American States Water (AWR) vs H2O America (HTO)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 10, 2026.
Summary
H2O America (HTO) has outperformed American States Water (AWR) over the past year, gaining 20.8% versus a gain of 12.3%. Over five years, AWR leads with a -8.4% price change compared with -13.9% for HTO. American States Water is the larger company by market cap ($3.26 billion vs $2.45 billion), about 1.3 times the size.
On valuation, H2O America trades at a lower forward P/E (21.5x vs 21.6x for American States Water). H2O America offers the higher dividend yield (2.94% vs 2.45%). American States Water converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 19.8% versus 12.8%.
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 | HTO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $82.26 | $58.48 |
| Market cap | $3.26B | $2.45B |
| 1-day change | +0.53% | +0.71% |
| YTD return | +13.49% | +19.37% |
| 1-year return | +12.33% | +20.83% |
| 5-year return | -8.42% | -13.90% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 22.41 | 20.52 |
| Forward P/E | 21.65 | 21.48 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.67 | $2.85 |
| Dividend yield | 2.45% | 2.94% |
| Annual dividend | $2.02 | $1.72 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $658.07M | $800.59M |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.52% | +6.97% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $130.44M | $102.58M |
| Gross margin | 90.79% | — |
| Operating margin | 30.89% | 22.17% |
| Net margin | 19.82% | 12.81% |
| 52-week high | $91.72 | $67.09 |
| 52-week low | $69.45 | $43.75 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -10.31% | -12.83% |
| Analyst consensus | none | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +2.12% | +14.57% |
| Average volume | 247.30K | 450.41K |
| Shares outstanding | 39.64M | 41.86M |
| Employees | 900 | 837 |
| 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 States Water is more profitable, keeping 19.8 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 12.8 cents for H2O America.
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 H2O America
HTO stock →H2O America, through its subsidiaries, provides water utility and other related services in the United States. The company engages in production, purchase, storage, purification, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of water and wastewater services; and supplies groundwater from wells, surface water from watershed run-off and diversion, reclaimed water, and imported water purchased from Valley Water District.
Utilities · Water Supply · 837 employees
AWR vs HTO FAQ
Which is bigger, American States Water or H2O America?
American States Water (AWR) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.26B compared with $2.45B for H2O America (HTO).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AWR or HTO?
HTO returned +20.83% over the past 12 months, compared with +12.33% for AWR (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AWR or HTO?
HTO has the lower trailing P/E at 20.5, versus 22.4 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 H2O America?
H2O America has the higher yield at 2.94%, compared with 2.45% for American States Water.
Are American States Water and H2O America in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Water Supply industry within the Utilities sector.