear Case : UNP

The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AWR profiles as a mature stock while UNP is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

UNP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.

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

UNP generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

UNP scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 29.2% 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 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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Union Pacific Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.

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