CWCO

Utilities

Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. · Regulated Water · $470M

UQS Score — Balanced Preset
61.4
Good

Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. scores 61.4/100 using the Balanced preset.

UQS vs Utilities Sector
CWCO
61.4
Sector avg
43.5
Quality
Good
Moat
Weak
Growth
Good
Risk
Strong
Valuation
Good

What is Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.?

Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. is a small-cap water utility that produces and supplies potable water across island and coastal markets. Operating since 1973 and headquartered in Grand Cayman, the company serves residential, commercial, and government customers where freshwater access is limited.

Consolidated Water generates revenue across four segments: Retail, Bulk, Services, and Manufacturing. Its core technology is reverse osmosis, converting seawater into drinkable water for customers in the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, and the United States. Beyond water supply, the company designs, engineers, and manages desalination plants and water treatment facilities for third parties. Its manufacturing arm produces reverse osmosis equipment, filtration systems, and custom water-related components sold to commercial, municipal, and industrial clients worldwide.

Incorporated in 1973 and formally established in its current structure in 1995, Consolidated Water is headquartered in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

  • Reverse osmosis desalination — seawater converted to potable water
  • Retail and bulk water supply to residential, commercial, and government customers
  • Design, engineering, and construction of desalination and treatment plants
  • Manufacturing of filtration, membrane, and piping equipment
  • Management and consulting services for municipal water systems

Is CWCO a Good Stock to Buy?

UQS Score rates CWCO as Good overall, reflecting a balanced profile across its five analytical pillars.

The Risk pillar stands out as the strongest element of CWCO's profile, suggesting the company carries relatively low financial or operational vulnerability compared to peers. Growth and Quality both register as Good, indicating the business is generating returns and expanding at a pace that holds up reasonably well within the utilities sector. Valuation also lands in Good territory, meaning the stock does not appear significantly stretched relative to its fundamentals.

The Moat pillar is rated Weak, pointing to limited competitive insulation — a meaningful consideration for a company operating in regulated but geographically concentrated markets.

See the exact pillar breakdown and full financial metrics by signing up for a UQS Pro account. Sign up free →

Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.

Does CWCO pay dividends?

Yes — Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. pays a dividend.

Consolidated Water pays a regular dividend, which is relatively uncommon among small-cap utilities that might otherwise reinvest all cash into infrastructure. The dividend reflects the company's stable, contract-driven revenue model and its ability to generate consistent cash flow from water supply agreements. Income-oriented investors often look to CWCO as a niche utility with a recurring payout.

When does CWCO report earnings?

Consolidated Water Co. reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, consistent with US-listed equities.

The company's Good Quality and Growth pillar ratings suggest its recent reporting periods have demonstrated steady operational performance. Revenue from its diversified segments — Retail, Bulk, Services, and Manufacturing — provides multiple contribution streams that can buffer quarter-to-quarter variability.

For the most recent quarter's results and upcoming reporting dates, visit Consolidated Water's investor relations page directly.

CWCO Price History

+198.1% over 5Y

Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.

Return Calculator

What if I invested in Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.?

$
Today it would be worth
$28,240
That's a +182% total return, or +23.1% annualized.

Based on Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.'s historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.

CWCO Long-term Outlook

CWCO's Good Growth pillar suggests the business has identifiable expansion pathways, particularly as demand for desalination and water treatment infrastructure grows in water-scarce island and coastal regions. The Strong Risk pillar indicates the company is well-positioned to navigate near-term uncertainty without significant balance sheet stress. However, the Weak Moat rating is a structural consideration — without strong competitive barriers, sustaining above-average growth over the long term may require continued contract wins and geographic diversification.

Growth drivers

  • Rising global demand for desalination infrastructure in water-scarce regions
  • Expansion of the Services and Manufacturing segments beyond core island markets
  • Long-term water supply agreements providing revenue visibility

Key risks

  • Weak competitive moat leaves the company exposed to rival bids on new contracts
  • Geographic concentration in the Cayman Islands and Bahamas creates regulatory and weather-related exposure
  • Valuation re-rating risk if growth expectations moderate in the utilities sector

CWCO vs Peers

CWCO operates in a niche corner of the water utility space, competing with both traditional regulated utilities and water infrastructure specialists.

YORWCWCO scores higher
The York Water Company

York Water is a traditional regulated utility serving Pennsylvania municipalities, offering a more predictable rate-base model compared to CWCO's island-market and services focus.

CDZICWCO scores higher
Cadiz Inc.

Cadiz pursues large-scale water supply and storage projects in the American Southwest, representing a development-stage model distinct from CWCO's operational desalination business.

ARTNACWCO scores higher
Artesian Resources Corporation

Artesian Resources is a regulated water utility concentrated in Delaware and surrounding states, with a domestic rate-base structure that contrasts with CWCO's international and technology-driven revenue mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Consolidated Water Co. do?

Consolidated Water designs, builds, and operates desalination and water treatment plants, primarily in the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, and the United States. It uses reverse osmosis technology to convert seawater into potable water and also manufactures water-related equipment and provides engineering services to third-party clients.

Does CWCO pay dividends?

