American Water Works (AWK)vsVisa Inc. Class A (V)
AWK
American Water Works
$125.68
-0.29%
UTILITIES · Cap: $24.87B
V
Visa Inc. Class A
$318.80
-1.00%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $623.83B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Visa Inc. Class A generates 727% more annual revenue ($43.03B vs $5.21B). V leads profitability with a 51.7% profit margin vs 21.2%. V appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.72. V earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
AWK
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
V
Strong Buy72
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 V.
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 60 in profit
Keeps 52 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 67.3%
17.1% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 35.5% YoY
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
Moderate valuation
Trading at 15.9x book value
Grey zone — moderate 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 : V
The strongest argument for V centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 51.7% and operating margin at 67.3%. Revenue growth of 17.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : V
The primary concerns for V are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while V is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
V carries more volatility with a beta of 0.80 — expect wider price swings.
V is growing revenue faster at 17.1% — sustainability is the question.
V generates stronger free cash flow (2.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
V scores higher overall (72/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 51.7% margins and 17.1% 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.
Visa Inc. Class A
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Visa Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in Foster City, California, United States. It facilitates electronic funds transfers throughout the world, most commonly through Visa-branded credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards. Visa is one of the world's most valuable companies.
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