Essential Utilities Inc (WTRG)vsYum! Brands Inc (YUM)
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
YUM
Yum! Brands Inc
$156.02
+1.38%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $43.78B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Yum! Brands Inc generates 243% more annual revenue ($8.49B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 20.5%. YUM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.96. YUM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
YUM
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+47.4%
Fair Value
$71.13
Current Price
$37.54
$33.59 discount
Margin of Safety
-77.2%
Fair Value
$89.76
Current Price
$156.02
$66.26 premium
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
Strong operational efficiency at 31.0%
Earnings expanding 72.2% YoY
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
15.2% revenue growth
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
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
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 : YUM
The strongest argument for YUM centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.5% and operating margin at 31.0%. Revenue growth of 15.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : YUM
The primary concerns for YUM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
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.
YUM generates stronger free cash flow (341M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
YUM scores higher overall (65/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 20.5% margins and 15.2% revenue growth. 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.
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 →Yum! Brands Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Yum! Brands, Inc. is an American fast food corporation listed on the Fortune 1000. Yum! operates the brands KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, The Habit Burger Grill, and WingStreet worldwide, except in China, where the brands are operated by a separate company, Yum China.
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