American Water Works Company, Inc.
American Water Works Company, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides water and wastewater services in the United States. It offers water and wastewater services on military installations; and undertakes contracts with municipal customers, primarily to operate and manage water and wastewater facili…
What to know about AWK
American Water Works Company, Inc. is a large Utilities company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on risk and profitability, but health is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider AWK?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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American Water Works Company, Inc. is a large-cap Utilities company with a mixed overall financial profile — it ranks near the bottom of Utilities stocks (24 of 31).
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Profitability is roughly average for the S&P 500 — not a standout in either direction.
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Valuation is in the middle of the pack — neither obviously cheap nor stretched.
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The company is growing at a reasonable pace — not the fastest, but consistently moving in the right direction.
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There is a small dividend (0.03%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Risk is relatively low — the stock tends to be less volatile than the broader market, which typically means a smoother ride during uncertain periods.
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Analyst sentiment is cautious and short interest is relatively elevated — meaning some professional investors are actively betting the price will fall. Worth understanding why.
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This is a mixed picture — real strengths in some areas, but areas that need watching too. Do your homework on the sector before deciding.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how AWK compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 22.18 | Above avg |
| Forward P/E | 19.07 | Average |
| PEG Ratio | 2.32 | Average |
| Price to Sales | 4.69 | Average |
| Price to Book | 2.21 | Above avg |
| EV/EBITDA | 14.32 | Above avg |
| Earnings Yield | 4.51% | Above avg |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 60.83% | Above avg |
| Operating Margin | 33.22% | Top 25% |
| Net Profit Margin | 21.17% | Above avg |
| Return on Equity | 10.22% | Average |
| Return on Invested Capital | 3.51% | Average |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 5.70% | Average |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 10.67% | Top 25% |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | -4.80% | Below avg |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | 28.97% | Above avg |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.37 | Below avg |
| Debt to Equity | 1.42 | Average |
| Interest Coverage | 3.31 | Below avg |
| Altman Z-Score | 0.95 | Below avg |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 2.79% | Above avg |
| Payout Ratio | 58.69% | Average |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -6.09% | Above avg |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | -5.69% | Below avg |
| OCF to Sales | 39.06% | Top 25% |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.61 | Above avg |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 21.04% | Top 25% |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 7.35% | Below avg |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 2.62 | Below avg |
| Target Upside % | 8.38% | Average |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 24.42B | Average |
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