CWCO
Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.
Regulated Water
Market Cap$529M
5Y Perf.+123.7%
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Stock Comparison
CWCO vs MSEX vs AWR vs YORW vs WTRG
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
Regulated Water
Market Cap$955M
5Y Perf.-24.2%
AWR
American States Water Company
Regulated Water
Market Cap$3.01B
5Y Perf.-6.3%
YORW
The York Water Company
Regulated Water
Market Cap$421M
5Y Perf.-34.3%
WTRG
Essential Utilities, Inc.
Regulated Water
Market Cap$10.68B
5Y Perf.-13.8%
CWCO vs MSEX vs AWR vs YORW vs WTRG — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | CWCO | MSEX | AWR | YORW | WTRG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Regulated Water | Regulated Water | Regulated Water | Regulated Water | Regulated Water |
| Market Cap | $529M | $955M | $3.01B | $421M | $10.68B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $132M | $199M | $679M | $-18M | $2.55B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $18M | $44M | $134M | $21M | $557M |
| Gross Margin | 36.6% | 33.3% | 44.6% | 54.8% | 33.8% |
| Operating Margin | 139015.1% | 28.1% | 30.8% | 35.8% | 35.0% |
| Forward P/E | 31.6x | 20.1x | 20.7x | 18.0x | 16.7x |
| Total Debt | $708.60B | $419M | $943M | $232M | $8.34B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $123.79T | $3M | $19M | $1K | $35M |
CWCO vs MSEX vs AWR vs YORW vs WTRG — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
CWCO
MSEX
AWR
YORW
WTRG
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidated Water … (CWCO) | 100 | 223.7 | +123.7% |
| Middlesex Water Com… (MSEX) | 100 | 75.8 | -24.2% |
| American States Wat… (AWR) | 100 | 93.7 | -6.3% |
| The York Water Comp… (YORW) | 100 | 65.7 | -34.3% |
| Essential Utilities… (WTRG) | 100 | 86.2 | -13.8% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: CWCO vs MSEX vs AWR vs YORW vs WTRG
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: CWCO and YORW are tied at the top with 2 categories each (5-stock set) — the right choice depends on your priorities. The York Water Company is the stronger pick specifically for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. WTRG and AWR also each lead in at least one category. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
CWCO
Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.
The Long-Run Compounder
CWCO has the current edge in this matchup, primarily because of its strength in long-term compounding and sleep-well-at-night.
- 155.1% 10Y total return vs AWR's 123.2%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.76, Low D/E 0.3%, current ratio 6.12x
- Beta 0.76, yield 100.0%, current ratio 6.12x
- 100.0% yield, 3-year raise streak, vs YORW's 3.0%
Best for: long-term compounding and sleep-well-at-night
MSEX
Middlesex Water Company
The Income Angle
Among these 5 stocks, MSEX doesn't own a clear edge in any measured category.
Best for: utilities exposure
AWR
American States Water Company
The Growth Play
AWR is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure.
- Rev growth 10.5%, EPS growth 6.3%, 3Y rev CAGR 10.2%
- 6.7% ROA vs CWCO's 0.0%, ROIC 8.0% vs 26.6%
Best for: growth exposure
YORW
The York Water Company
The Income Pick
YORW is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if income & stability is your priority.
- Dividend streak 31 yrs, beta 0.08, yield 3.0%
- 25.9% margin vs CWCO's 13.9%
- Beta 0.08 vs CWCO's 0.76
Best for: income & stability
WTRG
Essential Utilities, Inc.
The Value Pick
WTRG ranks third and is worth considering specifically for valuation efficiency.
