WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Essential Utilities Inc generates 2091% more annual revenue ($2.47B vs $112.94M). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 20.2%. ARTNA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.54. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

ARTNA

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0

WTRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ARTNAUndervalued (+24.2%)

Margin of Safety

+24.2%

Fair Value

$43.67

Current Price

$31.44

$12.23 discount

UndervaluedFair: $43.67Overvalued
WTRGSignificantly Overvalued (-150.3%)

Margin of Safety

-150.3%

Fair Value

$14.96

Current Price

$39.65

$24.69 premium

UndervaluedFair: $14.96Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARTNA4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
20.2%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
25.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%

WTRG4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.9%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

ARTNA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.3%4/10

4.3% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$313.83M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

PEG RatioValuation
3.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-26.19M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

WTRG4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.782/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-30.0%2/10

Earnings declined 30.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-240.78M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARTNA

The strongest argument for ARTNA centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.2% and operating margin at 25.4%.

Bull Case : WTRG

The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ARTNA

The primary concerns for ARTNA are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : WTRG

The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARTNA profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

WTRG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.80 — expect wider price swings.

WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.

ARTNA generates stronger free cash flow (-26M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. ARTNA offers better value entry with a 24.2% 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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