Atmos Energy Corporation vs American States Water Company — how do they compare? Atmos Energy Corporation trades at $170.26 (market cap $28.59B), while American States Water Company trades at $87.57 (market cap $3.47B). The key difference: Atmos Energy Corporation is far larger — about 8.2× 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.
| ATO | AWR | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $28.59B | $3.47B |
Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
52-Week High | $192.25 | $89.28 |
52-Week Low | $162.44 | $70.10 |
Enterprise Value | $38.40B | $4.37B |
Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 2.49% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Atmos Energy (ATO) trades at $169.68, up 1.05% today, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals including a 28.5% net income margin and consistent dividend payments. Recent Q3 2026 earnings beat estimates with EPS of $1.43 versus $1.35 expected, and the company reaffirmed fiscal 2026 guidance. The stock shows neutral oscillators but bearish moving averages, with key support at $168.
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus is a Buy with a $190.57 price target, but technical indicators suggest near-term caution. Risks include high capital expenditures impacting cash flow and interest rate sensitivity. Upside potential hinges on execution of rate hikes and infrastructure investments, while downside risks involve regulatory changes and economic slowdowns.
American States Water (AWR) trades at $87.83, up 1.46% today, with strong technical momentum as moving averages signal bullish alignment. The company maintains robust fundamentals with 20.52% net income margin and consistent dividend growth, recently increasing its quarterly payout by 8.2%. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations at $1.09 per share, driven by water rate increases and operational gains across business segments.
Outlook remains stable with revenue growth and dividend reliability, though valuation multiples appear elevated versus utilities peers. Key risks include regulatory dependence on rate approvals and competitive pressures. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 20% buy ratings amid concerns about current price levels relative to earnings potential.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Atmos Energy is the largest publicly traded, fully regulated, pure-play natural gas utility in the United States, serving more than 3 million customers in Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia. About two thirds of its earnings come from Texas, where it distributes natural gas in northern Texas and owns an intrastate gas pipeline spanning several key shale gas formations and interconnected with five storage facilities.
Read more on ATO →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 →