Waters Corporation (WAT)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
WAT
Waters Corporation
$349.53
+1.98%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $30.15B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Waters Corporation generates 28% more annual revenue ($3.17B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 20.3%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
WAT
Buy60
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 WAT.
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
Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
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
Trading at 8.1x book value
Earnings declined 3.1%
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 : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 33.8%. PEG of 1.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WAT profiles as a mature stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
WAT generates stronger free cash flow (126M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WAT scores higher overall (60/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 20.3% margins. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% margin of safety. 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.
Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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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