Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
DRI
Darden Restaurants Inc
$195.70
+0.62%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $22.31B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Darden Restaurants Inc generates 416% more annual revenue ($12.76B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 8.7%. DRI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.70. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
DRI
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-64.6%
Fair Value
$129.26
Current Price
$195.70
$66.44 premium
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 52 in profit
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
Trading at 10.7x book value
Earnings declined 3.3%
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : DRI
The strongest argument for DRI centers on Return on Equity.
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 : DRI
The primary concerns for DRI are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DRI 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.
DRI generates stronger free cash flow (610M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 55/100), 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.
Darden Restaurants Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Darden Restaurants, Inc. is an American multi-brand restaurant operator headquartered in Orlando.
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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