American States Water Company (AWR)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
AWR
American States Water Company
$75.84
-0.47%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.95B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$349.53
+1.98%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $30.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Waters Corporation generates 381% more annual revenue ($3.17B vs $658.07M). WAT leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 19.8%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. WAT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
AWR
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
WAT
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-3.5%
Fair Value
$68.58
Current Price
$75.84
$7.26 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for WAT.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.8%
Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 1.2%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Moderate valuation
Trading at 8.1x book value
Earnings declined 3.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AWR
The strongest argument for AWR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.8% and operating margin at 28.8%. Revenue growth of 14.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 33.8%. PEG of 1.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
AWR is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — sustainability is the question.
WAT generates stronger free cash flow (126M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
WAT scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 20.3% 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 States Water Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
American States Water Company provides water and electricity services to residential, commercial, industrial and other customers in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Dimas, California.
Visit Website →Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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