American Water Works (AWK) vs Essential Utilities (WTRG)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Essential Utilities (WTRG) has outperformed American Water Works (AWK) over the past year, losing 5.2% versus a loss of 10.9%. Over five years, WTRG leads with a -18.9% price change compared with -25.9% for AWK. American Water Works is the larger company by market cap ($25.31 billion vs $10.93 billion), about 2.3 times the size, while Essential Utilities is growing revenue faster (+18.6% vs +10.1%).
On valuation, Essential Utilities trades at a lower forward P/E (16.2x vs 19.4x for American Water Works). Essential Utilities offers the higher dividend yield (3.56% vs 2.65%). Essential Utilities converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 24.9% versus 21.7%.
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 | AWK | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $127.38 | $38.53 |
| Market cap | $25.31B | $10.93B |
| 1-day change | -0.52% | -0.72% |
| YTD return | -2.70% | +0.44% |
| 1-year return | -10.90% | -5.17% |
| 5-year return | -25.92% | -18.85% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 22.08 | 19.66 |
| Forward P/E | 19.40 | 16.19 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.77 | $1.96 |
| Dividend yield | 2.65% | 3.56% |
| Annual dividend | $3.38 | $1.37 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $5.12B | $2.47B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.06% | +18.62% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.11B | $616.37M |
| Operating margin | 36.69% | 37.22% |
| Net margin | 21.69% | 24.91% |
| 52-week high | $145.64 | $42.51 |
| 52-week low | $120.57 | $36.11 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -12.54% | -9.36% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +11.05% | +9.53% |
| Average volume | 2.07M | 2.22M |
| Shares outstanding | 198.73M | 283.63M |
| Employees | 7,000 | 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
- American Water Works is about 2.3 times larger than Essential Utilities by market value ($25.31B vs $10.93B).
- Essential Utilities grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+18.62% vs +10.06%).
About American Water Works
AWK stock →American Water Works Company, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides water and wastewater services in the United States. It offers water and wastewater services on military installations; and undertakes contracts with municipal customers, primarily to operate and manage water and wastewater facilities, as well as offers other related services.
Utilities · Water Supply · 7,000 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
AWK vs WTRG FAQ
Which is bigger, American Water Works or Essential Utilities?
American Water Works (AWK) is larger, with a market capitalization of $25.31B compared with $10.93B for Essential Utilities (WTRG).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AWK or WTRG?
WTRG returned -5.17% over the past 12 months, compared with -10.90% for AWK (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AWK or WTRG?
WTRG has the lower trailing P/E at 19.7, versus 22.1 for AWK. 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, American Water Works or Essential Utilities?
Essential Utilities has the higher yield at 3.56%, compared with 2.65% for American Water Works.
Are American Water Works and Essential Utilities in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Water Supply industry within the Utilities sector.