American Water Works (AWK)vsMiddlesex Water Company (MSEX)
AWK
American Water Works
$134.59
+0.76%
UTILITIES · Cap: $26.08B
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$51.11
-0.12%
UTILITIES · Cap: $943.14M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Water Works generates 2540% more annual revenue ($5.14B vs $194.69M). MSEX leads profitability with a 22.0% profit margin vs 21.6%. AWK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.45. AWK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AWK
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
MSEX
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-219.7%
Fair Value
$38.69
Current Price
$134.59
$95.90 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
Strong operational efficiency at 32.2%
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
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
0.0% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.3%
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 21.6% and operating margin at 32.2%.
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 : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MSEX
The primary concerns for MSEX are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while MSEX is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
MSEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.86 — expect wider price swings.
AWK is growing revenue faster at 5.8% — sustainability is the question.
MSEX generates stronger free cash flow (-6M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWK scores higher overall (62/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 21.6% margins. 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.
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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