Ross Stores Inc (ROST)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
ROST
Ross Stores Inc
$228.91
+0.66%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $73.11B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Ross Stores Inc generates 819% more annual revenue ($22.75B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 9.4%. ROST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.33. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
ROST
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-4.9%
Fair Value
$183.53
Current Price
$228.91
$45.38 premium
Margin of Safety
+47.4%
Fair Value
$71.13
Current Price
$37.54
$33.59 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 11.9x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : ROST
The strongest argument for ROST centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 12.2% 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 : ROST
The primary concerns for ROST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ROST profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ROST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
ROST generates stronger free cash flow (921M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% 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.
Ross Stores Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA
Ross Stores, Inc., operating under the brand name Ross Dress for Less, is an American chain of discount department stores headquartered in Dublin, California.
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 APPAREL RETAIL Stocks
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