American States Water (AWR) vs Essential Utilities (WTRG)
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 Essential Utilities (WTRG) over the past year, gaining 12.3% versus a loss of 3.7%. Over five years, AWR leads with a -8.4% price change compared with -17.9% for WTRG. Essential Utilities is the larger company by market cap ($11.06 billion vs $3.26 billion), about 3.4 times the size.
On valuation, Essential Utilities trades at a lower forward P/E (16.4x vs 21.6x for American States Water). Essential Utilities offers the higher dividend yield (3.51% vs 2.45%). Essential Utilities converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 24.9% versus 19.8%.
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 | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $82.26 | $38.98 |
| Market cap | $3.26B | $11.06B |
| 1-day change | +0.53% | +0.67% |
| YTD return | +13.49% | +1.62% |
| 1-year return | +12.33% | -3.68% |
| 5-year return | -8.42% | -17.90% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 22.41 | 19.89 |
| Forward P/E | 21.65 | 16.38 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.67 | $1.96 |
| Dividend yield | 2.45% | 3.51% |
| Annual dividend | $2.02 | $1.37 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $658.07M | $2.47B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.52% | +18.62% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $130.44M | $616.37M |
| Gross margin | 90.79% | — |
| Operating margin | 30.89% | 37.22% |
| Net margin | 19.82% | 24.91% |
| 52-week high | $91.72 | $42.51 |
| 52-week low | $69.45 | $36.11 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -10.31% | -8.30% |
| Analyst consensus | none | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +2.12% | +8.26% |
| Average volume | 247.30K | 2.27M |
| Shares outstanding | 39.64M | 283.63M |
| Employees | 900 | 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
- Essential Utilities is about 3.4 times larger than American States Water by market value ($11.06B vs $3.26B).
- AWR has outperformed WTRG by 16.0 percentage points over the past year.
- Essential Utilities offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.51% vs 2.45%).
- Essential Utilities is more profitable, keeping 24.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 19.8 cents for American States Water.
- Essential Utilities grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+18.62% vs +10.52%).
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 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
AWR vs WTRG FAQ
Which is bigger, American States Water or Essential Utilities?
Essential Utilities (WTRG) is larger, with a market capitalization of $11.06B compared with $3.26B for American States Water (AWR).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AWR or WTRG?
AWR returned +12.33% over the past 12 months, compared with -3.68% for WTRG (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AWR or WTRG?
WTRG has the lower trailing P/E at 19.9, 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 Essential Utilities?
Essential Utilities has the higher yield at 3.51%, compared with 2.45% for American States Water.
Are American States Water and Essential Utilities in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Water Supply industry within the Utilities sector.