American Water Works (AWK)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)
AWK
American Water Works
$125.68
-0.29%
UTILITIES · Cap: $24.87B
WPP
WPP PLC ADR
$18.53
-0.54%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $3.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
WPP PLC ADR generates 160% more annual revenue ($13.55B vs $5.21B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs -1.6%. AWK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.30. AWK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
AWK
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
WPP
Avoid32
out of 100
Grade: F
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
+75.7%
Fair Value
$75.34
Current Price
$18.53
$56.81 discount
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
Generating 1.7B 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
Operating margin of 2.2%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency
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 : WPP
The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WPP
The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while WPP is a turnaround 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.
WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWK scores higher overall (60/100 vs 32/100), backed by strong 21.2% margins. WPP offers better value entry with a 75.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.
WPP PLC ADR
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA
WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
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