American States Water Company (AWR)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)
AWR
American States Water Company
$75.84
-0.47%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.95B
WPP
WPP PLC ADR
$18.53
-0.54%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $3.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
WPP PLC ADR generates 1959% more annual revenue ($13.55B vs $658.07M). AWR leads profitability with a 19.8% profit margin vs -1.6%. AWR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.71. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
AWR
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
WPP
Avoid32
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-3.5%
Fair Value
$68.58
Current Price
$75.84
$7.26 premium
Margin of Safety
+75.7%
Fair Value
$75.34
Current Price
$18.53
$56.81 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.8%
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 1.2%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Operating margin of 2.2%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency
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 : WPP
The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WPP
The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWR profiles as a mature stock while WPP is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
WPP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.65 — expect wider price swings.
AWR is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — sustainability is the question.
WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWR scores higher overall (56/100 vs 32/100), backed by strong 19.8% margins and 14.8% revenue growth. WPP offers better value entry with a 75.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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 →WPP PLC ADR
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA
WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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