WallStSmart

Johnson Controls International PLC (JCI)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson Controls International PLC generates 869% more annual revenue ($23.97B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 14.2%. JCI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.63. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

JCI

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 3.7Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.11

WTRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for JCI.

WTRGUndervalued (+47.4%)

Margin of Safety

+47.4%

Fair Value

$71.13

Current Price

$37.54

$33.59 discount

UndervaluedFair: $71.13Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

JCI2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$88.38B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
34.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 34.2% YoY

WTRG5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
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

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

JCI3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.632/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
48.8x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.622/10

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 : JCI

The strongest argument for JCI centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth.

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 : JCI

The primary concerns for JCI are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 48.8x 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

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

JCI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.39 — expect wider price swings.

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

JCI generates stronger free cash flow (464M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 57/100), 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.

Johnson Controls International PLC

INDUSTRIALS · BUILDING PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT · USA

Johnson Controls International plc is an Irish-domiciled multinational conglomerate headquartered in Cork, Ireland, that produces fire, HVAC, and security equipment for buildings.

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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