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AWK vs CNP

AWK
American Water Works Company, Inc.
NEUTRAL
Price
$129.71
Market Cap
$25.32B
Sector
Utilities
AI Confidence
72%
CNP
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
NEUTRAL
Price
$42.47
Market Cap
$27.78B
Sector
Utilities
AI Confidence
85%

Valuation

P/E Ratio
AWK
23.08
CNP
26.06
Forward P/E
AWK
21.26
CNP
20.4
P/B Ratio
AWK
2.32
CNP
2.49
P/S Ratio
AWK
4.99
CNP
2.95
EV/EBITDA
AWK
14.65
CNP
14.0

Profitability

Gross Margin
AWK
60.75%
CNP
45.92%
Operating Margin
AWK
42.59%
CNP
22.12%
Profit Margin
AWK
21.93%
CNP
11.38%
ROE
AWK
10.46%
CNP
9.56%
ROA
AWK
3.55%
CNP
2.84%

Growth

Revenue Growth
AWK
9.7%
CNP
1.9%
Earnings Growth
AWK
8.1%
CNP
6.7%

Financial Health

Debt/Equity
AWK
1.41
CNP
2.16
Current Ratio
AWK
0.42
CNP
1.17
Quick Ratio
AWK
0.31
CNP
0.47

Dividends

Dividend Yield
AWK
2.52%
CNP
2.17%
Payout Ratio
AWK
55.98%
CNP
54.6%

AI Verdict

AWK NEUTRAL

American Water Works (AWK) exhibits a weak Piotroski F-Score of 4/9, indicating borderline financial health, and lacks an Altman Z-Score, limiting distress risk assessment. The stock trades above both the Graham Number ($84.07) and intrinsic value estimate ($107.62) at $129.71, reflecting a premium valuation despite solid profitability and regulated utility stability. Revenue and earnings growth are steady but not exceptional, while high debt/equity and poor liquidity ratios raise concerns. Analysts consensus is a 'hold' with a target price of $141.55, suggesting limited upside.

Strengths
High gross margin (60.75%) and operating margin (42.59%) reflect strong pricing power and cost control in a regulated environment
Consistent year-over-year revenue growth (9.70%) and earnings growth (~8%) demonstrate operational stability
Dividend yield of 2.52% is above sector average with a sustainable payout ratio (55.98%)
Risks
Low Piotroski F-Score (4/9) signals weak financial health, particularly in liquidity and leverage metrics
Very low current ratio (0.42) and quick ratio (0.31) indicate potential short-term liquidity pressure
High debt/equity ratio (1.41) exceeds sector average (1.68), increasing financial risk in rising rate environments
CNP NEUTRAL

CNP presents a conflict between strong historical performance and current overvaluation. The deterministic baseline is weak, with a Piotroski F-Score of 4/9 (Stable) and a current price of $42.47 that significantly exceeds both the Graham Number ($25.03) and Intrinsic Value ($27.79). While the company maintains healthy operating margins and a sustainable dividend payout, the high Debt/Equity ratio (2.16) and bearish technical trend (10/100) suggest limited immediate upside. The stock is currently trading at a premium that is not fully supported by its low revenue growth (1.90%).

Strengths
Consistent track record of earnings beats over 25 quarters
Strong operating margin of 22.12% compared to sector peers
Sustainable dividend payout ratio of 54.60%
Risks
Significant valuation gap between current price and Graham/Intrinsic values
High leverage with a Debt/Equity ratio of 2.16
Stagnant revenue growth (1.90% YoY)

Compare Another Pair

AWK vs CNP: Head-to-Head Comparison

This page compares American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) and CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP) across key fundamental metrics including valuation ratios, profitability margins, growth rates, financial health indicators, and dividend metrics. Each metric highlights the better-performing stock so you can quickly identify relative strengths and weaknesses.

Our AI engine independently analyzes each company's financials, competitive position, and market conditions to produce a verdict (Bullish, Neutral, or Bearish) along with key strengths and risks. Use this comparison alongside your own research to make informed investment decisions.

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