WTRG vs SJM Comparison

Essential Utilities is a Pennsylvania-based holding company for US water, wastewater, and natural gas distribution utilities. The company's water business serves 3 million people in eight states. Its largest service territory is in Pennsylvania, primarily suburban Philadelphia. Its Peoples subsidiary serves more than 740,000 gas distribution customers in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. It completed the sale of its West Virginia gas utility and the bulk of its nonregulated assets in 2024. Essential shareholders would own a 31% stake in American Water Works if the proposed all-stock merger closes in 2027.

J.M. Smucker is a packaged food company that primarily sells through the US retail channel (75% of fiscal 2026 revenue came through its retail pet foods, coffee, and frozen handheld/spreads segments), with the remaining share consisting of sweet baked snacks (through the Hostess acquisition), away from home, and international (primarily Canada). Retail coffee is its largest category (37% of sales) with brands Folgers, Dunkin', and Cafe Bustelo. Pet foods (18% of sales) holds leading brands like Milk-Bone and Meow Mix. Of its remaining, approximately 20% comes from frozen handhelds and spreads, through brands Jif, Smucker's, and Uncrustables. The company acquired Hostess Brands in fiscal 2024 to boost its snack and convenience store presence.