WallStSmart

Flex Ltd (FLEX)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Flex Ltd generates 984% more annual revenue ($26.83B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 3.2%. FLEX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.94. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

FLEX

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.14

WTRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FLEXUndervalued (+2.8%)

Margin of Safety

+2.8%

Fair Value

$66.68

Current Price

$134.73

$68.05 discount

UndervaluedFair: $66.68Overvalued
WTRGUndervalued (+47.4%)

Margin of Safety

+47.4%

Fair Value

$71.13

Current Price

$37.54

$33.59 discount

UndervaluedFair: $71.13Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FLEX1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.948/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

WTRG5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
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

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

FLEX4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
9.7x4/10

Trading at 9.7x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
3.2%3/10

3.2% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.093/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
41.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.622/10

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 : FLEX

The strongest argument for FLEX centers on PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.94 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 : FLEX

The primary concerns for FLEX are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 41.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.2% 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

FLEX profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

FLEX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.

WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.

FLEX generates stronger free cash flow (272M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. 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.

Flex Ltd

TECHNOLOGY · ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS · USA

Flex Ltd. provides design, engineering, manufacturing and supply chain services and solutions to OEMs in Asia, the Americas and Europe. The company is headquartered in Singapore.

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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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