WallStSmart

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc generates 30% more annual revenue ($3.22B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 16.9%. WST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.89. WST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

WST

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 2.7Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 4.91

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

WSTSignificantly Overvalued (-32.8%)

Margin of Safety

-32.8%

Fair Value

$185.39

Current Price

$312.55

$127.16 premium

UndervaluedFair: $185.39Overvalued
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

WST4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
56.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 56.1% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.9110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Operating MarginProfitability
21.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.0%8/10

Revenue surging 21.0% 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

WST2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.892/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
40.1x2/10

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 : WST

The strongest argument for WST centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.9% and operating margin at 21.7%. Revenue growth of 21.0% 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 : WST

The primary concerns for WST are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 40.1x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.

WST is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.

WST generates stronger free cash flow (47M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

WST scores higher overall (67/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins and 21.0% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

West Pharmaceutical Services Inc

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of injectable pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems. The company is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania.

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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