Middlesex Water Company (MSEX)vsSouthern Company (SO)
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$55.32
-1.58%
UTILITIES · Cap: $1.06B
SO
Southern Company
$85.52
-1.43%
UTILITIES · Cap: $100.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 14540% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $206.14M). MSEX leads profitability with a 23.3% profit margin vs 15.4%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.07. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
MSEX
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-21.1%
Fair Value
$42.70
Current Price
$55.32
$12.62 premium
Margin of Safety
-38.4%
Fair Value
$62.12
Current Price
$85.52
$23.40 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.
Bear Case : MSEX
The primary concerns for MSEX are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MSEX profiles as a mature stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
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.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins. 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.
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 →Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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