Spire Inc (SR)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
SR
Spire Inc
$89.73
-1.25%
UTILITIES · Cap: $5.30B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$39.49
-0.35%
UTILITIES · Cap: $11.19B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Spire Inc generates 4% more annual revenue ($2.57B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 11.1%. SR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.46. SR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
SR
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+25.3%
Fair Value
$117.83
Current Price
$89.73
$28.10 discount
Margin of Safety
+47.6%
Fair Value
$71.49
Current Price
$39.49
$32.00 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 23.4%
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : SR
The strongest argument for SR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 13.9% 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 : SR
The primary concerns for SR are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
SR profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WTRG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
SR generates stronger free cash flow (-122M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SR scores higher overall (63/100 vs 60/100) and 13.9% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.6% margin of safety. 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.
Spire Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Spire Inc. engages in the purchase, retail distribution, and sale of natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and other end-users of natural gas in the United States. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
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 GAS Stocks
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