American States Water Company (AWR)vsMiddlesex Water Company (MSEX)
AWR
American States Water Company
$84.44
-1.22%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.31B
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$55.38
-1.49%
UTILITIES · Cap: $1.06B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American States Water Company generates 238% more annual revenue ($697.48M vs $206.14M). MSEX leads profitability with a 23.3% profit margin vs 20.5%. AWR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.98. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AWR
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
MSEX
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-8.8%
Fair Value
$65.19
Current Price
$84.44
$19.25 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 35.8%
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 25.8% YoY
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
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : AWR
The strongest argument for AWR centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.5% and operating margin at 35.8%. Revenue growth of 11.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-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.
AWR generates stronger free cash flow (-4M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AWR scores higher overall (68/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 20.5% margins and 11.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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 States Water Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
American States Water Company provides water and electricity services to residential, commercial, industrial and other customers in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Dimas, California.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?