WallStSmart

Essential Utilities Inc (WTRG)vsThe York Water Company (YORW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Essential Utilities Inc generates 3094% more annual revenue ($2.47B vs $77.49M). YORW leads profitability with a 25.9% profit margin vs 24.9%. WTRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.78. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

WTRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.74

YORW

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.77
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

WTRGSignificantly Overvalued (-150.3%)

Margin of Safety

-150.3%

Fair Value

$14.96

Current Price

$39.65

$24.69 premium

UndervaluedFair: $14.96Overvalued
YORWSignificantly Overvalued (-233.1%)

Margin of Safety

-233.1%

Fair Value

$9.67

Current Price

$30.17

$20.50 premium

UndervaluedFair: $9.67Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

WTRG4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
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

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

YORW3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.7%

Profit MarginProfitability
25.9%9/10

Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

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

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.782/10

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

YORW4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.2%4/10

3.2% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$438.66M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : WTRG

The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : YORW

The strongest argument for YORW centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.9% and operating margin at 33.7%.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Bear Case : YORW

The primary concerns for YORW are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WTRG profiles as a growth stock while YORW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

WTRG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.80 — expect wider price swings.

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

YORW generates stronger free cash flow (-23M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 54/100), 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.

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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The York Water Company

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

The York Water Company seizes, purifies and distributes drinking water. The company is headquartered in York, Pennsylvania.

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