American Water Works (AWK)vsTalen Energy Corporation (TLN)
AWK
American Water Works
$128.42
-2.69%
UTILITIES · Cap: $25.77B
TLN
Talen Energy Corporation
$372.42
+5.83%
UTILITIES · Cap: $16.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Water Works generates 96% more annual revenue ($5.14B vs $2.63B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs -8.3%. AWK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AWK
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
TLN
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-12.2%
Fair Value
$110.27
Current Price
$128.42
$18.15 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for TLN.
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
Revenue surging 58.0% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 34.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.0% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 15.6x book value
ROE of -17.7% — below average capital efficiency
Distress zone — elevated risk
Currently unprofitable
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 : TLN
The strongest argument for TLN centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 58.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : TLN
The primary concerns for TLN are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.
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 1.78 — expect wider price swings.
TLN is growing revenue faster at 58.0% — sustainability is the question.
TLN generates stronger free cash flow (180M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWK scores higher overall (62/100 vs 42/100), backed by strong 21.6% 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 leading power generation and infrastructure company based in the United States, specializing in the development and operation of reliable and sustainable energy solutions. With a diverse portfolio that includes both traditional and renewable energy sources, Talen Energy is committed to supporting the evolving energy landscape while prioritizing environmental stewardship. The company is strategically positioned to meet growing electricity demand, leverage technological advancements, and enhance grid resilience, making it an attractive investment opportunity for institutional investors focused on the energy sector's transformation.
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