American Water Works (AWK)vsNational Grid PLC ADR (NGG)
AWK
American Water Works
$146.42
-0.69%
UTILITIES · Cap: $27.78B
NGG
National Grid PLC ADR
$84.42
-1.88%
UTILITIES · Cap: $84.40B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
National Grid PLC ADR generates 235% more annual revenue ($17.69B vs $5.28B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.3% profit margin vs 18.3%. NGG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.15. AWK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AWK
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
NGG
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.1%
Fair Value
$101.28
Current Price
$146.42
$45.14 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NGG.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 40.7%
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 32.6%
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 9.6x book value
2.0% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AWK
The strongest argument for AWK centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.3% and operating margin at 40.7%.
Bull Case : NGG
The strongest argument for NGG centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 32.6%.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : NGG
The primary concerns for NGG are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while NGG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NGG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.58 — expect wider price swings.
AWK is growing revenue faster at 6.2% — sustainability is the question.
AWK generates stronger free cash flow (-258M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWK scores higher overall (64/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 21.3% 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.
American Water Works
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
American Water is an American public utility company operating in the United States and Canada.
National Grid PLC ADR
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and natural gas. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
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