Middlesex Water (MSEX) vs Essential Utilities (WTRG)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 11, 2026.
Summary
Essential Utilities (WTRG) has outperformed Middlesex Water (MSEX) over the past year, losing 4.2% versus a loss of 6.6%. Over five years, WTRG leads with a -17.9% price change compared with -49.3% for MSEX. Essential Utilities is the larger company by market cap ($11.06 billion vs $1.01 billion), about 11.0 times the size.
On valuation, Essential Utilities trades at a lower forward P/E (16.4x vs 17.9x for Middlesex Water). Essential Utilities offers the higher dividend yield (3.51% vs 2.66%). Essential Utilities converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 24.9% versus 22.0%.
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 | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $53.43 | $38.98 |
| Market cap | $1.01B | $11.06B |
| 1-day change | +0.66% | +0.67% |
| YTD return | +5.97% | +1.62% |
| 1-year return | -6.59% | -4.25% |
| 5-year return | -49.32% | -17.90% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 20.63 | 19.89 |
| Forward P/E | 17.87 | 16.38 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.59 | $1.96 |
| Dividend yield | 2.66% | 3.51% |
| Annual dividend | $1.42 | $1.37 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $194.69M | $2.47B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +1.47% | +18.62% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $42.82M | $616.37M |
| Operating margin | 27.93% | 37.22% |
| Net margin | 21.99% | 24.91% |
| 52-week high | $62.18 | $42.51 |
| 52-week low | $44.17 | $36.11 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.07% | -8.30% |
| Analyst consensus | none | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +14.17% | +8.26% |
| Average volume | 134.96K | 2.27M |
| Shares outstanding | 18.84M | 283.63M |
| Employees | 395 | 3,303 |
| 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
- Essential Utilities is about 11.0 times larger than Middlesex Water by market value ($11.06B vs $1.01B).
- Essential Utilities grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+18.62% vs +1.47%).
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 Essential Utilities
WTRG stock →Essential Utilities, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, and natural gas services in the United States. The company operates through Regulated Water; and Regulated Natural Gas segments.
Utilities · Water Supply · 3,303 employees
MSEX vs WTRG FAQ
Which is bigger, Middlesex Water or Essential Utilities?
Essential Utilities (WTRG) is larger, with a market capitalization of $11.06B compared with $1.01B for Middlesex Water (MSEX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MSEX or WTRG?
WTRG returned -4.25% 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 WTRG?
WTRG has the lower trailing P/E at 19.9, 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 Essential Utilities?
Essential Utilities has the higher yield at 3.51%, compared with 2.66% for Middlesex Water.
Are Middlesex Water and Essential Utilities in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Water Supply industry within the Utilities sector.