California Water Service Group (CWT)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$45.20
+1.28%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.73B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.27
+1.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 153% more annual revenue ($2.55B vs $1.01B). WTRG leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs 11.8%. CWT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.08. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
CWT
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+21.3%
Fair Value
$56.07
Current Price
$45.20
$10.87 discount
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
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
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 69.3%
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 23.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book.
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 : CWT
The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CWT profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WTRG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.65 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.
WTRG generates stronger free cash flow (-22M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. CWT offers better value entry with a 21.3% 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.
California Water Service Group
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
California Water Service Group provides public water and related services in California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in San Jose, 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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