WallStSmart

American States Water Company (AWR)vsXcel Energy Inc (XEL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Xcel Energy Inc generates 2129% more annual revenue ($14.67B vs $658.07M). AWR leads profitability with a 19.8% profit margin vs 13.8%. XEL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.24. XEL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

AWR

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

XEL

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 1/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AWRFair Value (-3.5%)

Margin of Safety

-3.5%

Fair Value

$68.55

Current Price

$75.29

$6.74 premium

UndervaluedFair: $68.55Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for XEL.

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%

XEL2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.862/10

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

XEL4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.244/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.443/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-8.46B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : XEL

The strongest argument for XEL centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AWR

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

Bear Case : XEL

The primary concerns for XEL are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AWR profiles as a mature stock while XEL is a value 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.

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

Bottom Line

XEL scores higher overall (62/100 vs 56/100) and 14.1% revenue growth. 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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Xcel Energy Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Xcel Energy Inc. is a utility holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving more than 3.7 million electric customers and 2.1 million natural gas customers in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico as of 2019. It consists of four operating subsidiaries: Northern States Power-Minnesota, Northern States Power-Wisconsin, Public Service Company of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service Co.

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