WallStSmart

WPP PLC ADR (WPP)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

WPP PLC ADR generates 448% more annual revenue ($13.55B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs -1.6%. WTRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.62. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

WPP

Avoid

32

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 3.0Value: 5.7Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.73

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

WPPUndervalued (+75.7%)

Margin of Safety

+75.7%

Fair Value

$75.34

Current Price

$18.53

$56.81 discount

UndervaluedFair: $75.34Overvalued
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

WPP1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.71B8/10

Generating 1.7B 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

WPP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

Operating margin of 2.2%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.232/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-5.3%2/10

ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency

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 : WPP

The strongest argument for WPP centers on 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 : WPP

The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 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

WPP profiles as a turnaround 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.

WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 32/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. WPP offers better value entry with a 75.7% margin of safety. 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.

WPP PLC ADR

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?