WallStSmart

Union Pacific Corporation (UNP)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Union Pacific Corporation generates 898% more annual revenue ($24.70B vs $2.47B). UNP leads profitability with a 29.2% profit margin vs 24.9%. UNP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.28. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

UNP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 3.3Quality: 5.0

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

UNPSignificantly Overvalued (-76.0%)

Margin of Safety

-76.0%

Fair Value

$150.01

Current Price

$268.23

$118.22 premium

UndervaluedFair: $150.01Overvalued
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

UNP5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
40.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
40.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.4%

Market CapQuality
$156.39B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.2%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.50B8/10

Generating 1.5B 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

UNP3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.6x4/10

Trading at 8.6x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.2%4/10

3.2% revenue growth

PEG RatioValuation
3.282/10

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 : UNP

The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.2% and operating margin at 40.4%.

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 : UNP

The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : WTRG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

UNP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.

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

UNP generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

UNP scores higher overall (60/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 29.2% margins. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% 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.

Union Pacific Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?