American States Water Company (AWR)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
AWR
American States Water Company
$78.37
+1.75%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.05B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$153.68
+1.12%
UTILITIES · Cap: $53.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 2763% more annual revenue ($19.45B vs $679.25M). AWR leads profitability with a 19.7% profit margin vs 11.5%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. VST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AWR
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
VST
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-11.2%
Fair Value
$63.79
Current Price
$78.37
$14.58 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for VST.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 30.9%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Revenue surging 43.4% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
Trading at 19.8x book value
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 52.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AWR
The strongest argument for AWR centers on Operating Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.7% and operating margin at 30.9%. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 43.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWR profiles as a mature stock while VST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 43.4% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (156M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VST scores higher overall (68/100 vs 62/100) and 43.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
Visit Website →Vistra 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
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