WallStSmart

Artesian Resources Corporation (ARTNA)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Essential Utilities Inc generates 2123% more annual revenue ($2.55B vs $114.83M). WTRG leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs 20.3%. ARTNA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.54. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

ARTNA

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.67

WTRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 6.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.75
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ARTNAUndervalued (+7.1%)

Margin of Safety

+7.1%

Fair Value

$35.62

Current Price

$32.96

$2.66 discount

UndervaluedFair: $35.62Overvalued
WTRGUndervalued (+45.8%)

Margin of Safety

+45.8%

Fair Value

$69.06

Current Price

$37.36

$31.70 discount

UndervaluedFair: $69.06Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARTNA4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
30.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.0%

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

WTRG3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
36.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.1%

Profit MarginProfitability
21.8%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

ARTNA4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$331.00M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-4.50M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

WTRG4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.223/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.592/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-23.3%2/10

Earnings declined 23.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARTNA

The strongest argument for ARTNA centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 30.0%.

Bull Case : WTRG

The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.8% and operating margin at 36.1%.

Bear Case : ARTNA

The primary concerns for ARTNA are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : WTRG

The primary concerns for WTRG are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WTRG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.65 — expect wider price swings.

WTRG is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.

ARTNA generates stronger free cash flow (-5M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ARTNA scores higher overall (60/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. WTRG offers better value entry with a 45.8% margin of safety. 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.

Artesian Resources Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

Artesian Resources Corporation provides water, wastewater, and other services in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware.

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.

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