WallStSmart

American Water Works (AWK)vsGlobal Water Resources Inc (GWRS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Water Works generates 9098% more annual revenue ($5.21B vs $56.59M). AWK leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs 3.5%. AWK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.28. AWK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).

AWK

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.58

GWRS

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.0Value: 3.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.30
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AWKSignificantly Overvalued (-22.5%)

Margin of Safety

-22.5%

Fair Value

$100.98

Current Price

$124.47

$23.49 premium

UndervaluedFair: $100.98Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for GWRS.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AWK3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.2%

Profit MarginProfitability
21.2%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

GWRS1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

AWK4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.284/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.423/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-4.8%2/10

Earnings declined 4.8%

GWRS4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$208.25M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
2.4%3/10

ROE of 2.4% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

3.5% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
2.9%3/10

Operating margin of 2.9%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : GWRS

The strongest argument for GWRS centers on Price/Book.

Bear Case : AWK

The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : GWRS

The primary concerns for GWRS are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 90.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.65 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AWK profiles as a mature stock while GWRS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

GWRS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.

GWRS is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.

GWRS generates stronger free cash flow (-2M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AWK scores higher overall (60/100 vs 34/100), backed by strong 21.2% margins. 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.

Global Water Resources Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

Global Water Resources, Inc., a water resources management company, owns, operates and manages regulated water, wastewater and recycled water services primarily in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

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