Question 1

Do analysts recommend WTRG or LNT?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities presently has a consensus target price of $43.75, indicating a potential upside of 11.14%. Alliant Energy has a consensus target price of $77.00, indicating a potential upside of 19.70%. Given Alliant Energy's higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Alliant Energy is more favorable than Essential Utilities. Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Essential Utilities 1 Sell rating(s) 3 Hold rating(s) 3 Buy rating(s) 2 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.67 Alliant Energy 0 Sell rating(s) 5 Hold rating(s) 9 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.64

Question 2

Is WTRG or LNT a better dividend stock?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities pays an annual dividend of $1.44 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.7%. Alliant Energy pays an annual dividend of $2.14 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.3%. Essential Utilities pays out 73.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Alliant Energy pays out 67.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Essential Utilities has increased its dividend for 32 consecutive years and Alliant Energy has increased its dividend for 22 consecutive years. Essential Utilities is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Question 3

Which has better earnings & valuation, WTRG or LNT?

Accepted Answer

Alliant Energy has higher revenue and earnings than Essential Utilities. Essential Utilities is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Alliant Energy, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Company Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Essential Utilities $2.47B 4.51 $616.37M $1.96 20.08 Alliant Energy $4.36B 3.82 $810M $3.16 20.36

Question 4

Do insiders & institutionals believe in WTRG or LNT?

Accepted Answer

74.8% of Essential Utilities shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 79.9% of Alliant Energy shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.4% of Essential Utilities shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of Alliant Energy shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Question 5

Is WTRG or LNT more profitable?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities has a net margin of 21.60% compared to Alliant Energy's net margin of 18.45%. Alliant Energy's return on equity of 11.16% beat Essential Utilities' return on equity. Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Essential Utilities 21.60% 8.23% 2.91% Alliant Energy 18.45% 11.16% 3.31%

Question 6

Which has more volatility and risk, WTRG or LNT?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities has a beta of 0.63, suggesting that its stock price is 37% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Alliant Energy has a beta of 0.52, suggesting that its stock price is 48% less volatile than the broader market.

Question 7

Does the media favor WTRG or LNT?

Accepted Answer

In the previous week, Essential Utilities had 6 more articles in the media than Alliant Energy. MarketBeat recorded 9 mentions for Essential Utilities and 3 mentions for Alliant Energy. Alliant Energy's average media sentiment score of 0.64 beat Essential Utilities' score of 0.23 indicating that Alliant Energy is being referred to more favorably in the news media. Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment Essential Utilities 2 Very Positive mention(s) 1 Positive mention(s) 3 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Neutral Alliant Energy 0 Very Positive mention(s) 3 Positive mention(s) 0 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Positive

Question 8

Do analysts rate WTRG or MSEX?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities presently has a consensus price target of $43.75, suggesting a potential upside of 11.14%. Middlesex Water has a consensus price target of $61.67, suggesting a potential upside of 15.14%. Given Middlesex Water's higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Middlesex Water is more favorable than Essential Utilities. Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Essential Utilities 1 Sell rating(s) 3 Hold rating(s) 3 Buy rating(s) 2 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.67 Middlesex Water 0 Sell rating(s) 1 Hold rating(s) 1 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.50

Question 9

Is WTRG or MSEX a better dividend stock?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities pays an annual dividend of $1.44 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.7%. Middlesex Water pays an annual dividend of $1.44 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.7%. Essential Utilities pays out 73.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Middlesex Water pays out 55.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Essential Utilities has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and Middlesex Water has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years.

Question 10

Which has stronger earnings and valuation, WTRG or MSEX?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities has higher revenue and earnings than Middlesex Water. Essential Utilities is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Middlesex Water, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Company Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Essential Utilities $2.47B 4.51 $616.37M $1.96 20.08 Middlesex Water $206.14M 4.90 $42.82M $2.59 20.68

Question 11

Do institutionals and insiders hold more shares of WTRG or MSEX?

Accepted Answer

74.8% of Essential Utilities shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 79.5% of Middlesex Water shares are held by institutional investors. 0.4% of Essential Utilities shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.9% of Middlesex Water shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Question 12

Is WTRG or MSEX more profitable?

Accepted Answer

Middlesex Water has a net margin of 23.26% compared to Essential Utilities' net margin of 21.60%. Middlesex Water's return on equity of 9.59% beat Essential Utilities' return on equity. Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Essential Utilities 21.60% 8.23% 2.91% Middlesex Water 23.26% 9.59% 3.48%

Question 13

Which has more volatility and risk, WTRG or MSEX?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities has a beta of 0.63, meaning that its stock price is 37% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Middlesex Water has a beta of 0.74, meaning that its stock price is 26% less volatile than the broader market.

