WallStSmart

Global Water Resources Inc (GWRS)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Essential Utilities Inc generates 4411% more annual revenue ($2.55B vs $56.59M). WTRG leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs 3.5%. GWRS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.89. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

GWRS

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.0Value: 3.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.30

WTRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 6.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.75
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for GWRS.

WTRGUndervalued (+45.8%)

Margin of Safety

+45.8%

Fair Value

$69.06

Current Price

$37.36

$31.70 discount

UndervaluedFair: $69.06Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GWRS1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

WTRG3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
36.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.1%

Profit MarginProfitability
21.8%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

GWRS4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$208.25M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
2.4%3/10

ROE of 2.4% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

3.5% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
2.9%3/10

Operating margin of 2.9%

WTRG4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.223/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.592/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-23.3%2/10

Earnings declined 23.3%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : GWRS

The strongest argument for GWRS 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 : GWRS

The primary concerns for GWRS are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 90.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.65 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : WTRG

The primary concerns for WTRG are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

GWRS profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

GWRS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.

WTRG is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.

GWRS generates stronger free cash flow (-2M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 34/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Global Water Resources Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

Global Water Resources, Inc., a water resources management company, owns, operates and manages regulated water, wastewater and recycled water services primarily in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

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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