California Water Service Group (CWT) vs Middlesex Water (MSEX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
California Water Service Group (CWT) has outperformed Middlesex Water (MSEX) over the past year, losing 2.6% versus a loss of 3.8%. Over five years, CWT leads with a -25.3% price change compared with -49.6% for MSEX. California Water Service Group is the larger company by market cap ($2.84 billion vs $1.01 billion), about 2.8 times the size.
On valuation, California Water Service Group trades at a lower forward P/E (16.7x vs 17.9x for Middlesex Water). California Water Service Group offers the higher dividend yield (2.76% 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 | CWT | MSEX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $45.94 | $53.43 |
| Market cap | $2.84B | $1.01B |
| 1-day change | +0.75% | +0.66% |
| YTD return | +5.24% | +5.28% |
| 1-year return | -2.58% | -3.82% |
| 5-year return | -25.26% | -49.65% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 20.60 | 20.63 |
| Forward P/E | 16.71 | 17.87 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.23 | $2.59 |
| Dividend yield | 2.76% | 2.66% |
| Annual dividend | $1.27 | $1.42 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $963.70M | — |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.41% | — |
| Net income (latest FY) | $128.21M | — |
| Operating margin | 17.68% | — |
| Net margin | 13.30% | — |
| 52-week high | $53.82 | $62.18 |
| 52-week low | $41.29 | $44.17 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.64% | -14.07% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +17.00% | +14.17% |
| Average volume | 479.46K | 136.09K |
| Shares outstanding | 61.84M | 18.84M |
| Employees | 1,336 | 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
- California Water Service Group is about 2.8 times larger than Middlesex Water by market value ($2.84B vs $1.01B).
About California Water Service Group
CWT stock →California Water Service Group, through its subsidiaries, provides water utility and other related services in California, Washington, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Texas. It is involved in the production, purchase, storage, treatment, testing, distribution, and sale of water for domestic, industrial, public, and irrigation uses, as well as for fire protection services.
Utilities · Water Supply · 1,336 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
CWT vs MSEX FAQ
Which is bigger, California Water Service Group or Middlesex Water?
California Water Service Group (CWT) is larger, with a market capitalization of $2.84B compared with $1.01B for Middlesex Water (MSEX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CWT or MSEX?
CWT returned -2.58% over the past 12 months, compared with -3.82% for MSEX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CWT or MSEX?
CWT has the lower trailing P/E at 20.6, versus 20.6 for MSEX. 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, California Water Service Group or Middlesex Water?
California Water Service Group has the higher yield at 2.76%, compared with 2.66% for Middlesex Water.
Are California Water Service Group and Middlesex Water in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Water Supply industry within the Utilities sector.