American States Water Company (AWR)vsMiddlesex Water Company (MSEX)
AWR
American States Water Company
$77.66
+1.75%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.05B
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$51.93
-1.48%
UTILITIES · Cap: $969.58M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American States Water Company generates 241% more annual revenue ($679.25M vs $199.11M). MSEX leads profitability with a 22.1% profit margin vs 19.7%. AWR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.80. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AWR
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
MSEX
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-11.2%
Fair Value
$63.81
Current Price
$77.66
$13.85 premium
Margin of Safety
-24.5%
Fair Value
$41.54
Current Price
$51.93
$10.39 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 30.9%
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : AWR
The strongest argument for AWR centers on Operating Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.7% and operating margin at 30.9%. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-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 0.78 — expect wider price swings.
AWR is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.
AWR generates stronger free cash flow (23M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AWR scores higher overall (62/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 19.7% margins and 14.3% revenue growth. 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 States Water Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
American States Water Company provides water and electricity services to residential, commercial, industrial and other customers in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Dimas, 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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