AFLAC Incorporated vs American States Water Company — how do they compare? AFLAC Incorporated trades at $120.6 (market cap $60.70B), while American States Water Company trades at $87.85 (market cap $3.47B). The key difference: AFLAC Incorporated is far larger — about 17.5× American States Water Company's market cap, and American States Water Company pays the higher dividend (2.49%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AFL | AWR | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $60.70B | $3.47B |
Sector | Financials | Utilities |
52-Week High | $129.55 | $89.28 |
52-Week Low | $103.55 | $70.10 |
Enterprise Value | $70.65B | $4.37B |
Dividend Yield | 2.02% | 2.49% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
AFL trades at $120.98, down 0.79% on the day, with a P/E of 13.06 and net income margin of 26.59%. Recent earnings missed estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q3 2026 results pending. Technical indicators show a bullish overall signal despite bearish moving averages and oscillators. The company maintains a strong dividend history, with recent payouts of $0.61 per share.
Outlook remains mixed; solid profitability and dividend growth support income investors, but earnings misses and revenue declines pose near-term risks. Analyst consensus is cautious with a hold-heavy rating and price target of $118, slightly below current levels. Key catalysts include U.S. sales momentum and Japan unit performance, while currency headwinds and medical cost inflation are concerns.
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
Aflac Inc offers supplemental health insurance and life insurance in the two largest insurance markets in the world, the U.S. and Japan. In addition to its cancer policies, the company has broadened its product offerings to include accidents, disability, and long-term-care insurance. It markets its products through independent distributors, selling most of its policies directly to consumers at their places of work.
Read more on AFL →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 →