Pure Cycle Corporation (PCYO)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
PCYO
Pure Cycle Corporation
$11.12
+0.63%
UTILITIES · Cap: $269.65M
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$41.07
-1.75%
UTILITIES · Cap: $11.90B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 7516% more annual revenue ($2.57B vs $33.73M). PCYO leads profitability with a 43.7% profit margin vs 21.6%. PCYO trades at a lower P/E of 18.3x. PCYO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).
PCYO
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
WTRG
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for PCYO.
Margin of Safety
+45.1%
Fair Value
$68.22
Current Price
$41.07
$27.15 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 44 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Revenue surging 60.0% year-over-year
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.7%
Strong operational efficiency at 35.4%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
3.1% revenue growth
ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : PCYO
The strongest argument for PCYO centers on Profit Margin, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 43.7% and operating margin at 25.7%. Revenue growth of 60.0% 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 21.6% and operating margin at 35.4%.
Bear Case : PCYO
The primary concerns for PCYO are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
PCYO profiles as a growth stock while WTRG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
PCYO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.23 — expect wider price swings.
PCYO is growing revenue faster at 60.0% — sustainability is the question.
PCYO generates stronger free cash flow (3M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PCYO scores higher overall (65/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 43.7% margins and 60.0% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 45.1% 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.
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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