Pure Cycle Corporation (PCYO)vsTransAlta Corp (TAC)
PCYO
Pure Cycle Corporation
$10.32
+1.98%
UTILITIES · Cap: $255.74M
TAC
TransAlta Corp
$12.68
-2.16%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
TransAlta Corp generates 7118% more annual revenue ($2.21B vs $30.64M). PCYO leads profitability with a 45.8% profit margin vs -7.7%. PCYO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).
PCYO
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
TAC
Avoid33
out of 100
Grade: F
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 52.8% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 29.4% year-over-year
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 11.3x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -12.1% — below average capital efficiency
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : PCYO
The strongest argument for PCYO centers on Profit Margin, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.8% and operating margin at 5.1%. Revenue growth of 29.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : TAC
TAC has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : PCYO
The primary concerns for PCYO are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : TAC
The primary concerns for TAC are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 3.17 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PCYO profiles as a growth stock while TAC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
PCYO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
PCYO is growing revenue faster at 29.4% — sustainability is the question.
TAC generates stronger free cash flow (93M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PCYO scores higher overall (55/100 vs 33/100), backed by strong 45.8% margins and 29.4% revenue growth. 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.
Pure Cycle Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Pure Cycle Corporation designs, builds, operates and maintains water and wastewater systems in the Denver metropolitan area and Colorado Front Range in the United States. The company is headquartered in Watkins, Colorado.
Visit Website →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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