California Water Service Group (CWT)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$47.15
-1.40%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.87B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$146.66
-2.69%
UTILITIES · Cap: $51.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 1722% more annual revenue ($19.21B vs $1.05B). CWT leads profitability with a 12.6% profit margin vs 11.6%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.34. CWT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CWT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
VST
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+21.0%
Fair Value
$55.89
Current Price
$47.15
$8.74 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for VST.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
16.5% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 31.4% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Moderate valuation
Trading at 16.4x book value
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 5.5%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 16.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 0.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CWT
The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CWT profiles as a growth stock while VST is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.38 — expect wider price swings.
CWT is growing revenue faster at 16.5% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (133M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CWT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 54/100) and 16.5% 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.
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.
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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