California Water Service Group (CWT)vsMiddlesex Water Company (MSEX)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$48.22
-1.31%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.06B
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$56.69
-0.86%
UTILITIES · Cap: $1.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
California Water Service Group generates 411% more annual revenue ($1.05B vs $206.14M). MSEX leads profitability with a 23.3% profit margin vs 12.6%. CWT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.22. CWT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CWT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
MSEX
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+21.4%
Fair Value
$56.20
Current Price
$48.22
$7.98 discount
Margin of Safety
-21.1%
Fair Value
$42.70
Current Price
$56.69
$13.99 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
16.5% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 31.4% YoY
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
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
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 : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 16.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull 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.
Bear Case : CWT
The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : MSEX
The primary concerns for MSEX are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CWT profiles as a growth stock while MSEX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MSEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
CWT is growing revenue faster at 16.5% — sustainability is the question.
MSEX generates stronger free cash flow (-4M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CWT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 65/100) and 16.5% revenue growth. 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.
California Water Service Group
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
California Water Service Group provides public water and related services in California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in San Jose, 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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