Advance Auto Parts, Inc. vs American States Water Company — how do they compare? Advance Auto Parts, Inc. trades at $53.07 (market cap $3.19B), while American States Water Company trades at $87.85 (market cap $3.47B). The key difference: Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and American States Water Company are close in size by market cap, and American States Water Company pays the higher dividend (2.49%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AAP | AWR | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.19B | $3.47B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Utilities |
52-Week High | $64.17 | $89.28 |
52-Week Low | $38.75 | $70.10 |
Enterprise Value | $5.47B | $4.37B |
Dividend Yield | 1.89% | 2.49% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Advance Auto Parts (AAP) trades at $53.52, down 3.97% on the day, with a bearish technical signal and mixed fundamentals. Recent earnings have consistently beaten expectations, with Q1 2026 EPS of $0.77 versus $0.39 expected, but profitability remains thin with a net income margin of 0.51%. The company is executing a turnaround focused on professional sales and supply chain improvements, as noted in recent news (The Motley Fool, August 2026).
The outlook is cautious; while valuation appears reasonable with a P/S of 0.37 and analysts set a $61.30 consensus target, weak cash flow from operations and high debt pose risks. Investor sentiment is neutral amid restructuring efforts, but margin expansion and successful execution are critical for sustained recovery.
American States Water (AWR) trades at $87.45, up 1.02% with a bullish technical outlook. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $1.09 per share, beating estimates, driven by water rate increases and revenue growth of 11.2%. Profitability remains robust with a 20.52% net income margin and ROE of 13.62%. Recent news highlights AWR's 71-year dividend growth streak and inclusion in TIME's America's Best Companies 2026 list.
AWR offers stable income with consistent dividend growth but faces valuation concerns at 23.92 P/E. Analyst consensus is cautious with 50% hold ratings. Key risks include regulatory dependence and competitive pressures. The stock presents a defensive play with reliable dividends but limited near-term upside given current multiples.
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 States Water provides water and electric services to over one million people in the U.S. It also manages water and wastewater systems for various military bases under long-term privatization contracts.
Read more on AWR →