Air Products and Chemicals Inc (APD)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
APD
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
$300.21
-1.22%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $66.43B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Air Products and Chemicals Inc generates 404% more annual revenue ($12.46B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 16.9%. WTRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.62. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
APD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-82.6%
Fair Value
$166.42
Current Price
$300.21
$133.79 premium
Margin of Safety
+47.4%
Fair Value
$71.13
Current Price
$37.54
$33.59 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.6%
Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 30.0%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APD
The strongest argument for APD centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.9% and operating margin at 23.6%.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APD
The primary concerns for APD are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APD profiles as a mature stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
APD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.78 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
APD generates stronger free cash flow (-148M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. 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.
Air Products and Chemicals Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. is an American international corporation whose principal business is selling gases and chemicals for industrial uses. Air Products' headquarters is in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Essential Utilities Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other SPECIALTY CHEMICALS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?