WallStSmart

LyondellBasell Industries NV (LYB)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

LyondellBasell Industries NV generates 1099% more annual revenue ($29.67B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs -2.7%. LYB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.53. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

LYB

Hold

41

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 2.0Profit: 3.0Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0

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

LYBUndervalued (+32.7%)

Margin of Safety

+32.7%

Fair Value

$88.35

Current Price

$73.48

$14.87 discount

UndervaluedFair: $88.35Overvalued
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

LYB1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

LYB4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.534/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Operating MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

Operating margin of 3.5%

Return on EquityProfitability
-6.0%2/10

ROE of -6.0% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-6.3%2/10

Revenue declined 6.3%

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 : LYB

The strongest argument for LYB centers on Price/Book.

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 : LYB

The primary concerns for LYB are PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LYB profiles as a turnaround stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

WTRG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.

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

WTRG generates stronger free cash flow (-241M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 41/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. LYB offers better value entry with a 32.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

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

LyondellBasell Industries NV

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE: LYB) is a Dutch-domiciled multinational chemical company with American and British roots, incorporated in the Netherlands, with U.S. operations headquarters in Houston, Texas, and offices in London, UK. The company is the largest licensor of polyethylene and polypropylene technologies. It also produces ethylene, propylene, polyolefins, and oxyfuels.

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?