American States Water Company (AWR)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
AWR
American States Water Company
$77.66
+1.75%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.05B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.27
+1.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 276% more annual revenue ($2.55B vs $679.25M). WTRG leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs 19.7%. AWR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.80. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AWR
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-11.2%
Fair Value
$63.81
Current Price
$77.66
$13.85 premium
Margin of Safety
+45.6%
Fair Value
$68.87
Current Price
$37.27
$31.60 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 30.9%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 36.1%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 23.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AWR
The strongest argument for AWR centers on Operating Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.7% and operating margin at 30.9%. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
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.
AWR is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.
AWR generates stronger free cash flow (23M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AWR scores higher overall (62/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 19.7% margins and 14.3% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 45.6% 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.
American States Water Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
American States Water Company provides water and electricity services to residential, commercial, industrial and other customers in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Dimas, California.
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 UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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