Clearway Energy, Inc. (CWEN) vs Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG)
A side-by-side comparison of Clearway Energy, Inc. and Essential Utilities, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 2, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CWEN
Clearway Energy, Inc.
$29.34UtilitiesDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
WTRG
Essential Utilities, Inc.
$39.38UtilitiesDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CWEN vs WTRG
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCWEN +205.3% (+11.8%/yr)WTRG +64.1% (+5.1%/yr)CWEN compounded faster over this window
CWEN WTRG
CWEN vs WTRG: by the numbers
- •WTRG is the larger company ($11.17B vs $6.03B market cap).
- •WTRG trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.09 vs 38.61 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •WTRG converts more revenue to profit (21.60% vs 5.78% net margin).
- •WTRG grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.33% vs 5.07% CAGR).
- •CWEN pays the higher dividend yield (6.27% vs 3.54%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CWEN | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 38.61 | 20.09 |
| Forward P/E | N/A | 17.64 |
| PEG ratio | 0.85 | 1.39 |
| P/S ratio | 3.83 | 4.35 |
| P/B ratio | 1.10 | 1.59 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.09 | 14.70 |
| FCF yield | 11.13% | N/A |
Profitability
| Metric | CWEN | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 15.19% | 40.96% |
| Operating margin | 14.36% | 35.06% |
| Net margin | 5.78% | 21.60% |
| ROE | 1.66% | 7.91% |
| ROIC | 1.37% | 4.40% |
Dividends
| Metric | CWEN | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 6.27% | 3.54% |
| Payout ratio | 244.16% | 70.84% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CWEN | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 5.07% | 7.33% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 45.21% | 14.05% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -2.60% | N/A |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 4.68% | -0.47% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CWEN or WTRG?
- WTRG has the lower trailing P/E: CWEN trades at 38.61 and WTRG at 20.09. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CWEN or WTRG?
- Over the past five years, WTRG grew revenue faster — CWEN at a 5.07% CAGR versus WTRG at 7.33%.
- Does CWEN or WTRG pay a bigger dividend?
- CWEN yields 6.27% and WTRG yields 3.54% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CWEN or WTRG more profitable?
- WTRG runs the higher net margin — CWEN at 5.78% versus WTRG at 21.60%.
- How have CWEN and WTRG total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CWEN delivered 11.37% and WTRG delivered 5.22% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Clearway Energy P/E ratioEssential Utilities P/E ratioClearway Energy dividend yieldEssential Utilities dividend yieldClearway Energy ROEEssential Utilities ROEClearway Energy operating marginEssential Utilities operating marginClearway Energy revenue growthEssential Utilities revenue growthClearway Energy free cash flowEssential Utilities free cash flow
Clearway Energy & Essential Utilities appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 2, 2026.