WallStSmart

American Water Works (AWK)vsAmerican States Water Company (AWR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Water Works generates 681% more annual revenue ($5.14B vs $658.07M). AWK leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs 19.8%. AWK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.45. AWK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

AWK

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.64

AWR

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.17
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AWKSignificantly Overvalued (-219.7%)

Margin of Safety

-219.7%

Fair Value

$38.69

Current Price

$134.59

$95.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $38.69Overvalued
AWRSignificantly Overvalued (-209.6%)

Margin of Safety

-209.6%

Fair Value

$22.92

Current Price

$73.40

$50.48 premium

UndervaluedFair: $22.92Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AWK3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.2%

Profit MarginProfitability
21.6%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

AWR2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.8%

Areas to Watch

AWK4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.454/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-385.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

AWR4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.612/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-120.0%2/10

Earnings declined 120.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-35.98M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AWK

The strongest argument for AWK centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.6% and operating margin at 32.2%.

Bull Case : AWR

The strongest argument for AWR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.8% and operating margin at 28.8%. Revenue growth of 14.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AWK

The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : AWR

The primary concerns for AWR are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AWK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.76 — expect wider price swings.

AWR is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — sustainability is the question.

AWR generates stronger free cash flow (-36M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AWK scores higher overall (62/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 21.6% 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.

American Water Works

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

American Water is an American public utility company operating in the United States and Canada.

American States Water Company

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

American States Water Company provides water and electricity services to residential, commercial, industrial and other customers in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Dimas, California.

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