American Water Works (AWK)vsXcel Energy Inc (XEL)
AWK
American Water Works
$128.42
-2.69%
UTILITIES · Cap: $25.77B
XEL
Xcel Energy Inc
$82.95
+5.24%
UTILITIES · Cap: $49.20B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Xcel Energy Inc generates 185% more annual revenue ($14.67B vs $5.14B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.6% profit margin vs 13.8%. XEL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.24. XEL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AWK
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
XEL
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
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 XEL.
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.8% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.0% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
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 21.6% and operating margin at 32.2%.
Bull Case : XEL
The strongest argument for XEL centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : XEL
The primary concerns for XEL are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while XEL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AWK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
XEL is growing revenue faster at 14.1% — sustainability is the question.
AWK generates stronger free cash flow (-385M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWK scores higher overall (62/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins. Both earn "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.
Xcel Energy Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Xcel Energy Inc. is a utility holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving more than 3.7 million electric customers and 2.1 million natural gas customers in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico as of 2019. It consists of four operating subsidiaries: Northern States Power-Minnesota, Northern States Power-Wisconsin, Public Service Company of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service Co.
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