Advance Auto Parts, Inc. vs American Water Works Company Inc — how do they compare? Advance Auto Parts, Inc. trades at $53.07 (market cap $3.36B), while American Water Works Company Inc trades at $135.3 (market cap $26.92B). The key difference: American Water Works Company Inc is far larger — about 8× Advance Auto Parts, Inc.'s market cap, and American Water Works Company Inc pays the higher dividend (2.64%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AAP | AWK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.36B | $26.92B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Utilities |
52-Week High | $64.17 | $146.20 |
52-Week Low | $38.75 | $121.13 |
Enterprise Value | $5.63B | $42.78B |
Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 2.64% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Advance Auto Parts (AAP) trades at $57.80, down 0.21% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and key support at $57. The company shows mixed fundamentals: a low P/S of 0.41 and strong recent earnings beats, but thin net margins of 0.51% and negative operating cash flow in 2025. News highlights restructuring efforts and AI-driven delivery initiatives as potential growth catalysts.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic; analyst consensus targets $61.30 with a buy rating, but high debt and competitive pressures pose risks. Earnings momentum and valuation appeal offer upside, yet execution on turnaround plans is critical for sustained recovery.
AWK trades at $135.31, up 0.36% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and neutral oscillators. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $1.61, beating estimates, while Q1 and Q4 2025 missed. Revenue grew to $5.14B in 2025 with a 21.35% net margin. Analyst consensus is mixed with 14 Buy, 14 Hold, and 2 Sell ratings, targeting $139.83. Recent news highlights operational excellence awards and customer base expansion through acquisitions.
Outlook remains stable with consistent dividend payments and guided EPS growth. Risks include rising debt levels and regulatory pressures. The stock offers steady income and moderate growth potential, but investors should monitor execution on earnings targets and capital expenditure efficiency.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Advance Auto Parts is one of the industry's largest retailers of aftermarket automotive parts, tools, and accessories to do-it-yourself customers in North America. Advance operated 4,972 stores as of the end of 2021, in addition to servicing 1,317 independently owned Carquest stores. The company's Worldpac unit is a premier distributor of imported original-equipment parts. Advance derived 58% of its 2021 sales from commercial clients, up from 30%-40% before the General Parts deal.
Read more on AAP →American Water Works is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility, serving approximately 3.5 million customers in 16 states. It provides water and wastewater services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers and operates predominantly in regulated markets. The company's only nonregulated business is water services for military bases, which operates under long-term contracts.
Read more on AWK →