American Water Works (AWK)vsMiddlesex Water Company (MSEX)
AWK
American Water Works
$135.31
+0.36%
UTILITIES · Cap: $26.66B
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$58.22
+1.48%
UTILITIES · Cap: $1.05B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Water Works generates 2554% more annual revenue ($5.28B vs $199.11M). MSEX leads profitability with a 22.1% profit margin vs 21.3%. AWK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.60. AWK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AWK
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
MSEX
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.6%
Fair Value
$100.90
Current Price
$135.31
$34.41 premium
Margin of Safety
-24.2%
Fair Value
$41.63
Current Price
$58.22
$16.59 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 40.7%
Keeps 21 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 29.3%
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : AWK
The strongest argument for AWK centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.3% and operating margin at 40.7%.
Bull Case : MSEX
The strongest argument for MSEX centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.1% and operating margin at 29.3%.
Bear Case : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
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 0.77 — expect wider price swings.
MSEX is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.
MSEX generates stronger free cash flow (-9M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AWK scores higher overall (64/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 21.3% margins. Both earn "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 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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