Burlington Stores Inc (BURL)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
BURL
Burlington Stores Inc
$316.73
+1.29%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $19.98B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Burlington Stores Inc generates 367% more annual revenue ($11.56B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 5.3%. BURL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.92. BURL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
BURL
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-13.3%
Fair Value
$270.02
Current Price
$316.73
$46.71 premium
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 38 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 20.2% YoY
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
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 10.9x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : BURL
The strongest argument for BURL centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.92 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 : BURL
The primary concerns for BURL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
BURL profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
BURL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.62 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
BURL generates stronger free cash flow (-62M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BURL scores higher overall (69/100 vs 60/100) and 11.3% 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.
Burlington Stores Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA
Burlington Stores, Inc. is a branded apparel retailer in the United States. The company is headquartered in Burlington, New Jersey.
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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