American Water Works (AWK) vs Middlesex Water (MSEX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Middlesex Water (MSEX) has outperformed American Water Works (AWK) over the past year, losing 3.1% versus a loss of 10.6%. Over five years, AWK leads with a -25.7% price change compared with -49.6% for MSEX. American Water Works is the larger company by market cap ($25.23 billion vs $1.00 billion), about 25.2 times the size.
On valuation, Middlesex Water trades at a lower forward P/E (17.8x vs 19.3x for American Water Works). Middlesex Water offers the higher dividend yield (2.67% vs 2.66%).
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AWK | MSEX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $126.95 | $53.09 |
| Market cap | $25.23B | $1.00B |
| 1-day change | -0.34% | -0.09% |
| YTD return | -2.39% | +5.39% |
| 1-year return | -10.62% | -3.12% |
| 5-year return | -25.69% | -49.59% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 22.00 | 20.50 |
| Forward P/E | 19.33 | 17.76 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.77 | $2.59 |
| Dividend yield | 2.66% | 2.67% |
| Annual dividend | $3.38 | $1.42 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.12B | — |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.06% | — |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.11B | — |
| Operating margin | 36.69% | — |
| Net margin | 21.69% | — |
| 52-week high | $145.64 | $62.18 |
| 52-week low | $120.57 | $44.17 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -12.84% | -14.62% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +11.43% | +14.90% |
| Average volume | 2.08M | 148.22K |
| Shares outstanding | 198.73M | 18.84M |
| Employees | 7,000 | 395 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Water Supply | Water Supply |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- American Water Works is about 25.2 times larger than Middlesex Water by market value ($25.23B vs $1.00B).
About American Water Works
AWK stock →American Water Works Company, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides water and wastewater services in the United States. It offers water and wastewater services on military installations; and undertakes contracts with municipal customers, primarily to operate and manage water and wastewater facilities, as well as offers other related services.
Utilities · Water Supply · 7,000 employees
About Middlesex Water
MSEX stock →Middlesex Water Company owns and operates regulated water utility and wastewater systems in the United States. It operates in two segments, Regulated and Non-Regulated.
Utilities · Water Supply · 395 employees
AWK vs MSEX FAQ
Which is bigger, American Water Works or Middlesex Water?
American Water Works (AWK) is larger, with a market capitalization of $25.23B compared with $1.00B for Middlesex Water (MSEX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AWK or MSEX?
MSEX returned -3.12% over the past 12 months, compared with -10.62% for AWK (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AWK or MSEX?
MSEX has the lower trailing P/E at 20.5, versus 22.0 for AWK. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, American Water Works or Middlesex Water?
Middlesex Water has the higher yield at 2.67%, compared with 2.66% for American Water Works.
Are American Water Works and Middlesex Water in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Water Supply industry within the Utilities sector.