American Water Works (AWK)vsVerizon Communications Inc (VZ)
AWK
American Water Works
$125.68
-0.29%
UTILITIES · Cap: $24.87B
VZ
Verizon Communications Inc
$47.44
+0.21%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $200.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Verizon Communications Inc generates 2573% more annual revenue ($139.15B vs $5.21B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs 12.5%. VZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.90. VZ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
AWK
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
VZ
Strong Buy69
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
Margin of Safety
-4.9%
Fair Value
$45.11
Current Price
$47.44
$2.33 premium
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.2%
Generating 3.8B 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
2.9% revenue growth
4.3% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
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 : VZ
The strongest argument for VZ centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.90 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : VZ
The primary concerns for VZ are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while VZ is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AWK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
AWK is growing revenue faster at 5.7% — sustainability is the question.
VZ generates stronger free cash flow (3.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VZ scores higher overall (69/100 vs 60/100). 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.
Verizon Communications Inc
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · TELECOM SERVICES · USA
Verizon Communications Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications conglomerate and a corporate component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company is headquartered at 1095 Avenue of the Americas in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, but is incorporated in Delaware.
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