WallStSmart

Middlesex Water Company (MSEX)vsTalen Energy Corporation (TLN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Talen Energy Corporation generates 1715% more annual revenue ($3.74B vs $206.14M). MSEX leads profitability with a 23.3% profit margin vs -5.0%. MSEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

MSEX

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.81

TLN

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 8.0Profit: 2.5Value: 5.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.30
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MSEXSignificantly Overvalued (-21.1%)

Margin of Safety

-21.1%

Fair Value

$42.70

Current Price

$55.32

$12.62 premium

UndervaluedFair: $42.70Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for TLN.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MSEX4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
34.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.4%

Profit MarginProfitability
23.3%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.6% YoY

TLN2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
111.2%10/10

Revenue surging 111.2% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
34.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 34.5% YoY

Areas to Watch

MSEX4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$1.06B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
18.452/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-4.24M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

TLN4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
8.7x4/10

Trading at 8.7x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-11.4%2/10

ROE of -11.4% — below average capital efficiency

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-546.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : TLN

The strongest argument for TLN centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 111.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : MSEX

The primary concerns for MSEX are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : TLN

The primary concerns for TLN are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 5.92 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MSEX profiles as a mature stock while TLN is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

TLN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.

TLN is growing revenue faster at 111.2% — sustainability is the question.

MSEX generates stronger free cash flow (-4M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MSEX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 44/100), 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.

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Talen Energy Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

Talen Energy Corporation (Ticker: TLN) is a prominent player in the U.S. power generation and infrastructure sector, committed to delivering reliable energy solutions through a robust portfolio that includes both traditional and renewable resources. The company emphasizes environmental sustainability and grid resilience, adapting to the increasing demand for electricity in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. With a strategic focus on innovation and advanced technology, Talen is well-positioned to capitalize on the transition to cleaner energy alternatives, making it an attractive investment opportunity for institutional investors.

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