WallStSmart

Otter Tail Corporation (OTTR)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Essential Utilities Inc generates 90% more annual revenue ($2.47B vs $1.30B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 21.2%. OTTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.85. OTTR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

OTTR

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.67

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

OTTRSignificantly Overvalued (-62.4%)

Margin of Safety

-62.4%

Fair Value

$52.93

Current Price

$88.89

$35.96 premium

UndervaluedFair: $52.93Overvalued
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

OTTR4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
21.2%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.2%

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

OTTR4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.854/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.6%4/10

1.6% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.674/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : OTTR

The strongest argument for OTTR centers on Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 22.2%.

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 : OTTR

The primary concerns for OTTR are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

OTTR 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.

OTTR generates stronger free cash flow (22M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

OTTR scores higher overall (61/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 21.2% margins. 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.

Otter Tail Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Otter Tail Corporation is engaged in electrical service, manufacturing and plastic piping businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

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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