American Water Works (AWK)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
AWK
American Water Works
$125.68
-0.29%
UTILITIES · Cap: $24.87B
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$56.16
+1.01%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $87.55B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 412% more annual revenue ($26.65B vs $5.21B). USB leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs 21.2%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.92. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
AWK
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
USB
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-10.7%
Fair Value
$111.75
Current Price
$125.68
$13.93 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for USB.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 33.2%
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 4.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.6% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 21.2% and operating margin at 33.2%.
Bull Case : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while USB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.
AWK is growing revenue faster at 5.7% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (71/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 29.3% margins. 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.
U.S. Bancorp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.
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