Reasons to Add Middlesex Water Stock to Your Portfolio Right Away

Core Viewpoint - Middlesex Water Company (MSEX) is positioned as a strong investment option in the utility sector due to its strategic investments and acquisitions aimed at future growth and customer base expansion [1] Group 1: Growth Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased by 4.5% over the past 90 days to $2.53 [2] - The estimated revenues for 2025 are projected at $200 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.2% [2] - MSEX's long-term earnings growth rate is forecasted at 6.1%, with an average earnings surprise of 11% over the last four quarters [2] Group 2: Debt Position - Middlesex Water's total debt to capital ratio stands at 44.34%, which is better than the industry average of 56.04% [3] - The time-to-interest earned ratio was 4.7 at the end of Q1 2025, indicating the company's strong ability to meet future interest obligations [3] Group 3: Dividend History - The company has consistently paid dividends, raising them for 52 consecutive years [4] - The current quarterly dividend is 34 cents per share, leading to an annualized dividend of $1.36 and a dividend yield of 2.37%, surpassing the S&P 500 composite's yield of 1.25% [4] Group 4: Strategic Investments and Acquisitions - Middlesex Water plans to invest approximately $387 million in water and wastewater infrastructure over the next three years to enhance reliability and service [5] - In April 2025, MSEX's unit Tidewater Utilities, Inc. acquired water assets from the Town of Ocean View for $4.6 million, adding 900 customers to its base [6] Group 5: Stock Price Performance - Year-to-date, Middlesex Water has returned 9.1%, outperforming the sector's growth of 8.1% [7]