Middlesex Water Company (MSEX)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
$51.15
+0.43%
UTILITIES · Cap: $948.54M
VST
Vistra Energy Corp
$158.29
-1.30%
UTILITIES · Cap: $52.57B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Energy Corp generates 8809% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $199.11M). MSEX leads profitability with a 22.1% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. MSEX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
MSEX
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-12.8%
Fair Value
$45.82
Current Price
$51.15
$5.33 premium
Margin of Safety
-53.3%
Fair Value
$101.06
Current Price
$158.29
$57.23 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 20.4x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.34 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 Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 71.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MSEX profiles as a mature stock while VST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.
MSEX generates stronger free cash flow (-9M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MSEX scores higher overall (59/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 22.1% margins. 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 Energy 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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