WallStSmart

MercadoLibre Inc. (MELI)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

MercadoLibre Inc. generates 1068% more annual revenue ($28.89B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 6.9%. MELI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.14. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

MELI

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 6.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.04

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

MELIUndervalued (+59.3%)

Margin of Safety

+59.3%

Fair Value

$4955.41

Current Price

$1841.14

$3114.27 discount

UndervaluedFair: $4955.41Overvalued
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

MELI4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
36.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 36 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
44.6%10/10

Revenue surging 44.6% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$91.94B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.78B8/10

Generating 4.8B in free cash flow

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

MELI4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
13.8x4/10

Trading at 13.8x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
6.9%3/10

6.9% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
47.0x2/10

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 : MELI

The strongest argument for MELI centers on Return on Equity, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 44.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.14 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 : MELI

The primary concerns for MELI are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 47.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MELI profiles as a hypergrowth stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MELI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

MELI is growing revenue faster at 44.6% — sustainability is the question.

MELI generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MELI scores higher overall (60/100 vs 60/100) and 44.6% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% 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.

MercadoLibre Inc.

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · INTERNET RETAIL · USA

MercadoLibre, Inc. operates online trading platforms in Latin America. The company is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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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