American Water Works (AWK)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
AWK
American Water Works
$125.68
-0.29%
UTILITIES · Cap: $24.87B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$80.42
+0.66%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $247.29B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 1459% more annual revenue ($81.14B vs $5.21B). WFC leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 21.2%. WFC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
AWK
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
WFC
Strong Buy74
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
Intrinsic value data unavailable for WFC.
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.4%
Generating 9.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 4.8%
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 21.2% and operating margin at 33.2%.
Bull Case : WFC
The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 29.4%. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WFC
The primary concerns for WFC are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WFC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
WFC is growing revenue faster at 5.7% — sustainability is the question.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
WFC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 26.7% 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.
Wells Fargo & Company
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.
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