Atmos Energy Corporation vs American States Water Company — how do they compare? Atmos Energy Corporation trades at $169.5 (market cap $28.59B), while American States Water Company trades at $87.75 (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 $87.45, 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
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 →