Booking Holdings Inc (BKNG)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
BKNG
Booking Holdings Inc
$168.32
+0.41%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $128.30B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Booking Holdings Inc generates 1019% more annual revenue ($27.69B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 22.2%. BKNG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.71. BKNG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
BKNG
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+10.8%
Fair Value
$188.04
Current Price
$168.32
$19.72 discount
Margin of Safety
+47.4%
Fair Value
$71.13
Current Price
$37.54
$33.59 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 226 in profit
Earnings expanding 240.0% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
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
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 30.0%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BKNG
The strongest argument for BKNG centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.2% and operating margin at 25.0%. Revenue growth of 16.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : BKNG
No major red flags identified for BKNG, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
BKNG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.
BKNG is growing revenue faster at 16.2% — sustainability is the question.
BKNG generates stronger free cash flow (3.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor TRAVEL SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
BKNG scores higher overall (76/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 22.2% margins and 16.2% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.
Booking Holdings Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA
Booking Holdings Inc. is an American travel technology company organized in Delaware and based in Norwalk, Connecticut, that owns and operates several travel fare aggregators and travel fare metasearch engines including namesake and flagship Booking.com, Priceline.com, Agoda.com, Kayak.com, Cheapflights, Rentalcars.com, Momondo, and OpenTable.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other TRAVEL SERVICES Stocks
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