- PEG 1.16 vs MSEX's 12.58
- 18.6% revenue growth vs CWCO's -1.4%
- Lower P/E (16.7x vs 18.0x), PEG 1.16 vs 9.89
Best for: valuation efficiency
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | WTRG | 18.6% revenue growth vs CWCO's -1.4% |
| Value | WTRG | Lower P/E (16.7x vs 18.0x), PEG 1.16 vs 9.89 |
| Quality / Margins | YORW | 25.9% margin vs CWCO's 13.9% |
| Stability / Safety | YORW | Beta 0.08 vs CWCO's 0.76 |
| Dividends | CWCO | 100.0% yield, 3-year raise streak, vs YORW's 3.0% |
| Momentum (1Y) | CWCO | +47.9% vs MSEX's -12.8% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | AWR | 6.7% ROA vs CWCO's 0.0%, ROIC 8.0% vs 26.6% |
CWCO vs MSEX vs AWR vs YORW vs WTRG — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2020
FY 2025
FY 2025
FY 2025
CWCO vs MSEX vs AWR vs YORW vs WTRG — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 5 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLCWCOLAGGINGWTRG
Who Leads Where
YORW leads in 1 of 6 categories
CWCO leads 1 • MSEX leads 0 • AWR leads 0 • WTRG leads 0 • 4 tied
Explore the data ↓WTRGEssential Utilities, …
0leads
AWRAmerican States Water…
0leads
MSEXMiddlesex Water Compa…
0leads
YORWThe York Water Company
1leads
CWCOConsolidated Water Co…
1leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs YORWvs MSEXMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
YORW3/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
Tied
—
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
Tied
—
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
CWCO5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
YORW leads this category, winning 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
WTRG and YORW operate at a comparable scale, with $2.6B and -$18M in trailing revenue. YORW is the more profitable business, keeping 25.9% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to CWCO's 13.9%. On growth, AWR holds the edge at +14.3% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | CWCOConsolidated Wate… | MSEXMiddlesex Water C… | AWRAmerican States W… | YORWThe York Water Co… | WTRGEssential Utiliti… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $132M | $199M | $679M | -$18M | $2.6B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $25.98T | $81M | $259M | $42M | $1.2B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $18M | $44M | $134M | $21M | $557M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $33.67T | -$19M | -$34M | -$30M | -$489M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +36.6% | +33.3% | +44.6% | +54.8% | +33.8% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +139015.1% | +28.1% | +30.8% | +35.8% | +35.0% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +13.9% | +22.1% | +19.7% | +25.9% | +21.8% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +254916.5% | -9.7% | -5.0% | -24.3% | -19.1% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +4.4% | +10.0% | +14.3% | -100.0% | +10.0% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -11.5% | -100.0% | +8.6% | +32.0% | -23.3% |
YORW leads this category, winning 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
Evenly matched — CWCO and WTRG each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 17.1x trailing earnings, WTRG trades at a 25% valuation discount to AWR's 22.8x P/E. Adjusting for growth (PEG ratio), WTRG offers better value at 1.19x vs MSEX's 13.62x — a lower PEG means you pay less per unit of expected earnings growth.
| Metric | CWCOConsolidated Wate… | MSEXMiddlesex Water C… | AWRAmerican States W… | YORWThe York Water Co… | WTRGEssential Utiliti… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $529M | $955M | $3.0B | $421M | $10.7B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | -$123.08T | $1.4B | $3.9B | $653M | $19.0B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | — | 21.78x | 22.80x | 20.99x | 17.14x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 31.60x | 20.12x | 20.71x | 18.01x | 16.75x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 13.62x | 2.98x | 11.52x | 1.19x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | -4.74x | 15.79x | 15.61x | 15.56x | 14.18x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 4.01x | 4.91x | 4.58x | 5.43x | 4.32x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 0.00x | 1.89x | 2.84x | 1.75x | 1.54x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 0.00x | — | — | — | — |
Evenly matched — CWCO and WTRG each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
Evenly matched — CWCO and AWR each lead in 4 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
AWR delivers a 13.1% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $13 in annual profit, vs $0 for CWCO. CWCO carries lower financial leverage with a 0.00x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to WTRG's 1.22x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), AWR scores 6/9 vs YORW's 3/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | CWCOConsolidated Wate… | MSEXMiddlesex Water C… | AWRAmerican States W… | YORWThe York Water Co… | WTRGEssential Utiliti… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | 0.0% | +9.1% | +13.1% | +8.9% | +8.2% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | 0.0% | +3.2% | +6.7% | +3.2% | +3.1% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +26.6% | +4.7% | +8.0% | +4.6% | +4.8% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +16.0% | +4.4% | +8.5% | +4.4% | +5.1% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.00x | 0.85x | 0.90x | 0.97x | 1.22x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$123.08T | $416M | $924M | $232M | $8.3B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $123.79T | $3M | $19M | $1,000 | $35M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $708.6B | $419M | $943M | $232M | $8.3B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | — | 4.33x | 4.35x | 1.92x | 2.88x |
Evenly matched — CWCO and AWR each lead in 4 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
CWCO leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in CWCO five years ago would be worth $29,742 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $6,799 for YORW. Over the past 12 months, CWCO leads with a +47.9% total return vs MSEX's -12.8%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors CWCO at 26.3% vs YORW's -9.5% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | CWCOConsolidated Wate… | MSEXMiddlesex Water C… | AWRAmerican States W… | YORWThe York Water Co… | WTRGEssential Utiliti… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -3.9% | +3.0% | +7.0% | -7.3% | -1.6% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +47.9% | -12.8% | -1.0% | -9.4% | -4.7% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +101.4% | -25.2% | -9.0% | -25.9% | -3.0% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +197.4% | -28.4% | +7.3% | -32.0% | -6.2% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +155.1% | +62.9% | +123.2% | +25.0% | +46.5% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +26.3% | -9.2% | -3.1% | -9.5% | -1.0% |
CWCO leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — AWR and WTRG each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
WTRG is the less volatile stock with a -0.36 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than CWCO's 0.76 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. AWR currently trades 92.6% from its 52-week high vs MSEX's 82.7% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | CWCOConsolidated Wate… | MSEXMiddlesex Water C… | AWRAmerican States W… | YORWThe York Water Co… | WTRGEssential Utiliti… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.76x | -0.12x | -0.17x | 0.08x | -0.36x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $39.12 | $62.18 | $82.94 | $35.10 | $42.37 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $22.69 | $44.17 | $69.45 | $28.26 | $36.32 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +84.8% | +82.7% | +92.6% | +83.1% | +89.0% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 47.9 | 44.1 | 46.4 | 34.8 | 36.0 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 163K | 160K | 298K | 174K | 2.6M |
Evenly matched — AWR and WTRG each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — CWCO and YORW each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: CWCO as "Buy", MSEX as "Buy", AWR as "Hold", YORW as "Hold", WTRG as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 16.5% upside for AWR (target: $90) vs 4.1% for MSEX (target: $54). For income investors, CWCO offers the higher dividend yield at 100.00% vs AWR's 2.51%.
