American Water Works (AWK)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
AWK
American Water Works
$125.68
-0.29%
UTILITIES · Cap: $24.87B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$427.65
+0.78%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $108.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc generates 131% more annual revenue ($12.00B vs $5.21B). VRTX leads profitability with a 32.9% profit margin vs 21.2%. VRTX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.08. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AWK
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
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
+56.0%
Fair Value
$973.13
Current Price
$427.65
$545.48 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
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 39.6%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 4.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
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 : VRTX
The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.9% and operating margin at 39.6%.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : VRTX
The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
VRTX is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.
VRTX generates stronger free cash flow (349M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 32.9% margins. Both earn "Strong 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.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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