American States Water Company (AWR)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
AWR
American States Water Company
$73.40
+0.19%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.83B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$39.65
-0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $11.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 276% more annual revenue ($2.47B vs $658.07M). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 19.8%. AWR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.61. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AWR
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-209.6%
Fair Value
$22.92
Current Price
$73.40
$50.48 premium
Margin of Safety
-150.3%
Fair Value
$14.96
Current Price
$39.65
$24.69 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.8%
Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 1.2%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : AWR
The strongest argument for AWR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.8% and operating margin at 28.8%. Revenue growth of 14.8% 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 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWR profiles as a mature 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.
AWR generates stronger free cash flow (-36M), 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. 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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