WallStSmart

Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Starbucks Corporation generates 1455% more annual revenue ($38.47B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 3.9%. SBUX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.78. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

SBUX

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.07

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

SBUXUndervalued (+26.6%)

Margin of Safety

+26.6%

Fair Value

$135.09

Current Price

$106.44

$28.65 discount

UndervaluedFair: $135.09Overvalued
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

SBUX2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$119.63B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
32.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 32.6% YoY

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

SBUX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.784/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.9%3/10

3.9% margin — thin

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 : SBUX

The strongest argument for SBUX centers on Market Cap, EPS 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 : SBUX

The primary concerns for SBUX are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 80.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

SBUX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.01 — expect wider price swings.

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

SBUX generates stronger free cash flow (92M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. SBUX offers better value entry with a 26.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Starbucks Corporation

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Starbucks Corporation is an American multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves headquartered in Seattle, Washington. As the world's largest coffeehouse chain, Starbucks is seen to be the main representation of the United States' second wave of coffee culture.

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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