| Metric | CWCOConsolidated Wate… | MSEXMiddlesex Water C… | AWRAmerican States W… | YORWThe York Water Co… | WTRGEssential Utiliti… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy | Hold | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $53.50 | $89.50 | — | $40.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 6 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 18 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +100.0% | +2.7% | +2.5% | +3.0% | +3.5% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 3 | 21 | 24 | 31 | 26 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $497756.41 | $1.37 | $1.93 | $0.88 | $1.33 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | +0.0% |
Evenly matched — CWCO and YORW each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
YORW leads in 1 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow). CWCO leads in 1 (Total Returns). 4 tied.
Best OverallConsolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO)Leads 1 of 6 categories
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CWCO vs MSEX vs AWR vs YORW vs WTRG: Key Questions Answered
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is CWCO or MSEX or AWR or YORW or WTRG a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Essential Utilities, Inc.
(WTRG) is the stronger pick with 18. 6% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -1. 4% for Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO). Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) offers the better valuation at 17. 1x trailing P/E (16. 7x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO) a "Buy" — based on 6 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — CWCO or MSEX or AWR or YORW or WTRG?
On trailing P/E, Essential Utilities, Inc.
(WTRG) is the cheapest at 17. 1x versus American States Water Company at 22. 8x. On forward P/E, Essential Utilities, Inc. is actually cheaper at 16. 7x. The PEG ratio (P/E divided by earnings growth rate) is the most growth-adjusted single valuation metric: Essential Utilities, Inc. wins at 1. 16x versus Middlesex Water Company's 12. 58x — a reasonable growth-adjusted valuation.
03Which is the better long-term investment — CWCO or MSEX or AWR or YORW or WTRG?
Over the past 5 years, Consolidated Water Co.
Ltd. (CWCO) delivered a total return of +197. 4%, compared to -32. 0% for The York Water Company (YORW). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: CWCO returned +155. 1% versus YORW's +25. 0%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — CWCO or MSEX or AWR or YORW or WTRG?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Essential Utilities, Inc.
(WTRG) is the lower-risk stock at -0. 36β versus Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. 's 0. 76β — meaning CWCO is approximately -311% more volatile than WTRG relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 0% versus 122% for Essential Utilities, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — CWCO or MSEX or AWR or YORW or WTRG?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Essential Utilities, Inc.
(WTRG) is pulling ahead at 18. 6% versus -1. 4% for Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: American States Water Company grew EPS 6. 3% year-over-year, compared to -100. 0% for Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.. Over a 3-year CAGR, CWCO leads at 12. 0% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — CWCO or MSEX or AWR or YORW or WTRG?
The York Water Company (YORW) is the more profitable company, earning 25.
9% net margin versus 13. 9% for Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. — meaning it keeps 25. 9% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: CWCO leads at 139015% versus 27. 9% for MSEX. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — YORW leads at 54. 8%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is CWCO or MSEX or AWR or YORW or WTRG more undervalued right now?
The PEG ratio (forward P/E divided by expected earnings growth rate) is the most precise measure of undervaluation relative to growth potential.
By this metric, Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) is the more undervalued stock at a PEG of 1. 16x versus Middlesex Water Company's 12. 58x. A PEG below 1. 5 suggests fair-to-attractive pricing relative to expected growth. On forward earnings alone, Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) trades at 16. 7x forward P/E versus 31. 6x for Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. — 14. 9x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for AWR: 16. 5% to $89. 50.
08Which pays a better dividend — CWCO or MSEX or AWR or YORW or WTRG?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO) offers the highest yield at 100. 0%, versus 2. 5% for American States Water Company (AWR).
09Is CWCO or MSEX or AWR or YORW or WTRG better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Essential Utilities, Inc.
(WTRG) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β -0. 36), 3. 5% yield). Both have compounded well over 10 years (WTRG: +46. 5%, CWCO: +155. 1%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between CWCO and MSEX and AWR and YORW and WTRG?
Both stocks operate in the Utilities sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: CWCO is a small-cap income-oriented stock; MSEX is a small-cap quality compounder stock; AWR is a small-cap quality compounder stock; YORW is a small-cap income-oriented stock; WTRG is a mid-cap high-growth stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(CWCO: 4.4% · MSEX: 10.0%)Net Margin>
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