AT&T Inc (TBB)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
TBB
AT&T Inc
$21.68
+0.46%
· Cap: $132.56B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 0.0%. TBB trades at a lower P/E of 4.2x. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
TBB
Avoid25
out of 100
Grade: F
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for TBB.
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 2.7B in free cash flow
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
0.0% revenue growth
0.0% earnings growth
0.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 0.0%
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 : TBB
The strongest argument for TBB centers on P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
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 : TBB
The primary concerns for TBB are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.57 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
TBB profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
TBB generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor sector industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 25/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
AT&T Inc
· · USA
AT&T Inc. provides digital entertainment communications and services. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
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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