H2O America (HTO) vs Middlesex Water (MSEX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 11, 2026.
Summary
H2O America (HTO) has outperformed Middlesex Water (MSEX) over the past year, gaining 20.0% versus a loss of 6.6%. Over five years, HTO leads with a -13.9% price change compared with -49.3% for MSEX. H2O America is the larger company by market cap ($2.45 billion vs $1.01 billion), about 2.4 times the size.
On valuation, Middlesex Water trades at a lower forward P/E (17.9x vs 21.5x for H2O America). H2O America offers the higher dividend yield (2.94% vs 2.66%). Middlesex Water converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 22.0% versus 12.8%.
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 | HTO | MSEX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $58.48 | $53.43 |
| Market cap | $2.45B | $1.01B |
| 1-day change | +0.71% | +0.66% |
| YTD return | +19.37% | +5.97% |
| 1-year return | +20.01% | -6.59% |
| 5-year return | -13.90% | -49.32% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 20.66 | 20.63 |
| Forward P/E | 21.48 | 17.87 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.83 | $2.59 |
| Dividend yield | 2.94% | 2.66% |
| Annual dividend | $1.72 | $1.42 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $800.59M | $194.69M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +6.97% | +1.47% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $102.58M | $42.82M |
| Operating margin | 22.17% | 27.93% |
| Net margin | 12.81% | 21.99% |
| 52-week high | $67.09 | $62.18 |
| 52-week low | $43.75 | $44.17 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -12.83% | -14.07% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +14.57% | +14.17% |
| Average volume | 451.49K | 134.96K |
| Shares outstanding | 41.86M | 18.84M |
| Employees | 837 | 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
- H2O America is about 2.4 times larger than Middlesex Water by market value ($2.45B vs $1.01B).
- HTO has outperformed MSEX by 26.6 percentage points over the past year.
- Middlesex Water is more profitable, keeping 22.0 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 12.8 cents for H2O America.
- H2O America grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+6.97% vs +1.47%).
About H2O America
HTO stock →H2O America, through its subsidiaries, provides water utility and other related services in the United States. The company engages in production, purchase, storage, purification, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of water and wastewater services; and supplies groundwater from wells, surface water from watershed run-off and diversion, reclaimed water, and imported water purchased from Valley Water District.
Utilities · Water Supply · 837 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
HTO vs MSEX FAQ
Which is bigger, H2O America or Middlesex Water?
H2O America (HTO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $2.45B compared with $1.01B for Middlesex Water (MSEX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, HTO or MSEX?
HTO returned +20.01% over the past 12 months, compared with -6.59% for MSEX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, HTO or MSEX?
MSEX has the lower trailing P/E at 20.6, versus 20.7 for HTO. 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, H2O America or Middlesex Water?
H2O America has the higher yield at 2.94%, compared with 2.66% for Middlesex Water.
Are H2O America and Middlesex Water in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Water Supply industry within the Utilities sector.