WallStSmart

Morgan Stanley (MS)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Morgan Stanley generates 2857% more annual revenue ($73.17B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 24.7%. MS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.29. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

MS

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9

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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MS.

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

MS6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$298.53B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
40.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.3%8/10

16.3% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.9% YoY

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

MS3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.294/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-4.60B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : MS

The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 40.6%. Revenue growth of 16.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : MS

The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.

MS is growing revenue faster at 16.3% — sustainability is the question.

WTRG generates stronger free cash flow (-241M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CAPITAL MARKETS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

MS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 16.3% revenue growth. 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.

Morgan Stanley

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

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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