Yes, Consolidated Water pays a regular dividend. The company's stable, contract-backed revenue model supports recurring distributions to shareholders. Investors seeking income from a niche water utility often consider CWCO's dividend history as part of their evaluation.

When does CWCO report earnings?

Consolidated Water reports on a quarterly cadence, as is standard for US-listed companies. For precise dates and the most recent results, check the investor relations section of the company's official website.

Is CWCO a good stock to buy?

UQS Score rates CWCO as Good overall. The Risk pillar is the standout strength, while the Moat pillar is rated Weak — meaning competitive barriers are limited. Whether CWCO fits a portfolio depends on individual goals; the full pillar breakdown is available to UQS Pro members.

Is CWCO overvalued?

The UQS Valuation pillar for CWCO is rated Good, suggesting the stock is not significantly stretched relative to its fundamentals at the time of scoring. Valuation assessments can shift with earnings results and sector sentiment, so reviewing the full analysis regularly is worthwhile.

How does CWCO compare to its competitors?

CWCO occupies a distinct niche compared to peers like York Water and Artesian Resources, which are traditional regulated domestic utilities. CWCO's international footprint, desalination technology focus, and manufacturing segment differentiate it, though its smaller scale and weaker moat rating reflect the trade-offs of that positioning.

What is CWCO's market cap bracket?

Consolidated Water Co. is classified as a small-cap company. This places it in a segment of the market that can offer growth potential but may also carry higher volatility and lower liquidity compared to large- or mega-cap utilities.

Who founded Consolidated Water Co.?

Consolidated Water Co. was incorporated in 1973 and is headquartered in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Detailed founding history and leadership background are publicly available through the company's official filings and investor relations materials.

Is CWCO a long-term quality stock?

As a long-term quality indicator, CWCO's Good overall UQS Score reflects reasonable fundamentals — particularly a Strong Risk profile and Good Growth rating. The Weak Moat pillar is the primary structural concern for long-horizon investors evaluating whether the business can sustain its competitive position over time.

What is the main competitive advantage of Consolidated Water Co.?

CWCO's primary advantage lies in its specialized expertise in reverse osmosis desalination and its established presence in island markets where freshwater alternatives are scarce. However, the UQS Moat pillar is rated Weak, indicating this advantage may not provide strong protection against competition over the long term.

What sector does CWCO belong to?

Consolidated Water Co. operates in the Utilities sector, specifically within water supply and treatment. Its business model blends regulated-style water delivery with engineering services and equipment manufacturing, giving it a more diversified revenue profile than a purely regulated utility.

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Pro Analysis

CWCO — Score History

5055606570Apr 2Apr 12Apr 22May 2May 12May 22May 24v5
Score changes· 29 most recent
DateUQSQualityMoatGrowthRiskValueChange
May 23, 202661.560.734.061.8100.069.8-0.1
May 22, 202661.660.734.061.8100.070.20.0
May 19, 202661.660.734.061.8100.070.50.0
May 16, 202661.660.734.061.8100.070.3+0.1
May 15, 202661.560.734.061.8100.069.9-0.3
May 14, 202661.860.734.061.8100.072.10.0
May 13, 202661.860.734.061.8100.071.7+0.4
May 11, 202661.460.734.061.8100.069.4+0.7
May 10, 202660.760.934.061.8100.064.3+3.3
May 9, 202657.460.934.048.0100.060.6-4.1

CWCO — Pillar Breakdown

Quality

60.7/100 (25%)

Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. shows solid profitability with healthy returns on capital and reasonable margins.

Capital Efficiency (ROIC)Weak

How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.

Return on EquityModerate

Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.

Operating ProfitabilityModerate

Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.

Net ProfitabilityStrong

Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.

Gross Profit / AssetsModerate

Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.

Cash GenerationStrong

Free cash flow relative to market value.

Growth

61.8/100 (20%)

Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. demonstrates healthy growth trends across revenue and earnings.

Recent Revenue TrendWeak

Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.

3Y Revenue CAGRModerate

Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.

EPS GrowthWeak

Year-over-year earnings per share growth.

Forward Revenue OutlookStrong

Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.

Forward EPS GrowthStrong

Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.

Risk

100.0/100 (15%)

Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. carries minimal financial risk with conservative leverage and strong solvency.

Financial LeverageStrong

Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.

Debt/EquityStrong

Total debt relative to shareholder equity.

Current RatioStrong

Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.

Interest CoverageStrong

Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.

Valuation

69.0/100 (15%)

Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. trades at a reasonable valuation with decent earnings yield and FCF multiples.

Earnings YieldModerate

Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.

Price to Free Cash FlowStrong

How many years of FCF the market cap represents.

PEG RatioStrong

P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.

EV/EBITDA vs SectorModerate

Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.

Moat

34/100 (25%)

Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. operates in a highly competitive environment with limited sustainable advantages. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for CWCO.

Score Composition

Quality
60.7×25%15.2
Growth
61.8×20%12.4
Risk
100.0×15%15.0
Valuation
69.0×15%10.3
Moat
34.0×25%8.5
Total
61.4Good

Financial Data

More Stock Analysis

How is the CWCO UQS Score Calculated?

The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.

Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.

Moat (25%) assesses Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.'s competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.

Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.

Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.

Valuation (15%) measures whether Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.

Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.