Vistra Energy Corp (VST)vsXcel Energy Inc (XEL)
VST
Vistra Energy Corp
$157.84
+2.63%
UTILITIES · Cap: $53.44B
XEL
Xcel Energy Inc
$82.95
+5.24%
UTILITIES · Cap: $49.20B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Energy Corp generates 21% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $14.67B). XEL leads profitability with a 13.8% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. XEL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
XEL
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-54.4%
Fair Value
$100.34
Current Price
$157.84
$57.50 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for XEL.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.8% YoY
Areas to Watch
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 20.4x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.36 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : XEL
The strongest argument for XEL centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 72.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : XEL
The primary concerns for XEL are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.50 — expect wider price swings.
XEL is growing revenue faster at 14.1% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (-82M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
XEL scores higher overall (62/100 vs 53/100) and 14.1% 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.
Vistra Energy 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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