WallStSmart

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (BABA)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd generates 40987% more annual revenue ($1.02T vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 8.9%. BABA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

BABA

Buy

50

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 8.0Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.39

WTRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

BABAUndervalued (+72.8%)

Margin of Safety

+72.8%

Fair Value

$560.44

Current Price

$131.50

$428.94 discount

UndervaluedFair: $560.44Overvalued
WTRGUndervalued (+47.4%)

Margin of Safety

+47.4%

Fair Value

$71.13

Current Price

$37.54

$33.59 discount

UndervaluedFair: $71.13Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BABA3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$321.85B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

PEG RatioValuation
0.808/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

WTRG5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
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

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

BABA3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.7%4/10

1.7% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
-70.9%2/10

Earnings declined 70.9%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-32.37B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.622/10

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 : BABA

The strongest argument for BABA centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.80 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : BABA

The primary concerns for BABA are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

WTRG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.

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

WTRG generates stronger free cash flow (-241M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. BABA offers better value entry with a 72.8% 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.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · INTERNET RETAIL · USA

Alibaba Group Holding Limited, also known as Alibaba Group and Alibaba.com, is a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in e-commerce, retail, Internet, and technology. Founded on 28 June 1999 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, the company provides consumer-to-consumer (C2C), business-to-consumer (B2C), and business-to-business (B2B) sales services via web portals, as well as electronic payment services, shopping search engines and cloud computing services. It owns and operates a diverse portfolio of companies around the world in numerous business sectors.

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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