Group 1 - The article discusses the author's long position in the shares of YORW and VEOEY, indicating a positive outlook on these companies [1] - It emphasizes the importance of conducting due diligence and research before making any investment decisions, particularly in high-risk trading styles [2] - The article clarifies that past performance is not indicative of future results and that no specific investment recommendations are provided [3]

Group 1 - The article does not provide specific insights or analysis on any companies or industries [1][2]

Company Overview - Middlesex Water (MSEX) is a water utility company based in Iselin, operating within the Utilities sector [3] - The company's shares have experienced a price change of 13.95% so far this year [3] Dividend Information - Middlesex Water currently pays a dividend of $0.34 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.27% [3] - The company's dividend yield is lower than the Utility - Water Supply industry's yield of 2.53% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.6% [3] - The annualized dividend of $1.36 represents a 3.4% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the last five years, Middlesex Water has increased its dividend five times, averaging an annual increase of 6.20% [4] - The current payout ratio is 55%, indicating that the company pays out 55% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - Middlesex Water is expected to see earnings growth this fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $2.50 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 1.21% [5] Investment Appeal - The company is viewed as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7]

Company Overview - Middlesex Water (MSEX) is a Utilities stock headquartered in Iselin, with a price change of 12.05% so far this year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.34 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.31%, which is lower than the Utility - Water Supply industry's yield of 2.65% but higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1.56% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of Middlesex Water is $1.36, reflecting a 3.4% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the last 5 years, Middlesex Water has increased its dividend 5 times on a year-over-year basis, with an average annual increase of 6.20% [4] - The company's current payout ratio is 55%, indicating that it paid out 55% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividends [4] Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Middlesex Water's earnings for 2025 is $2.50 per share, representing a year-over-year growth rate of 1.21% [5] Investment Appeal - Middlesex Water is considered an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [7]

Core Viewpoint - Middlesex Water experienced a significant share price increase of 12.8% following the release of its Q4 earnings, which exceeded expectations with a reported profit of $0.49 per share compared to the anticipated $0.37 per share [1][2]. Financial Performance - Q4 revenue increased by 22%, while quarterly profit surged by 53%, attributed to a rate increase and weather-driven customer demand [3]. - For the full year 2024, revenue rose by 15% year-over-year, and profits increased by 40% to $2.47 per share [3]. - The company benefited from a one-time recovery of previously incurred costs amounting to $6.0 million [3]. Stock Valuation - Middlesex Water is valued at approximately $1 billion, with a P/E ratio of 23.5 times trailing earnings and a dividend yield of 2.7%, which is about twice the average for S&P 500 stocks [4]. - The stock is considered reasonably priced, with a P/E ratio that is 20% cheaper than the average [4]. Growth Prospects - The 40% growth in profits for 2024 is seen as exceptional but may not be sustainable, with analysts suggesting a more realistic long-term earnings growth rate of 14% [5]. - Assuming a total annual return of about 17% from earnings growth and dividend yield, the stock's valuation reflects a total return ratio of approximately 1.4x, indicating it is neither cheap nor overly expensive [5].