Middlesex Water Company (MSEX)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$51.11
-0.12%
UTILITIES · Cap: $943.14M
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$39.65
-0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $11.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essential Utilities Inc generates 1171% more annual revenue ($2.47B vs $194.69M). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 22.0%. WTRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.78. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
MSEX
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-222.2%
Fair Value
$16.05
Current Price
$51.11
$35.06 premium
Margin of Safety
-150.3%
Fair Value
$14.96
Current Price
$39.65
$24.69 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 26.3%
Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.3%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 30.0%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MSEX
The primary concerns for MSEX are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MSEX profiles as a declining stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MSEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.86 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
MSEX generates stronger free cash flow (-6M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" 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.
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 →Essential Utilities Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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