Pure Cycle Corporation (PCYO)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
PCYO
Pure Cycle Corporation
$10.32
+1.98%
UTILITIES · Cap: $255.74M
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.36
+1.66%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 8230% more annual revenue ($2.55B vs $30.64M). PCYO leads profitability with a 45.8% profit margin vs 21.8%. PCYO trades at a lower P/E of 18.3x. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
PCYO
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for PCYO.
Margin of Safety
+45.8%
Fair Value
$69.06
Current Price
$37.36
$31.70 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 52.8% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 29.4% year-over-year
Strong operational efficiency at 36.1%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 23.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : PCYO
The strongest argument for PCYO centers on Profit Margin, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.8% and operating margin at 5.1%. Revenue growth of 29.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.8% and operating margin at 36.1%.
Bear Case : PCYO
The primary concerns for PCYO are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PCYO profiles as a growth stock while WTRG is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
PCYO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
PCYO is growing revenue faster at 29.4% — sustainability is the question.
PCYO generates stronger free cash flow (-5M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. 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.
Pure Cycle Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Pure Cycle Corporation designs, builds, operates and maintains water and wastewater systems in the Denver metropolitan area and Colorado Front Range in the United States. The company is headquartered in Watkins, Colorado.
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 UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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