Elevance Health Inc (ELV)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
ELV
Elevance Health Inc
$374.71
+1.53%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $80.93B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Elevance Health Inc generates 7999% more annual revenue ($200.42B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 2.6%. ELV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
ELV
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+63.5%
Fair Value
$1011.48
Current Price
$374.71
$636.77 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 4.1B 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
2.6% revenue growth
2.6% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 16.8%
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 : ELV
The strongest argument for ELV centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.43 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 : ELV
The primary concerns for ELV are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 2.6% 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
ELV 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.
ELV generates stronger free cash flow (4.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. ELV offers better value entry with a 63.5% margin of safety. Both earn "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.
Elevance Health Inc
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
Elevance Health Inc. is a health benefits company. The company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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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