Question 14

Does the media favor WTRG or MSEX?

Accepted Answer

In the previous week, Essential Utilities had 7 more articles in the media than Middlesex Water. MarketBeat recorded 9 mentions for Essential Utilities and 2 mentions for Middlesex Water. Middlesex Water's average media sentiment score of 1.38 beat Essential Utilities' score of 0.23 indicating that Middlesex Water is being referred to more favorably in the news media. Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment Essential Utilities 2 Very Positive mention(s) 1 Positive mention(s) 3 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Neutral Middlesex Water 2 Very Positive mention(s) 0 Positive mention(s) 0 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Positive

Question 15

Do analysts prefer WTRG or AWK?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities currently has a consensus price target of $43.75, suggesting a potential upside of 11.14%. American Water Works has a consensus price target of $140.11, suggesting a potential upside of 7.60%. Given Essential Utilities' stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Essential Utilities is more favorable than American Water Works. Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Essential Utilities 1 Sell rating(s) 3 Hold rating(s) 3 Buy rating(s) 2 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.67 American Water Works 1 Sell rating(s) 8 Hold rating(s) 1 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.00

Question 16

Is WTRG or AWK a better dividend stock?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities pays an annual dividend of $1.44 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.7%. American Water Works pays an annual dividend of $3.58 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.7%. Essential Utilities pays out 73.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. American Water Works pays out 62.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Essential Utilities has increased its dividend for 32 consecutive years and American Water Works has increased its dividend for 18 consecutive years. Essential Utilities is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Question 17

Which has preferable valuation & earnings, WTRG or AWK?

Accepted Answer

American Water Works has higher revenue and earnings than Essential Utilities. Essential Utilities is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than American Water Works, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Company Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Essential Utilities $2.47B 4.51 $616.37M $1.96 20.08 American Water Works $5.14B 5.03 $1.11B $5.77 22.57

Question 18

Do institutionals & insiders believe in WTRG or AWK?

Accepted Answer

74.8% of Essential Utilities shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 86.6% of American Water Works shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.4% of Essential Utilities shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of American Water Works shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Question 19

Is WTRG or AWK more profitable?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities has a net margin of 21.60% compared to American Water Works' net margin of 21.35%. American Water Works' return on equity of 10.20% beat Essential Utilities' return on equity. Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Essential Utilities 21.60% 8.23% 2.91% American Water Works 21.35% 10.20% 3.20%

Question 20

Which has more volatility and risk, WTRG or AWK?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities has a beta of 0.63, meaning that its stock price is 37% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, American Water Works has a beta of 0.58, meaning that its stock price is 42% less volatile than the broader market.

Question 21

Does the media favor WTRG or AWK?

Accepted Answer

In the previous week, American Water Works had 2 more articles in the media than Essential Utilities. MarketBeat recorded 11 mentions for American Water Works and 9 mentions for Essential Utilities. Essential Utilities' average media sentiment score of 0.23 beat American Water Works' score of 0.07 indicating that Essential Utilities is being referred to more favorably in the media. Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment Essential Utilities 2 Very Positive mention(s) 1 Positive mention(s) 3 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Neutral American Water Works 1 Very Positive mention(s) 0 Positive mention(s) 10 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Neutral

Question 22

Do analysts prefer WTRG or AWR?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities presently has a consensus target price of $43.75, indicating a potential upside of 11.14%. Given Essential Utilities' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Essential Utilities is more favorable than American States Water. Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Essential Utilities 1 Sell rating(s) 3 Hold rating(s) 3 Buy rating(s) 2 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.67 American States Water 0 Sell rating(s) 2 Hold rating(s) 1 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.33

Question 23

Is WTRG or AWR a better dividend stock?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities pays an annual dividend of $1.44 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.7%. American States Water pays an annual dividend of $2.18 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. Essential Utilities pays out 73.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. American States Water pays out 59.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Essential Utilities has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years and American States Water has raised its dividend for 71 consecutive years.

Question 24

Which has stronger valuation and earnings, WTRG or AWR?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities has higher revenue and earnings than American States Water. Essential Utilities is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than American States Water, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Company Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Essential Utilities $2.47B 4.51 $616.37M $1.96 20.08 American States Water $658.07M 4.98 $130.44M $3.65 22.66

Question 25

Do institutionals and insiders hold more shares of WTRG or AWR?

