WallStSmart

Agilent Technologies Inc (A)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Agilent Technologies Inc generates 185% more annual revenue ($7.07B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 18.3%. A appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. A earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

A

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.99

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

ASignificantly Overvalued (-46.1%)

Margin of Safety

-46.1%

Fair Value

$88.23

Current Price

$117.69

$29.46 premium

UndervaluedFair: $88.23Overvalued
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

A2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
20.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
22.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.9%

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

A4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.994/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.6%2/10

Earnings declined 3.6%

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 : A

The strongest argument for A centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 22.9%. PEG of 1.20 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : A

The primary concerns for A are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

A carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.

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

A generates stronger free cash flow (175M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

A scores higher overall (61/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 18.3% margins. 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.

Agilent Technologies Inc

HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is an American analytical instrumentation development and manufacturing company that offers its products and services to markets worldwide. Its global headquarters is located in Santa Clara, California.

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?