Middlesex Water Company (MSEX)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$55.32
-1.58%
UTILITIES · Cap: $1.06B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$140.67
-2.01%
UTILITIES · Cap: $49.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 9220% more annual revenue ($19.21B vs $206.14M). MSEX leads profitability with a 23.3% profit margin vs 11.6%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. MSEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
MSEX
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
VST
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
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 VST.
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 15.7x book value
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 5.5%
Earnings declined 6.2%
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 : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : MSEX
The primary concerns for MSEX are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 3.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MSEX profiles as a mature stock while VST is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
MSEX is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (133M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MSEX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 23.3% 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.
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 →Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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