Vistra Corp. (VST)vsXcel Energy Inc (XEL)
VST
Vistra Corp.
$148.38
+0.90%
UTILITIES · Cap: $49.36B
XEL
Xcel Energy Inc
$75.50
+0.12%
UTILITIES · Cap: $48.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 31% more annual revenue ($19.21B vs $14.62B). XEL leads profitability with a 15.3% profit margin vs 11.6%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. XEL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
VST
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
XEL
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 22.7%
Earnings expanding 24.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Trading at 16.6x book value
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 5.5%
Earnings declined 6.2%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 5.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : XEL
The strongest argument for XEL centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.3% and operating margin at 22.7%.
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.
Bear Case : XEL
The primary concerns for XEL are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.68 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
XEL is growing revenue faster at -5.1% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (133M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
XEL scores higher overall (65/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 15.3% 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.
Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Xcel Energy Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Xcel Energy Inc. is a utility holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving more than 3.7 million electric customers and 2.1 million natural gas customers in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico as of 2019. It consists of four operating subsidiaries: Northern States Power-Minnesota, Northern States Power-Wisconsin, Public Service Company of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service Co.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS Stocks
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