Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$116.37
-0.55%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $25.20B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Dollar General Corporation generates 1627% more annual revenue ($42.72B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 3.5%. DG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.65. DG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
DG
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+31.6%
Fair Value
$215.04
Current Price
$116.37
$98.67 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
Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
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 : DG
The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Free Cash Flow.
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 : DG
The primary concerns for DG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DG 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.
DG generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DG scores higher overall (65/100 vs 60/100). 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.
Dollar General Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Dollar General Corporation is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
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 DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
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