UNITIL Corporation (UTL)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
UTL
UNITIL Corporation
$52.46
+0.65%
UTILITIES · Cap: $953.08M
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$39.49
-0.35%
UTILITIES · Cap: $11.19B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 362% more annual revenue ($2.47B vs $536.00M). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 9.4%. UTL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.37. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
UTL
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+12.6%
Fair Value
$58.31
Current Price
$52.46
$5.85 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 21.7%
Revenue surging 26.7% year-over-year
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
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : UTL
The strongest argument for UTL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 26.7% 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 : UTL
The primary concerns for UTL are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.54 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
WTRG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.
UTL is growing revenue faster at 26.7% — sustainability is the question.
UTL generates stronger free cash flow (-36M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
UTL scores higher overall (60/100 vs 60/100) and 26.7% 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.
UNITIL Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Unitil Corporation, a utility holding company, is engaged in the distribution of electricity and natural gas. The company is headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire.
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 - DIVERSIFIED Stocks
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