WallStSmart

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 18073% more annual revenue ($449.71B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 2.7%. UNH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.28. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

UNH

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 4/9

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

UNHUndervalued (+43.1%)

Margin of Safety

+43.1%

Fair Value

$639.67

Current Price

$367.28

$272.39 discount

UndervaluedFair: $639.67Overvalued
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

UNH2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$336.72B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Free Cash FlowQuality
$8.15B8/10

Generating 8.1B 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

UNH4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.0%4/10

2.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.7%4/10

0.7% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
2.7%3/10

2.7% margin — thin

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 : UNH

The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.28 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its 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 : UNH

The primary concerns for UNH are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% 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

UNH 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.

UNH generates stronger free cash flow (8.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. UNH offers better value entry with a 43.1% 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.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services. In 2020, it was the second-largest healthcare company (behind CVS Health) by revenue with $257.1 billion, and the largest insurance company by net premiums. UnitedHealthcare revenues comprise 80% of the Group's overall revenue.

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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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