WallStSmart

PayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PayPal Holdings Inc generates 1240% more annual revenue ($33.17B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 15.8%. PYPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.91. PYPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

PYPL

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.66

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 PYPL.

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

PYPL6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
25.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.918/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
39.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 39.4% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.19B8/10

Generating 2.2B 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

PYPL2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.7%4/10

3.7% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.664/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : PYPL

The strongest argument for PYPL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.8% and operating margin at 17.5%. PEG of 0.91 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 : PYPL

The primary concerns for PYPL are 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

PYPL profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

PYPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.40 — expect wider price swings.

WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.

PYPL generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PYPL scores higher overall (78/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 15.8% margins. 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.

PayPal Holdings Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American company operating an online payments system in the majority of countries that support online money transfers, and serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods like checks and money orders. The company operates as a payment processor for online vendors, auction sites, and many other commercial users, for which it charges a fee.

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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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