American States Water (AWR) vs California Water Service Group (CWT)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
American States Water (AWR) has outperformed California Water Service Group (CWT) over the past year, gaining 13.8% versus a loss of 2.0%. Over five years, AWR leads with a -9.3% price change compared with -25.6% for CWT. American States Water is the larger company by market cap ($3.27 billion vs $2.84 billion), about 1.2 times the size.
On valuation, California Water Service Group trades at a lower forward P/E (16.7x vs 21.7x for American States Water). California Water Service Group offers the higher dividend yield (2.76% vs 2.44%). American States Water converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 19.8% versus 13.3%.
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 | AWR | CWT |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $82.52 | $45.98 |
| Market cap | $3.27B | $2.84B |
| 1-day change | +1.30% | +1.27% |
| YTD return | +12.39% | +4.78% |
| 1-year return | +13.80% | -2.05% |
| 5-year return | -9.31% | -25.59% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 22.61 | 20.62 |
| Forward P/E | 21.72 | 16.72 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.65 | $2.23 |
| Dividend yield | 2.44% | 2.76% |
| Annual dividend | $2.02 | $1.27 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $658.07M | $963.70M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.52% | +6.41% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $130.44M | $128.21M |
| Gross margin | 90.79% | — |
| Operating margin | 30.89% | 17.68% |
| Net margin | 19.82% | 13.30% |
| 52-week high | $91.72 | $53.82 |
| 52-week low | $69.45 | $41.29 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -10.03% | -14.58% |
| Analyst consensus | none | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +1.79% | +16.91% |
| Average volume | 248.13K | 479.24K |
| Shares outstanding | 39.64M | 61.84M |
| Employees | 900 | 1,336 |
| 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
- AWR has outperformed CWT by 15.9 percentage points over the past year.
- American States Water is more profitable, keeping 19.8 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 13.3 cents for California Water Service Group.
About American States Water
AWR stock →American States Water Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of water and electric services to residential, commercial, industrial, and other customers in the United States. It operates through three segments: Water, Electric, and Contracted Services.
Utilities · Water Supply · 900 employees
About California Water Service Group
CWT stock →California Water Service Group, through its subsidiaries, provides water utility and other related services in California, Washington, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Texas. It is involved in the production, purchase, storage, treatment, testing, distribution, and sale of water for domestic, industrial, public, and irrigation uses, as well as for fire protection services.
Utilities · Water Supply · 1,336 employees
AWR vs CWT FAQ
Which is bigger, American States Water or California Water Service Group?
American States Water (AWR) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.27B compared with $2.84B for California Water Service Group (CWT).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AWR or CWT?
AWR returned +13.80% over the past 12 months, compared with -2.05% for CWT (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AWR or CWT?
CWT has the lower trailing P/E at 20.6, versus 22.6 for AWR. 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 States Water or California Water Service Group?
California Water Service Group has the higher yield at 2.76%, compared with 2.44% for American States Water.
Are American States Water and California Water Service Group in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Water Supply industry within the Utilities sector.