American States Water (AWR) vs Pure Cycle (PCYO)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 10, 2026.
Summary
American States Water (AWR) has outperformed Pure Cycle (PCYO) over the past year, gaining 12.3% versus a gain of 1.1%. Over five years, AWR leads with a -8.4% price change compared with -27.2% for PCYO. American States Water is the larger company by market cap ($3.26 billion vs $267.7 million), about 12.2 times the size.
On valuation, American States Water trades at a lower forward P/E (21.6x vs 123.4x for Pure Cycle). American States Water pays a dividend yielding 2.45%, while Pure Cycle does not currently pay one.
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 | PCYO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $82.26 | $11.11 |
| Market cap | $3.26B | $267.72M |
| 1-day change | +0.53% | +1.00% |
| YTD return | +13.49% | +1.09% |
| 1-year return | +12.33% | +1.09% |
| 5-year return | -8.42% | -27.20% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 22.41 | 17.92 |
| Forward P/E | 21.65 | 123.44 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.67 | $0.62 |
| Dividend yield | 2.45% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $2.02 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $658.07M | — |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.52% | — |
| Net income (latest FY) | $130.44M | — |
| Gross margin | 90.79% | — |
| Operating margin | 30.89% | — |
| Net margin | 19.82% | — |
| 52-week high | $91.72 | $12.44 |
| 52-week low | $69.45 | $9.71 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -10.31% | -10.69% |
| Analyst consensus | none | — |
| Avg. price target upside | +2.12% | — |
| Average volume | 247.30K | 78.20K |
| Shares outstanding | 39.64M | 24.10M |
| Employees | 900 | 44 |
| 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 about 12.2 times larger than Pure Cycle by market value ($3.26B vs $267.72M).
- AWR has outperformed PCYO by 11.2 percentage points over the past year.
- American States Water trades at a higher earnings multiple (22.4x vs 17.9x trailing P/E).
- American States Water offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.45% vs 0.00%).
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 Pure Cycle
PCYO stock →Pure Cycle Corporation provides water and wastewater services in the United States. It operates in three segments: Water and Wastewater Resource Development, Land Development, and Single-Family Rental.
Utilities · Water Supply · 44 employees
AWR vs PCYO FAQ
Which is bigger, American States Water or Pure Cycle?
American States Water (AWR) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.26B compared with $267.72M for Pure Cycle (PCYO).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AWR or PCYO?
AWR returned +12.33% over the past 12 months, compared with +1.09% for PCYO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AWR or PCYO?
PCYO has the lower trailing P/E at 17.9, 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 Pure Cycle?
American States Water pays a dividend yielding 2.45%, while Pure Cycle does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are American States Water and Pure Cycle in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Water Supply industry within the Utilities sector.