WallStSmart

Ventas Inc (VTR)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ventas Inc generates 147% more annual revenue ($6.11B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 4.3%. VTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.72. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

VTR

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.5Value: 4.0Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.39

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

VTRUndervalued (+4.8%)

Margin of Safety

+4.8%

Fair Value

$90.03

Current Price

$86.62

$3.41 discount

UndervaluedFair: $90.03Overvalued
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

VTR1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.9%8/10

Revenue surging 21.9% year-over-year

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

VTR4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.724/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
2.1%3/10

ROE of 2.1% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
4.3%3/10

4.3% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
160.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 : VTR

The strongest argument for VTR centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 21.9% 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 : VTR

The primary concerns for VTR are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 160.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 4.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

VTR is growing revenue faster at 21.9% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor REIT - HEALTHCARE FACILITIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 51/100), 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.

Ventas Inc

REAL ESTATE · REIT - HEALTHCARE FACILITIES · USA

Ventas, Inc. is a real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership and management of health care facilities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

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?