California Water Service Group (CWT)vsMiddlesex Water Company (MSEX)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$43.94
-0.75%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.64B
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$51.11
-0.12%
UTILITIES · Cap: $943.14M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
California Water Service Group generates 414% more annual revenue ($1.00B vs $194.69M). MSEX leads profitability with a 22.0% profit margin vs 12.8%. CWT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.00. MSEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).
CWT
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
MSEX
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-202.0%
Fair Value
$14.62
Current Price
$43.94
$29.32 premium
Margin of Safety
-222.2%
Fair Value
$16.05
Current Price
$51.11
$35.06 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 26.3%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 100.0%
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book.
Bull Case : MSEX
The strongest argument for MSEX centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.0% and operating margin at 26.3%.
Bear Case : CWT
The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on 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 0.86 — expect wider price swings.
MSEX is growing revenue faster at -0.3% — sustainability is the question.
MSEX generates stronger free cash flow (-6M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MSEX scores higher overall (49/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 22.0% margins. Both earn "Hold" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
California Water Service Group
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
California Water Service Group provides public water and related services in California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in San Jose, 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
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