American Water Works (AWK)vsSpire Inc (SR)
AWK
American Water Works
$128.42
-2.69%
UTILITIES · Cap: $25.77B
SR
Spire Inc
$89.73
-1.25%
UTILITIES · Cap: $5.30B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Water Works generates 100% more annual revenue ($5.14B vs $2.57B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs 11.1%. AWK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.39. SR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
AWK
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
SR
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-12.2%
Fair Value
$110.27
Current Price
$128.42
$18.15 premium
Margin of Safety
+25.3%
Fair Value
$117.83
Current Price
$89.73
$28.10 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 32.2%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 23.4%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.0% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 21.6% and operating margin at 32.2%.
Bull Case : SR
The strongest argument for SR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 13.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : SR
The primary concerns for SR are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while SR is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AWK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
SR is growing revenue faster at 13.9% — sustainability is the question.
SR generates stronger free cash flow (-122M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SR scores higher overall (63/100 vs 62/100) and 13.9% revenue growth. 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.
Spire Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Spire Inc. engages in the purchase, retail distribution, and sale of natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and other end-users of natural gas in the United States. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
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