WallStSmart

Alcon AG (ALC)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Alcon AG generates 320% more annual revenue ($10.40B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 9.4%. ALC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

ALC

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 4/9

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

ALCUndervalued (+12.2%)

Margin of Safety

+12.2%

Fair Value

$90.45

Current Price

$65.41

$25.04 discount

UndervaluedFair: $90.45Overvalued
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

ALC2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.249/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

ALC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.684/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
37.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
4.5%3/10

ROE of 4.5% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-22.2%2/10

Earnings declined 22.2%

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 : ALC

The strongest argument for ALC centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity.

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 : ALC

The primary concerns for ALC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ALC profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a growth 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.

ALC generates stronger free cash flow (489M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Alcon AG

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA

Alcon, Inc., an eye care company, researches, develops, manufactures, distributes and sells eye care products for eye care professionals and their patients around the world. The company is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

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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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