WallStSmart

Meta Platforms Inc. (META)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Meta Platforms Inc. generates 8587% more annual revenue ($214.96B vs $2.47B). META leads profitability with a 32.8% profit margin vs 24.9%. META appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.93. META earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 83/100 (A-).

META

Exceptional Buy

83

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 10.0Value: 8.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.88

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

METAUndervalued (+34.3%)

Margin of Safety

+34.3%

Fair Value

$933.07

Current Price

$612.88

$320.19 discount

UndervaluedFair: $933.07Overvalued
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

META6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.55T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
32.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
32.8%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
40.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.6%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
33.1%10/10

Revenue surging 33.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
62.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 62.4% 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

META1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : META

The strongest argument for META centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.8% and operating margin at 40.6%. Revenue growth of 33.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : META

The primary concerns for META are Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

META carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.

META is growing revenue faster at 33.1% — sustainability is the question.

META generates stronger free cash flow (13.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INTERNET CONTENT & INFORMATION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

META scores higher overall (83/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 32.8% margins and 33.1% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

Meta Platforms Inc.

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · INTERNET CONTENT & INFORMATION · USA

Meta Platforms, Inc. develops products that enable people to connect and share with friends and family through mobile devices, PCs, virtual reality headsets, wearables and home devices around the world. The company is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.

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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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