American Water Works (AWK)vsMiddlesex Water Company (MSEX)
AWK
American Water Works
$139.79
-0.93%
UTILITIES · Cap: $26.82B
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$55.38
-1.49%
UTILITIES · Cap: $1.06B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Water Works generates 2463% more annual revenue ($5.28B vs $206.14M). MSEX leads profitability with a 23.3% profit margin vs 21.3%. AWK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.36. MSEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
AWK
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
MSEX
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.1%
Fair Value
$101.28
Current Price
$139.79
$38.51 premium
Margin of Safety
-20.9%
Fair Value
$42.78
Current Price
$55.38
$12.60 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 40.7%
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 34.4%
Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 31.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AWK
The strongest argument for AWK centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.3% and operating margin at 40.7%.
Bull Case : MSEX
The strongest argument for MSEX centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.3% and operating margin at 34.4%. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MSEX
The primary concerns for MSEX are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MSEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
MSEX is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.
MSEX generates stronger free cash flow (-4M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MSEX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 23.3% margins and 14.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
American Water Works
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
American Water is an American public utility company operating in the United States and Canada.
Middlesex Water Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Middlesex Water Company owns and operates regulated water and wastewater utility systems. The company is headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey.
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