Cadiz Inc (CDZI)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
CDZI
Cadiz Inc
$3.14
+5.37%
UTILITIES · Cap: $269.08M
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$40.35
-0.86%
UTILITIES · Cap: $11.26B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 16929% more annual revenue ($2.55B vs $14.99M). WTRG leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs -221.4%. CDZI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.51. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
CDZI
Avoid20
out of 100
Grade: F
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CDZI.
Margin of Safety
+45.2%
Fair Value
$68.34
Current Price
$40.35
$27.99 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
No standout strengths identified
Strong operational efficiency at 36.1%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 16.5x book value
0.0% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 23.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CDZI
CDZI has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.8% and operating margin at 36.1%.
Bear Case : CDZI
The primary concerns for CDZI are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 7.53 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CDZI profiles as a turnaround stock while WTRG is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CDZI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.83 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.
CDZI generates stronger free cash flow (-6M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 20/100), backed by strong 21.8% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Cadiz Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Cadiz Inc. is a natural resource development company in the United States. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, 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 →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?