H2O America (HTO)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
HTO
H2O America
$56.70
+1.56%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.39B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.27
+1.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 213% more annual revenue ($2.55B vs $816.28M). WTRG leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs 12.9%. HTO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.52. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
HTO
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+14.3%
Fair Value
$60.66
Current Price
$56.70
$3.96 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 21.5%
Strong operational efficiency at 36.1%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
0.0% earnings growth
ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 23.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HTO
The strongest argument for HTO centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.
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 : HTO
The primary concerns for HTO are EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HTO 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 57/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. 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.
H2O America
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
H2O America, provides water utility and other related services in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
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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