H2O America (HTO)vsTransAlta Corp (TAC)
HTO
H2O America
$56.73
+0.96%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.37B
TAC
TransAlta Corp
$12.48
0.00%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
TransAlta Corp generates 195% more annual revenue ($2.40B vs $816.28M). HTO leads profitability with a 12.9% profit margin vs -5.7%. HTO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.51. HTO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
HTO
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
TAC
Avoid31
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+32.6%
Fair Value
$77.11
Current Price
$56.73
$20.38 discount
Margin of Safety
+38.3%
Fair Value
$21.96
Current Price
$12.48
$9.48 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 21.5%
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
0.0% earnings growth
ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 11.2x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -9.6% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HTO
The strongest argument for HTO centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : TAC
TAC has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : HTO
The primary concerns for HTO are EPS Growth, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : TAC
The primary concerns for TAC are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HTO profiles as a value stock while TAC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
TAC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.46 — expect wider price swings.
HTO is growing revenue faster at 9.4% — sustainability is the question.
TAC generates stronger free cash flow (147M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HTO scores higher overall (57/100 vs 31/100). TAC offers better value entry with a 38.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
H2O America
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
H2O America, provides water utility and other related services in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
TransAlta Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
TransAlta Corporation owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electric power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
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