WallStSmart

The TJX Companies Inc (TJX)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The TJX Companies Inc generates 2340% more annual revenue ($60.37B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 9.1%. TJX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.46. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

TJX

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 3.3Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.30

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

TJXOvervalued (-7.0%)

Margin of Safety

-7.0%

Fair Value

$147.33

Current Price

$155.45

$8.12 premium

UndervaluedFair: $147.33Overvalued
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

TJX5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
59.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 59 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.3010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$174.15B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.9% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.63B8/10

Generating 2.6B 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

TJX3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
16.9x4/10

Trading at 16.9x book value

PEG RatioValuation
3.462/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : TJX

The strongest argument for TJX centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.

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 : TJX

The primary concerns for TJX 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

TJX 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.

TJX generates stronger free cash flow (2.6B), 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.

The TJX Companies Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

The TJX Companies, Inc. (abbreviated TJX) is an American multinational off-price department store corporation, headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts.

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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