Pure Cycle Corporation (PCYO)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
PCYO
Pure Cycle Corporation
$9.88
-1.40%
UTILITIES · Cap: $249.10M
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$39.65
-0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $11.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 8297% more annual revenue ($2.47B vs $29.47M). PCYO leads profitability with a 46.6% profit margin vs 24.9%. WTRG trades at a lower P/E of 18.1x. PCYO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
PCYO
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+49.0%
Fair Value
$20.75
Current Price
$9.88
$10.87 discount
Margin of Safety
-150.3%
Fair Value
$14.96
Current Price
$39.65
$24.69 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 47 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%
Revenue surging 58.8% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : PCYO
The strongest argument for PCYO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 46.6% and operating margin at 48.0%. Revenue growth of 58.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : PCYO
The primary concerns for PCYO are Market Cap, 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
PCYO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.32 — expect wider price swings.
PCYO is growing revenue faster at 58.8% — sustainability is the question.
PCYO generates stronger free cash flow (-1M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
PCYO scores higher overall (61/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 46.6% margins and 58.8% 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.
Pure Cycle Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Pure Cycle Corporation designs, builds, operates and maintains water and wastewater systems in the Denver metropolitan area and Colorado Front Range in the United States. The company is headquartered in Watkins, Colorado.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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