NorthWestern Corporation (NWE)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
NWE
NorthWestern Corporation
$69.87
+0.06%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.21B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$140.78
-0.26%
UTILITIES · Cap: $49.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 1036% more annual revenue ($19.21B vs $1.69B). VST leads profitability with a 11.6% profit margin vs 10.1%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. NWE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
NWE
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
VST
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-21.9%
Fair Value
$56.15
Current Price
$69.87
$13.72 premium
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
Areas to Watch
ROE of 5.8% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 15.7x book value
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 5.5%
Earnings declined 6.2%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : NWE
The strongest argument for NWE centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : NWE
The primary concerns for NWE are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 3.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NWE profiles as a value stock while VST is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
NWE is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (133M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NWE scores higher overall (61/100 vs 54/100) and 14.6% 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.
NorthWestern Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
NorthWestern Corporation, doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The company is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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 ELECTRIC Stocks
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