Middlesex Water Company (MSEX)vsTransAlta Corp (TAC)
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$55.32
-1.58%
UTILITIES · Cap: $1.06B
TAC
TransAlta Corp
$12.22
-0.57%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
TransAlta Corp generates 999% more annual revenue ($2.27B vs $206.14M). MSEX leads profitability with a 23.3% profit margin vs -1.0%. TAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 6.98. MSEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
MSEX
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
TAC
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-21.1%
Fair Value
$42.70
Current Price
$55.32
$12.62 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for TAC.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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
Strong operational efficiency at 33.3%
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -12.1% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 71.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : TAC
The strongest argument for TAC centers on Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : MSEX
The primary concerns for MSEX are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : TAC
The primary concerns for TAC are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.38 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MSEX profiles as a mature stock while TAC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
MSEX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.73 — expect wider price swings.
MSEX is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.
TAC generates stronger free cash flow (17M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MSEX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 43/100), backed by strong 23.3% margins and 14.3% revenue growth. 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.
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 →TransAlta Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
TransAlta Corporation owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electric power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
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