California Water Service Group (CWT)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$45.82
+1.28%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.70B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$153.68
+1.12%
UTILITIES · Cap: $53.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 1824% more annual revenue ($19.45B vs $1.01B). CWT leads profitability with a 11.8% 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-).
CWT
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
VST
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+21.4%
Fair Value
$56.16
Current Price
$45.82
$10.34 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for VST.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 69.3%
Moderate valuation
Trading at 19.8x book value
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 52.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book.
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 : 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 3.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CWT profiles as a value 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 51/100) and 43.4% revenue growth. CWT offers better value entry with a 21.4% margin of safety. 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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