Essential Utilities, Inc. 🇺🇸
WTRG • Technology • USA
📊 Proprietary 12-Point Fundamental Audit
| Audit Dimension | Benchmark Criterion | WTRG Actual | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Economic Moat Strength | Software lock-in / high switching barrier / patent moat | Moat Score 83.7/100 | ✅ WIDE MOAT |
| 2. Pricing Power & Margins | Gross Margin > 40% sustainable | 56.4% Gross Margin | ✅ PASSED |
| 3. Revenue Acceleration | YoY Top-Line Growth > 15% | +3.1% YoY | ⚠️ IN-LINE |
| 4. Peter Lynch PEG Ratio | PEG < 1.2x (Growth at a Reasonable Price) | 5.97x PEG Ratio | ⚠️ ELEVATED |
| 5. Fortress Balance Sheet | Debt / EBITDA < 2.5x | 6.3x Net Leverage | ⚠️ WATCH |
| 6. Free Cash Flow Generation | Positive and compounding FCF | -$657.6M Free Cash Flow | ✅ PASSED |
| 7. Multiple vs Sector Median | Forward P/E reasonable vs earnings growth | Forward P/E: 18.5x | ✅ ATTRACTIVE MULTIPLE |
| 8. Management & Insider Ownership | Insider Ownership > 3% | 0.2% Insider Equity | ℹ️ INSTITUTIONAL |
| 9. Superinvestor Whale Backing | Held by Top 25 13F Wall St Whales | Institutional Superinvestor Interest | ℹ️ SCREENED |
| 10. Secular Industry Tailwinds | Exposure to multi-year compound themes | Technology sector expansion | ✅ PASSED |
| 11. Trailing P/E Multiple | Historical earnings multiple sanity | Trailing P/E: 21.1x | ✅ PASSED |
| 12. Overall Moat Conviction | Composite algorithmic evaluation | Overall Score: 83.7/100 | ✅ HIGH CONVICTION |
📝 MoatPicks Investment Thesis
Competitive Moat Breakdown: Regulated water and natural gas provider across multiple states.
Valuation Verdict: Trading at a Forward P/E of 18.5x and PEG ratio of 5.97x, Essential Utilities, Inc. satisfies core fundamental screens for quality and durability.
📊 Frequently Asked Questions & Related Moat Stocks
1. What is Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG)'s Economic Moat Score in 2026?
In 2026, Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) holds a proprietary MoatPicks Economic Moat Score™ of 83.7/100 (Wide Economic Moat). This 12-point fundamental audit evaluates WTRG's 56.4% gross margin, -$657.6M free cash flow generation, +3.1% YoY revenue growth, and 6.3x Debt/EBITDA ratio. You can benchmark any stock's competitive durability interactively with our Economic Moat Score™ Checker.
2. Is WTRG stock undervalued right now based on P/E and PEG ratio?
Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) commands a quality valuation premium at a Forward P/E of 18.5x and PEG ratio of 5.97x, reflecting its 56.4% gross margin and fortress cash flows. At a share price of $41.1, investors can stress-test WTRG's fair value using the MoatPicks Economic Moat Score™ Checker and FIRE compounding calculators. Model how compounding WTRG fits your long-term retirement target in our FIRE Financial Independence Calculator.
3. Which superinvestors and 13F hedge funds own WTRG stock?
Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) is actively monitored across our 25 tracked 13F superinvestor portfolios and institutional quality screens. Institutional capital focuses on WTRG's 56.4% gross margin, -$657.6M free cash flow, and 6.3x Debt/EBITDA balance sheet.