Lumentum Holdings Inc (LITE)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
LITE
Lumentum Holdings Inc
$944.28
-5.06%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $67.83B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 18% more annual revenue ($2.47B vs $2.11B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 11.9%. LITE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.63. LITE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
LITE
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LITE.
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
Revenue surging 65.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 71.1% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
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
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 79.6x book value
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 : LITE
The strongest argument for LITE centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 65.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.63 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its 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 : LITE
The primary concerns for LITE are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Altman Z-Score. A P/E of 277.8x 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
LITE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.53 — expect wider price swings.
LITE is growing revenue faster at 65.5% — sustainability is the question.
LITE generates stronger free cash flow (51M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
LITE scores higher overall (69/100 vs 60/100) and 65.5% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.
Lumentum Holdings Inc
TECHNOLOGY · COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT · USA
Lumentum Holdings Inc. manufactures and sells optical and photonic products in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 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.
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