American Water Works (AWK)vsSherwin-Williams Co (SHW)
AWK
American Water Works
$125.68
-0.29%
UTILITIES · Cap: $24.87B
SHW
Sherwin-Williams Co
$323.68
+3.57%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $76.58B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Sherwin-Williams Co generates 360% more annual revenue ($23.94B vs $5.21B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs 10.9%. 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
SHW
Buy56
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
Margin of Safety
+13.0%
Fair Value
$359.21
Current Price
$323.68
$35.53 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
Every $100 of equity generates 61 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 4.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 17.3x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : SHW
The strongest argument for SHW centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : SHW
The primary concerns for SHW are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while SHW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SHW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.16 — expect wider price swings.
SHW is growing revenue faster at 6.8% — sustainability is the question.
SHW generates stronger free cash flow (800,000), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWK scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), 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.
Sherwin-Williams Co
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Sherwin Williams Company is a Cleveland, Ohio based company in the paint and coating manufacturing industry. The company primarily engages in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coatings, floorcoverings, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers primarily in North and South America and Europe.
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