American Water Works (AWK)vsWalmart Inc. (WMT)
AWK
American Water Works
$125.68
-0.29%
UTILITIES · Cap: $24.87B
WMT
Walmart Inc.
$130.08
-0.54%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.05T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Walmart Inc. generates 13601% more annual revenue ($713.16B vs $5.21B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs 3.1%. AWK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.30. AWK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
AWK
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
WMT
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
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 WMT.
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
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Generating 6.1B 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
Trading at 10.4x book value
3.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.6%
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : WMT
The strongest argument for WMT centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WMT
The primary concerns for WMT are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 48.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while WMT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AWK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
AWK is growing revenue faster at 5.7% — sustainability is the question.
WMT generates stronger free cash flow (6.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWK scores higher overall (60/100 vs 43/100), backed by strong 21.2% 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.
Walmart Inc.
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Walmart Inc. is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores from the United States, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. It also owns and operates Sam's Club retail warehouses.
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