WallStSmart

Cadiz Inc (CDZI)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Essential Utilities Inc generates 15387% more annual revenue ($2.47B vs $15.98M). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs -2.1%. CDZI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.51. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

CDZI

Avoid

29

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 7.3Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0

WTRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CDZI.

WTRGSignificantly Overvalued (-150.3%)

Margin of Safety

-150.3%

Fair Value

$14.96

Current Price

$39.65

$24.69 premium

UndervaluedFair: $14.96Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CDZI1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
28.7%8/10

Revenue surging 28.7% year-over-year

WTRG4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
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

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

CDZI4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.514/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
14.2x4/10

Trading at 14.2x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$386.22M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

WTRG4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.782/10

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 : CDZI

The strongest argument for CDZI centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 28.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : WTRG

The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CDZI

The primary concerns for CDZI are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CDZI carries more volatility with a beta of 2.11 — expect wider price swings.

CDZI is growing revenue faster at 28.7% — sustainability is the question.

CDZI generates stronger free cash flow (-7M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 29/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. 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.

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