Altria Group (MO)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
MO
Altria Group
$68.12
-1.33%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $115.29B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$147.72
-4.05%
UTILITIES · Cap: $52.12B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Altria Group generates 15% more annual revenue ($20.38B vs $17.74B). MO leads profitability with a 39.5% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.38. MO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
MO
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-37.3%
Fair Value
$48.02
Current Price
$68.12
$20.10 premium
Margin of Safety
-53.3%
Fair Value
$101.06
Current Price
$147.72
$46.66 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 62.3%
Earnings expanding 106.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Trading at 19.1x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MO
The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.5% and operating margin at 62.3%.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : MO
The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MO profiles as a mature stock while VST is a value 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 13.6% — sustainability is the question.
MO generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 39.5% margins. 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.
Altria Group
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.
Visit Website →Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other TOBACCO Stocks
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