WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Essential Utilities Inc generates 4338% more annual revenue ($2.47B vs $55.76M). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 5.3%. 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: 4.0Profit: 4.0Value: 2.0Quality: 5.0

WTRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

GWRSSignificantly Overvalued (-1114.7%)

Margin of Safety

-1114.7%

Fair Value

$0.75

Current Price

$7.37

$6.62 premium

UndervaluedFair: $0.75Overvalued
WTRGSignificantly Overvalued (-150.3%)

Margin of Safety

-150.3%

Fair Value

$14.96

Current Price

$39.65

$24.69 premium

UndervaluedFair: $14.96Overvalued

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

WTRG4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
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

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

GWRS4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.2%4/10

2.2% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$215.10M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
4.4%3/10

ROE of 4.4% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
5.3%3/10

5.3% margin — thin

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

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.782/10

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 : 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 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : GWRS

The primary concerns for GWRS are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. A P/E of 68.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

GWRS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.

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

GWRS generates stronger free cash flow (-15M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 34/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. 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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