Middlesex Water (MSEX) vs Pure Cycle (PCYO)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 11, 2026.
Summary
Pure Cycle (PCYO) has outperformed Middlesex Water (MSEX) over the past year, gaining 1.8% versus a loss of 6.6%. Over five years, PCYO leads with a -27.2% price change compared with -49.3% for MSEX. Middlesex Water is the larger company by market cap ($1.01 billion vs $267.7 million), about 3.8 times the size.
On valuation, Middlesex Water trades at a lower forward P/E (17.9x vs 123.4x for Pure Cycle). Middlesex Water pays a dividend yielding 2.66%, while Pure Cycle does not currently pay one.
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 | MSEX | PCYO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $53.43 | $11.11 |
| Market cap | $1.01B | $267.72M |
| 1-day change | +0.66% | +1.00% |
| YTD return | +5.97% | +1.09% |
| 1-year return | -6.59% | +1.83% |
| 5-year return | -49.32% | -27.20% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 20.63 | 18.21 |
| Forward P/E | 17.87 | 123.44 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.59 | $0.61 |
| Dividend yield | 2.66% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $1.42 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $194.69M | — |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +1.47% | — |
| Net income (latest FY) | $42.82M | — |
| Operating margin | 27.93% | — |
| Net margin | 21.99% | — |
| 52-week high | $62.18 | $12.44 |
| 52-week low | $44.17 | $9.71 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.07% | -10.69% |
| Analyst consensus | none | — |
| Avg. price target upside | +14.17% | — |
| Average volume | 134.96K | 77.96K |
| Shares outstanding | 18.84M | 24.10M |
| Employees | 395 | 44 |
| 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
- Middlesex Water is about 3.8 times larger than Pure Cycle by market value ($1.01B vs $267.72M).
- Middlesex Water offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.66% vs 0.00%).
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
About Pure Cycle
PCYO stock →Pure Cycle Corporation provides water and wastewater services in the United States. It operates in three segments: Water and Wastewater Resource Development, Land Development, and Single-Family Rental.
Utilities · Water Supply · 44 employees
MSEX vs PCYO FAQ
Which is bigger, Middlesex Water or Pure Cycle?
Middlesex Water (MSEX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $1.01B compared with $267.72M for Pure Cycle (PCYO).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MSEX or PCYO?
PCYO returned +1.83% 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, MSEX or PCYO?
PCYO has the lower trailing P/E at 18.2, 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, Middlesex Water or Pure Cycle?
Middlesex Water pays a dividend yielding 2.66%, while Pure Cycle does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Middlesex Water and Pure Cycle in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Water Supply industry within the Utilities sector.