3M Company (MMM)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
MMM
3M Company
$146.54
+2.60%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.32B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
3M Company generates 911% more annual revenue ($25.02B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 11.1%. MMM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
MMM
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-31.5%
Fair Value
$131.48
Current Price
$146.54
$15.06 premium
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
Every $100 of equity generates 72 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.3%
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
Moderate valuation
1.3% revenue growth
Trading at 23.4x book value
Earnings declined 39.7%
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 : MMM
The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin.
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 : MMM
The primary concerns for MMM are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MMM profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MMM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.16 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
MMM generates stronger free cash flow (349M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 58/100), 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.
3M Company
INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA
The 3M Company is an American multinational conglomerate corporation operating in the fields of industry, worker safety, US health care, and consumer goods. The company produces over 60,000 products under several brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical and electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films. It is based in Maplewood, a suburb of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Visit Website →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 CONGLOMERATES Stocks
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