Accepted Answer

74.8% of Essential Utilities shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 75.2% of American States Water shares are held by institutional investors. 0.4% of Essential Utilities shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 0.9% of American States Water shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Question 26

Is WTRG or AWR more profitable?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities has a net margin of 21.60% compared to American States Water's net margin of 20.52%. American States Water's return on equity of 13.50% beat Essential Utilities' return on equity. Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Essential Utilities 21.60% 8.23% 2.91% American States Water 20.52% 13.50% 5.26%

Question 27

Which has more risk and volatility, WTRG or AWR?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities has a beta of 0.63, indicating that its share price is 37% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, American States Water has a beta of 0.56, indicating that its share price is 44% less volatile than the broader market.

Question 28

Does the media prefer WTRG or AWR?

Accepted Answer

In the previous week, Essential Utilities had 8 more articles in the media than American States Water. MarketBeat recorded 9 mentions for Essential Utilities and 1 mentions for American States Water. American States Water's average media sentiment score of 1.59 beat Essential Utilities' score of 0.23 indicating that American States Water is being referred to more favorably in the news media. Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment Essential Utilities 2 Very Positive mention(s) 1 Positive mention(s) 3 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Neutral American States Water 1 Very Positive mention(s) 0 Positive mention(s) 0 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Very Positive

Question 29

Do analysts rate WTRG or CMS?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities presently has a consensus price target of $43.75, suggesting a potential upside of 11.14%. CMS Energy has a consensus price target of $80.36, suggesting a potential upside of 26.12%. Given CMS Energy's higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe CMS Energy is more favorable than Essential Utilities. Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Essential Utilities 1 Sell rating(s) 3 Hold rating(s) 3 Buy rating(s) 2 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.67 CMS Energy 0 Sell rating(s) 6 Hold rating(s) 8 Buy rating(s) 0 Strong Buy rating(s) 2.57

Question 30

Is WTRG or CMS a better dividend stock?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities pays an annual dividend of $1.44 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.7%. CMS Energy pays an annual dividend of $2.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.6%. Essential Utilities pays out 73.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. CMS Energy pays out 68.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Essential Utilities has increased its dividend for 32 consecutive years and CMS Energy has increased its dividend for 3 consecutive years. Essential Utilities is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Question 31

Which has higher valuation and earnings, WTRG or CMS?

Accepted Answer

CMS Energy has higher revenue and earnings than Essential Utilities. CMS Energy is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Essential Utilities, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Company Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Essential Utilities $2.47B 4.51 $616.37M $1.96 20.08 CMS Energy $8.54B 2.34 $1.07B $3.33 19.13

Question 32

Do insiders and institutionals hold more shares of WTRG or CMS?

Accepted Answer

74.8% of Essential Utilities shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 93.6% of CMS Energy shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.4% of Essential Utilities shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.5% of CMS Energy shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Question 33

Is WTRG or CMS more profitable?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities has a net margin of 21.60% compared to CMS Energy's net margin of 11.64%. CMS Energy's return on equity of 10.76% beat Essential Utilities' return on equity. Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Essential Utilities 21.60% 8.23% 2.91% CMS Energy 11.64% 10.76% 2.62%

Question 34

Which has more volatility & risk, WTRG or CMS?

Accepted Answer

Essential Utilities has a beta of 0.63, indicating that its share price is 37% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, CMS Energy has a beta of 0.32, indicating that its share price is 68% less volatile than the broader market.

Question 35

Does the media refer more to WTRG or CMS?

Accepted Answer

In the previous week, Essential Utilities had 4 more articles in the media than CMS Energy. MarketBeat recorded 9 mentions for Essential Utilities and 5 mentions for CMS Energy. CMS Energy's average media sentiment score of 0.54 beat Essential Utilities' score of 0.23 indicating that CMS Energy is being referred to more favorably in the news media. Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment Essential Utilities 2 Very Positive mention(s) 1 Positive mention(s) 3 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Neutral CMS Energy 1 Very Positive mention(s) 2 Positive mention(s) 2 Neutral mention(s) 0 Negative mention(s) 0 Very Negative mention(s) Positive

