Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
CL
Colgate-Palmolive Company
$88.16
+2.12%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $68.31B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Colgate-Palmolive Company generates 740% more annual revenue ($20.80B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 10.0%. CL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.56. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
CL
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+17.8%
Fair Value
$104.97
Current Price
$88.16
$16.81 discount
Margin of Safety
+47.4%
Fair Value
$71.13
Current Price
$37.54
$33.59 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 20.9%
Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Trading at 1259.4x book value
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 : CL
The strongest argument for CL centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin.
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 : CL
The primary concerns for CL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 147.93 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CL 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.
CL generates stronger free cash flow (609M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. CL offers better value entry with a 17.8% 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.
Colgate-Palmolive Company
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA
Colgate-Palmolive Company is an American multinational consumer products company headquartered on Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It specializes in the production, distribution and provision of household, health care, personal care and veterinary products.
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 HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS Stocks
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