American Water Works (AWK)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
AWK
American Water Works
$125.68
-0.29%
UTILITIES · Cap: $24.87B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$349.53
+1.98%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $30.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Water Works generates 64% more annual revenue ($5.21B vs $3.17B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs 20.3%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. WAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
AWK
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
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 WAT.
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
Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 4.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Moderate valuation
Trading at 8.1x book value
Earnings declined 3.1%
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 : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 33.8%. PEG of 1.34 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 : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 6.8% — sustainability is the question.
WAT generates stronger free cash flow (126M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AWK scores higher overall (60/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 21.2% 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.
Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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