WallStSmart

WEC Energy Group Inc (WEC)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

WEC Energy Group Inc generates 296% more annual revenue ($9.80B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 15.9%. WEC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.57. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

WEC

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.80

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

WECSignificantly Overvalued (-40.2%)

Margin of Safety

-40.2%

Fair Value

$80.67

Current Price

$117.94

$37.27 premium

UndervaluedFair: $80.67Overvalued
WTRGUndervalued (+47.6%)

Margin of Safety

+47.6%

Fair Value

$71.49

Current Price

$39.49

$32.00 discount

UndervaluedFair: $71.49Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

WEC2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.3%

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
17.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

WEC4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.572/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-32.5%2/10

Earnings declined 32.5%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-905.40M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.802/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

WTRG4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.772/10

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 : WEC

The strongest argument for WEC centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.9% and operating margin at 21.3%. Revenue growth of 11.1% 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 : WEC

The primary concerns for WEC are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WEC profiles as a mature stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

WEC scores higher overall (60/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 15.9% margins and 11.1% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.6% 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.

WEC Energy Group Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

WEC Energy Group, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, provides electricity and natural gas to 4.4 million customers across four states.

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?