California Water Service Group (CWT)vsMiddlesex Water Company (MSEX)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$45.20
+1.28%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.73B
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$51.93
-1.48%
UTILITIES · Cap: $969.58M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
California Water Service Group generates 408% more annual revenue ($1.01B vs $199.11M). MSEX leads profitability with a 22.1% profit margin vs 11.8%. CWT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.08. MSEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
CWT
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
MSEX
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+21.3%
Fair Value
$56.07
Current Price
$45.20
$10.87 discount
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
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
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 69.3%
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.
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 : 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 value stock while MSEX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MSEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.78 — 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.
Bottom Line
MSEX scores higher overall (59/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 22.1% margins. CWT offers better value entry with a 21.3% margin of safety. 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.
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
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?