American Water Works (AWK)vsTalen Energy Corporation (TLN)
AWK
American Water Works
$137.69
-1.54%
UTILITIES · Cap: $27.90B
TLN
Talen Energy Corporation
$312.74
+0.39%
UTILITIES · Cap: $15.19B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Water Works generates 41% more annual revenue ($5.28B vs $3.74B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.3% profit margin vs -5.0%. AWK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AWK
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
TLN
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.4%
Fair Value
$101.07
Current Price
$137.69
$36.62 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for TLN.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 40.7%
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 111.2% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 34.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 9.3x book value
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -11.4% — below average capital efficiency
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 21.3% and operating margin at 40.7%.
Bull Case : TLN
The strongest argument for TLN centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 111.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : TLN
The primary concerns for TLN are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 5.92 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while TLN is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
TLN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.
TLN is growing revenue faster at 111.2% — sustainability is the question.
AWK generates stronger free cash flow (-258M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWK scores higher overall (64/100 vs 42/100), backed by strong 21.3% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Talen Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Talen Energy Corporation (Ticker: TLN) is a prominent player in the U.S. power generation and infrastructure sector, committed to delivering reliable energy solutions through a robust portfolio that includes both traditional and renewable resources. The company emphasizes environmental sustainability and grid resilience, adapting to the increasing demand for electricity in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. With a strategic focus on innovation and advanced technology, Talen is well-positioned to capitalize on the transition to cleaner energy alternatives, making it an attractive investment opportunity for institutional investors.
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