Metric	Essential Utilities	Water Utilities Industry	Utilities Sector	NYSE Exchange
Market Cap	$10.97B	$5.94B	$15.02B	$22.65B
Dividend Yield	3.68%	4.08%	4.11%	3.72%
P/E Ratio	20.08	22.19	23.86	27.75
Price / Sales	4.35	53.99	418.27	20.68
Price / Cash	10.59	14.12	18.34	38.88
Price / Book	1.63	2.83	2.11	4.64
Net Income	$616.37M	$302.59M	$701.43M	$1.08B
7 Day Performance	-0.49%	0.28%	-0.03%	-1.06%
1 Month Performance	-5.96%	-2.85%	-2.87%	-5.50%
1 Year Performance	-0.05%	-1.01%	2.44%	5.13%

Company	MarketRank	Share Price	Analysts' Price Target	1Y Price Performance	Market Cap	Revenue	P/E Ratio	Employee Count	Indicator(s)
WTRG Essential Utilities	4.5284 of 5 stars	$39.36 +1.8%	$43.75 +11.1%	+2.0%	$10.97B	$2.57B	20.08	3,303	Analyst Revision
LNT Alliant Energy	4.3156 of 5 stars	$63.60 +0.5%	$77.00 +21.1%	-3.0%	$16.42B	$4.36B	20.13	2,948
MSEX Middlesex Water	3.5953 of 5 stars	$53.47 +1.1%	$61.67 +15.3%	+1.6%	$997.03M	$194.69M	20.64	395	News Coverage Positive News
AWK American Water Works	3.6143 of 5 stars	$130.97 -0.4%	$140.11 +7.0%	-3.9%	$26.14B	$5.14B	22.70	7,000
AWR American States Water	2.8877 of 5 stars	$82.74 +0.3%	N/A	+17.7%	$3.27B	$658.07M	22.67	900	Positive News

Essential Utilities (WTRG) Competitors

WTRG vs. LNT, MSEX, AWK, AWR, and CMS

How does Essential Utilities compare to Alliant Energy?

Summary

How does Essential Utilities compare to Middlesex Water?

Summary

How does Essential Utilities compare to American Water Works?

Summary

How does Essential Utilities compare to American States Water?

Summary

How does Essential Utilities compare to CMS Energy?

Summary

New MarketBeat Followers Over Time

Media Sentiment Over Time

WTRG vs. The Competition

Essential Utilities Competitors List

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Essential Utilities (WTRG) Competitors

WTRG vs. LNT, MSEX, AWK, AWR, and CMS

How does Essential Utilities compare to Alliant Energy?

Which has more volatility and risk, WTRG or LNT?

Does the media favor WTRG or LNT?

Do analysts recommend WTRG or LNT?

Is WTRG or LNT more profitable?

Which has better earnings & valuation, WTRG or LNT?

Do insiders & institutionals believe in WTRG or LNT?

Is WTRG or LNT a better dividend stock?

Summary

How does Essential Utilities compare to Middlesex Water?

Which has more volatility and risk, WTRG or MSEX?

Which has stronger earnings and valuation, WTRG or MSEX?

Does the media favor WTRG or MSEX?

Do analysts rate WTRG or MSEX?

Is WTRG or MSEX a better dividend stock?

Do institutionals and insiders hold more shares of WTRG or MSEX?

Is WTRG or MSEX more profitable?

Summary

How does Essential Utilities compare to American Water Works?

Which has preferable valuation & earnings, WTRG or AWK?

Which has more volatility and risk, WTRG or AWK?

Is WTRG or AWK a better dividend stock?

Does the media favor WTRG or AWK?

Is WTRG or AWK more profitable?

Do analysts prefer WTRG or AWK?

Do institutionals & insiders believe in WTRG or AWK?

Summary

How does Essential Utilities compare to American States Water?

Is WTRG or AWR a better dividend stock?

Which has more risk and volatility, WTRG or AWR?

Which has stronger valuation and earnings, WTRG or AWR?

Do analysts prefer WTRG or AWR?

Does the media prefer WTRG or AWR?

Is WTRG or AWR more profitable?

Do institutionals and insiders hold more shares of WTRG or AWR?

Summary

How does Essential Utilities compare to CMS Energy?

Does the media refer more to WTRG or CMS?

Do insiders and institutionals hold more shares of WTRG or CMS?

Is WTRG or CMS a better dividend stock?

Is WTRG or CMS more profitable?

Do analysts rate WTRG or CMS?

Which has more volatility & risk, WTRG or CMS?

Which has higher valuation and earnings, WTRG or CMS?

Summary

New MarketBeat Followers Over Time

Media Sentiment Over Time

WTRG vs. The Competition

Essential Utilities Competitors List

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MarketBeat All Access Features

Best-in-Class Portfolio Monitoring

Stock Ideas and Recommendations

Advanced Stock Screeners and Research Tools