American Water Works (AWK)vsPure Cycle Corporation (PCYO)
AWK
American Water Works
$137.69
-1.54%
UTILITIES · Cap: $27.90B
PCYO
Pure Cycle Corporation
$11.12
+0.63%
UTILITIES · Cap: $269.65M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Water Works generates 15567% more annual revenue ($5.28B vs $33.73M). PCYO leads profitability with a 43.7% profit margin vs 21.3%. PCYO trades at a lower P/E of 18.3x. PCYO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
AWK
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
PCYO
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.4%
Fair Value
$101.07
Current Price
$137.69
$36.62 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for PCYO.
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
Keeps 44 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Revenue surging 60.0% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.7%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
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 : PCYO
The strongest argument for PCYO centers on Profit Margin, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 43.7% and operating margin at 25.7%. Revenue growth of 60.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : PCYO
The primary concerns for PCYO are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while PCYO is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
PCYO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.23 — expect wider price swings.
PCYO is growing revenue faster at 60.0% — sustainability is the question.
PCYO generates stronger free cash flow (3M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PCYO scores higher overall (65/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 43.7% margins and 60.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
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.
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