Essential Utilities Inc (WTRG)vsXcel Energy Inc (XEL)
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$39.49
-0.35%
UTILITIES · Cap: $11.19B
XEL
Xcel Energy Inc
$82.95
+5.24%
UTILITIES · Cap: $49.20B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Xcel Energy Inc generates 493% more annual revenue ($14.67B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 13.8%. XEL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.24. XEL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
XEL
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+47.6%
Fair Value
$71.49
Current Price
$39.49
$32.00 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for XEL.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.8% YoY
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 30.0%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : XEL
The strongest argument for XEL centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : XEL
The primary concerns for XEL are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WTRG profiles as a growth stock while XEL is a value 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
XEL scores higher overall (62/100 vs 60/100) and 14.1% 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.
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 →Xcel Energy Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Xcel Energy Inc. is a utility holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving more than 3.7 million electric customers and 2.1 million natural gas customers in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico as of 2019. It consists of four operating subsidiaries: Northern States Power-Minnesota, Northern States Power-Wisconsin, Public Service Company of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service Co.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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